Dr. Grossman’s Blog

Click on the link below for a short inteview done by Leslie Degner, RN, BSN with Dr. Grossman regarding eye exercises related to healthy vision and macular degeneration:

http://www.webrn-maculardegeneration.com/free-eye-exercises.html

Editor’s Note: For Dr. Grossman’s free eye exercise e-booklet, go to http://www.naturaleyecare.com/eye-sample.asp

A 2007 study showed the low levels of Vitamin D3 is linked to an increase in the pevalence of macular degeneration.

Ref: Parekh N, Chappell RJ, Millen AE, Albert DM, Mares JA. Association Between Vitamin D and Age-Related Macular Degeneration in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988 Through 1994. Arch Ophthalmol. May 2007;125: 661-669.

Editor’s Note: For more related studies on nutrition and macular degeneration, go to www.naturaleyecare.com/studies_bydisease.asp?s_num=8&disease=Macular+Degeneration

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids used in the retina and lens of the eyes. These are antioxidants that color yellow and leafy dark green vegetables such as kale, spinach, and carrots. Researchers believe that this pair of antioxidants may help build and maintain the pigment layer of the retina. Another theory is that they help filter out blue light, protecting the eye from sunlight damage.

Studies have shown that these antioxidants can help us preserve healthy vision, and significantly reduce the risk of onset of macular degeneration and cataracts.

References:

Women’s Health Study. Archives of Ophthalmology (Arch. Ophthalmol. 2008;126:102-9)

Moeller SM et al. Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Lutein and Zeaxanthin in the Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Disease Study (CAREDS). Archives of Ophthalmology 124:1151-1162, 2006.

Editor’s Note: For more related studies, go to www.naturaleyecare.com/studylist.asp

Researchers from Tufts University have created a model to better predict a person’s risk for Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). 

This study, published in the May issue of Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, was based on data from the 1,446 participants in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS).  It shows how genetic, ocular, and environmental variables were evaluated and predictive models for prevalence and incidence of AMD were assessed. 

Researchers evaluated six criteria:

• age,
• sex,
• education,
• smoking status,
• body mass index, and
• supplementation with high-dose formulation of antioxidants and zinc (to slow progression of the AMD).

Although genetics play a large part in who will get AMD, there are lifestyle choices that can greatly influence a person’s risks for AMD.  Dr. Seddon noted that among individuals with one genotype studied (homozygous C3 risk genotype), the chance of suffering from the advanced form of AMD increased from approximately three times the risk for nonsmokers to almost 10 times the risk for smokers.

Study authors hope that learning more about how to predict who is at risk for AMD will give doctors and patients better information about how to better treat and even help prevent AMD.

Learn more about AMD and AMD prevention self-help tips

SOURCE:  Prediction Model for Prevalence and Incidence of Advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration Based on Genetic, Demographic, and Environmental Variables, Seddon, et al, Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. 2009;50:2044-2053.

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness around the world.  Studies suggest that oxidation is responsible for much of the damage to the lens and that antioxidants might protect the lens against formation of cataract.

Scientists at the University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne in Australia have released their investigation of the relationship between antioxidant nutrient intakes and the incidence of age-related cataract.

During 1992–1994, 3654 people aged 49 years or older attended baseline examinations as part of the Blue Mountains Eye Study.  Of these, 2464 (67.4%) of the participants were evaluated again at either 5 years or 10 years.  At each examination, lens photography was performed and food-frequency questionnaires were administered.  Antioxidants, including beta-carotene, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E, were assessed. Cataract was assessed at each examination from lens photographs with the use of the Wisconsin Cataract Grading System.

Participants whose total intake of vitamin C (diet as well as supplements) was in the top 20% of the group had a reduced risk of nuclear cataract.  An above-median intake of combined antioxidants (vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and zinc) was also associated with a reduced risk of incident nuclear cataract. 

Study authors concluded that higher intakes of vitamin C or the combined intake of antioxidants had long-term protective associations against development of nuclear cataract in this older population.

Learn more about antioxidants and their importance for good eye health

Read more about cataracts

SOURCE:  Tan, et al, Antioxidant nutrient intake and the long-term incidence of age-related cataract: the Blue Mountains Eye Study,  American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 87, No. 6, 1899-1905, June 2008.

Can something as easy as taking a daily multi-vitamin help prevent cataracts? Researchers believe it can!

An analysis of Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) data has found that consistent use of a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement may delay the progression of age-related lens opacities.  Lens opacities in the form of cataracts are the leading cause of blindness around the world today.

Of the 4596 participants enrolled in the AREDS cataract trial, approximately two-thirds elected to take a multi-vitamin supplement containing RDA-recommended levels of vitamins and minerals.

Subjects were assessed for development or progression of lens opacities via lens photographs at baseline and at annual visits beginning at year 2.  Statistics were collected on changes in amounts of nuclear, cortical, or posterior subcapsular opacity, or the performance of cataract surgery.

Researchers found the risk of development of or progression to any cataract was reduced by 16% in regular multi-vitamin takers. For nuclear cataract, a 25% risk reduction was observed in the multi-supplement users.

Read more about cataracts, including recommended vitamins and supplements

SOURCE:  “Centrum Use and Progression of Age-Related Cataract in AREDS”, AREDS Research Group, Ophthalmol 113:1264-0, 2006.

Researchers studied food and vitamin/mineral supplement consumption of adults in the United States in an effort to measure whether older adults were consuming enough nutrients.

In this study, 4,384 adults aged 51 years and older were evaluated.  1,777 reported taking supplements daily, 428 took them infrequently, and 2179 did not take daily supplements.  Nutrient intake distributions were estimated using the Iowa State University Method.

The results? 

Overall, less than 50% of adults evaluated met the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for folate, vitamin E, and magnesium from food sources alone.

Of those who were taking supplements, 80% or more met the EAR for vitamins A, B-6, B-12, C, and E; folate; iron; and zinc, but not magnesium.  However, it was noted that some supplement users, particularly men, exceeded Tolerable Upper Intake Levels for iron and zinc and a small percentage of women exceeded the Tolerable Upper Intake Level for vitamin A.

The researchers concluded that a large proportion of older adults do not consume sufficient amounts of many nutrients from foods alone. Supplements can help compensate for this deficiency, but only an estimated half of this population uses them daily.

Learn tips for taking vitamins and maintaining good digestion

Read about good food sources for nutrients

SOURCE: “Older adults who use vitamin/mineral supplements differ from nonuser in nutrient intake adequacy and dietary attitudes”, Sebastian, et al, Journal of the American Dietetic Assoc 107(8):1322-32, 2007.

Cataracts can not only be prevented, but can even be reversed through nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle changes. Read what folks who’ve tried these methods say about products that help cataracts.

Cataracts – once considered an inevitability for the elderly and sometimes not-so-elderly, redeemable only by surgery. There’s been quite a bit of interesting new research in the last several years pointing to the alternatives and effects of different modes of living that have an impact.

1. 2008 – An observational 10-year study of more than 35,000 middle-aged U.S. women observed the women’s use of dietary supplements and occurrence of cataracts – further verifying that lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin E were significantly helpful. more …

2. 2006 – Two studies show significant reductions in cataracts for those in the highest percentage of vitamin C & bioflavanoids intake. more …

3. 2007 – Dietary linolenic acid (think flaxseed oil, fish oil) intake is positively associated with five-year change in eye lens nuclear density (think cataracts!). more …

Causes?

• Free radicals are responsible for most cataracts. They are natural byproducts of metabolism. These highly reactive chemicals cause oxidation, which in turn causes aging. As the lens of the eye ages, it hardens and loses its ability to focus. This process is similar to hardening of the arteries, and is often associated with changes in the joints.
• Chronic physical stress such as dental problems, physical injury to the vertebrae or neck, or any stress that reduces eye movement and increases muscle tension.
• Food Allergies or sensitivities, particularly involving dairy products, wheat and/or soy can congest the sinuses, impairing lymphatic and veinous drainage, resulting in decreased nutrition to the eyes.
• Toxins, pharmaceutical drug side effects, such as steroid drugs, or photosensitizing drugs such as gout medications, cholesterol lowering drugs, antibiotics and diuretics.
• Smoking – the risk in ex-smokers is 50 percent higher compared to non smokers. Each cigarette also robs the body of 25 mg of vitamin C. Smokers have an increase in lipids (both fat and cholesterol) which increase the risk of severe cardiovascular disease. These factors produce narrowing of the retina blood vessels that carry valuable nutrients to the eye.
• Diabetes and other diseases that affect multiple areas of the body such as hypertension, arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. Diabetics develop cataracts at an earlier age than non- diabetics. An accumulation of sorbitol and fructose in the lens can induce osmotic swelling of the lens, which will lead to the development of a cataract.
• Poor nutrition and digestion. Nutritional deficiencies, such as in poor areas of Third World countries, can cause cataracts to develop early and progress faster. In every part of the world, people with poor digestion and chronic bowel problems have a fourfold higher incidence of cataracts.
• Heredity
• Aging of the Eyes – hardening of the lens occurs as we age.
• Sunlight – invisible ultraviolet light (UV light) which is one of the light frequencies of sunlight promotes free-radical damage to the lens. The effects of UV light are cumulative over time.
• Alcoholic Consumption - High intake of alcohol more than doubles the risk of developing cataracts. More than 7 drinks per week will increase the risk, while moderate use does not seem to increase the risk.
• Too much Vitamin B2 aggrevates – Those with Cataracts should not use supplemental Vitamin B2. Vitamin B2 is a photosensitizing substance – experimental studies have shown that when Vitamin B2 is exposed to Visible Light, Cataracts can occur (or be exacerbated) as a result of the generation of Free Radicals from the interaction of Visible Light, Oxygen and Vitamin B2. This indicates that in persons afflicted with Cataracts, excessive Vitamin B2 is more harmful than beneficial.

See our comprehesive discussion of cataracts solutions.

Solutions
These are the four most important supplements for cataracts.