Dr. Grossman’s Blog

Substances found in green tea work their way into the tissues of the eye and could protect against common eye diseases like glaucoma, researchers say.

The findings, published in the current issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, suggest that the substances, known as catechins, are absorbed by the lens, retina and other parts of the eye. Catechins are antioxidants thought to protect the body against damage from oxygen.
The study authors gave green tea to rats and then tested their eyes to see if catechins affected them. They did, reducing oxidative stress in the eye for up to 20 hours.

Editor’s Note: For more related information on nutrition and glaucoma, go to www.naturaleyecare.com/glaucoma

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 new study now reports that pine bark extract (which contains procyanidins) may extend vision-saving benefits to diabetics with early stage retinopathy by improving retinal blood flow and inducing regression of edema.

It is estimated that between 40 and 50% of Americans diagnosed with diabetes already have some stage of diabetic retinopathy, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Reference: Steigerwalt R, et al. Pycnogenol® improves microcirculation, retinal edema, and visual acuity in early diabetic retinopathy. J Ocular Pharmacol Therap 25:537-40, 2009.

Editor’s Note: For an excellent whole food eye formula with Pine Bark Extract, see Dr. Grossman’s Advanced Eye and Vision Support

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

The American Optometric Association (AOA) has released the results of its third annual American Eye-Q® survey, which assesses public knowledge and understanding of eye and visual health.  Survey results reveal Americans aren’t paying enough attention to their eyesight. 

Of the 1,001 survey participants, 81% wear contact lenses, eyeglasses or both.   However, 26% of the responders hadn’t visited an eye doctor or eye care specialist within the past two years.

The AOA points out that early diagnosis and treatment of eye and vision problems are important to maintain good vision and eye health, as many eye and vision problems have no obvious signs or symptoms.  

It’s not only vision problems that can be diagnosed during eye exams:  optometrists can also detect signs of diabetes, hypertension, brain tumors, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and multiple sclerosis.

“Every adult should have a comprehensive eye exam at least every two years, but it’s even more important for people who already use corrective lenses,” said Dr. James Kirchner, optometrist and AOA’s Eye Health Expert. “Too often we see people who have put off eye exams because they assume they just need a different lens prescription, when they really have a more serious problem. With eye diseases and disorders, as with most health issues, early detection and treatment are often the keys to avoiding permanent problems.”

Regular comprehensive eye exams are especially important later in life, when more people develop chronic conditions and begin taking medications more frequently. Individuals with diabetes or hypertension (high blood pressure), or people taking medications that have eye-related side effects are at greater risk for developing vision problems.

The AOA recommends annual eye examinations for everyone over age 60.

Read more about maintaining healthy vision at the Natural Eye Care website , and learn about a new CD providing information on natural approaches for 29 of the most common eye conditions

SOURCE:  American Eye-Q® Survey Indicates Strong Need to Educate Consumers About Eye Health, SURVEY, American Optometric Association, Oct. 9, 2008, http://www.aoa.org/x11023.xml