The vitreous humour is the gel-like ball inside the eye. Most [...]]]> Eye floaters are imperfections in the eye that look like dark shapes. They are made of protein and other discarded cell material. Although you may perceive them as being in front of the lens, they are in fact on the inside of the eye.

The vitreous humour is the gel-like ball inside the eye. Most children and young people do not see floaters, but over time, bits of debris are discarded by the vitreous humour or retina that causes protein (connective tissue) to be released. They float around inside the vitreous humour and cast shadows, obscuring vision in certain lighting conditions.

Half of people over the age of seventy report seeing eye floaters. The problem becomes more noticeable in older people as the vitreous becomes less solid over time. Trauma and poor nutrition are thought to be possible causes of eye floaters. It is possible some children are born with eye floaters but may not notice them until they are older. Floaters can happen after cataract surgery.

Nearsighted (myopic) individuals are more likely to have floaters. Chronic yeast infections and food allergies may be linked to the problem.

It is not often that floaters are a sign of serious problem, but they are a common reason that people visit an optometrist or ophthamologist for an eye exam. Their symptoms can be associated with retinal tears, cystoid macular edema and asteroid hyalosis. Connections between drugs and this condition may exist but have yet to be clearly proven.

There is no clear “cure” for this condition. Each floater lasts a long time and can gradually disappear. It is not often that medical treatments are needed, but there are two main options for severe cases: vitrectomy (replacing the “gel” in the eye, a  radical and dangerous treatment), and laser vitreolysis (zapping the floaters with a special laser, not yet accepted by most doctors).

At Natural Eye Care, we offer eye care tips, nutritional supplements and floater homeopathic pellets for eye floaters.

The symptoms of ARMD include seeing wavy lines that should be straight, blurred text, and/or dark or empty spaces in the center of the field of vision. The [...]]]> A study indicates that melatonin supplements may slow and even reverse the effects of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). ARMD is the leading cause of serious vision loss in elderly persons.

The symptoms of ARMD include seeing wavy lines that should be straight, blurred text, and/or dark or empty spaces in the center of the field of vision. The cells that sense light in the eye’s macula stop functioning correctly and after some time, they do not work at all. A simple visual test called the Asmler grid is an effective screening for age-related macular degeneration.

There is no clear reason why ARMD develops. Laser photocoagulation can help some patients; nutritional supplementation such as lutein and zeaxanthin may be helpful for some age-related macular degeneration patients.

There are two types of ARMD: wet and dry. The dry  form affects the majority of ARMD patients.

The research study included subjects with both wet and dry ARMD, and the results were the same: taking a supplement that included 3 mg of melatonin per day in the evening resulted in stability of age-related macular degeneration after 2 or 3 months in most patients. This means the ARMD did  not progress, although typical patients would have continued to decline.

Nearly all the subjects who stayed in the study for a 6-12 months had significant reductions of ARMD and increases in visual acuity. Photos of the inside of the eyes of certain subjects showed significant improvement of sub-retinal macular hemorrhages.

This was a small study of approximately 100 subjects, but these findings indicate the need for further research. The supplement used in the research was a combination of melatonin, zinc and selenium.

Melatonin is well-known a sleep hormone. Low melatonin levels have been co-related with ARMD.

Source: Changxian Yi, Xiaoyan Pan, Hong Yan, Mengxiang Guo, Pierpaoli, W. Effects of Melatonin in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Ann N.Y. Acad Sci, 2005;1057:384-392.

Mice were broken into two groups: on had a diet high in grapes, and the other received lutein, a plant [...]]]> A new study in the journal Free Radical Biology & Medicine compared the effects of lutein to grapes on the eyes. Grapes won out, providing more protection against oxidative damage to the retina than the nutrient lutein.

Mice were broken into two groups: on had a diet high in grapes, and the other received lutein, a plant chemical that recommended for eye health. The mice who ate grapes were less likely to go blind.

Grapes are rich in anti-oxidants, which fights free radical damage.

The study’s head author, Dr Silvia Finnemann from Fordham University, described the results as “remarkable” and wrote, “A lifelong diet enriched in natural antioxidants, such as those in grapes, appears to be directly beneficial for RPE (retinal pigment epithelium cells) and retinal health and function.”

Some diseases that result in damage to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) layer in the eye include Stargardt’s disease and age-related macular degeneration.

This study does not diminish lutein as an eye care supplement. A solid body of scientific research shows lutein’s benefits. Lutein also has antioxidant properties; grapes had  a stronger effect in mice in this single study. Lutein is found in the macula of healthy eyes, and research shows that taking 6 mg of lutein each day reduces the risk of macular degeneration by 48%. Learn more about lutein for eye care.

To find out if you are at risk, [...]]]> Do your eyes spend more than 4 hours a day looking at the screen of an electronic device? If so, you are at risk for computer vision syndrome. Computer vision syndrome symptoms include eye strain, fatigue, dry eyes and headaches from staring at a screen too long.

To find out if you are at risk, keep a journal for a week of how long you spend watching TV, gazing at a smartphone, surfing the Internet, working on the computer, playing video games, and reading on a tablet device. The typical American youth is getting 7.5 hours of “screen time” a day – and since many adults use computers at work, they may get much more time.

Your eyes are not designed to stare at the same focal length for extended periods of time without a break. We evolved as hunters and gatherers, looking over long distances to identify food sources and looking for danger. Eyes are controlled by muscles, and these muscles must be stretched and exercised to optimize eye health.

On the computer, productivity tends to go down when the eyes are strained. Computer vision syndrome also induces fatigue in the body. Your eyes are directly connected to your overall health.

To combat computer eye strain, start by deciding if you are really getting enjoyment from the time you spend cuddling up with your tablet computer. Would your time be better spent cuddling up with family and friends, taking a long scenic walk, shooting hoops, or bird watching? Most smartphones have a geocaching app that gets you outside, hunt for treasure and stretch your eyes.

Make sure your computer workstation is set up to reduce eye strain. Install a computer program that reminds you to stand up, stretch, take at least 4 steps and look out the window at a distance for at least 20 seconds. Do exercises such as these 5 eye exercises designed to reduce eye fatigue at the computer.

You do not have to be a victim of computer vision syndrome. Take charge of your health, reduce headaches and increase your productivity by using your eyes the way they were designed to be used.

Be aware that increased [...]]]> Patients taking statin drugs to lower cholesterol might be more likely to get muscle injuries, especially elderly patients.(1) Side effects and adverse reactions, according to other research, may include increased stroke risk, higher risk of Type II Diabetes, low iron, pancreatic dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, suppressed immune system, muscle pain, and more.

Be aware that increased incidence of cataracts may also be linked with statin drugs.  A study(2) suggests that statin drugs are associated with an increased risk of cataracts in both men and women. In the study, cataracts risk went up within 12 months of starting statin drugs, continued while taking the drug, and dropped back to normal within 12 months of getting off the drug.

At Natural Eye Care, we recommend that statin drugs’ users should take the supplement CoQ10. In particular, we recommend Ubiquinol CoQ10. Insufficient levels of CoQ10 in the body may result in damaged mitochondrial DNA, increased free radicals, and loss of cellular energy.

Before taking a statin drug, talk to your doctor about the side effects, and examine all your options including diet, exercise, and other ways to manage cholesterol levels. Click to read about heart disease risk and total cholesterol levels.

1. “Effect of Statins on Creatine Kinase Levels Before and After a Marathon Run.” Parker et. al. The American Journal of Cardiology 2011 Oct 27.

2. “Statin use associated with increased risk of cataract, myopathy, liver dysfunction and acute renal failure with varying numbers needed to harm.” Foody, Joanne. BMJ (Volume 340, page 2197)

Obviously, strength [...]]]> When you are in your 30′s, your skeletal muscle mass will peak. After that, they will reduce slightly in number and size every year. By the time you are in your 50′s, 15% of muscle mass may be lost, and by your 80′s, as much as 30% of muscle mass may be lost.

Obviously, strength training is crucial to strengthen your muscles and  increase their size. Being strong and fit helps maintain good health and energy, reduces osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, burns calories for weight management, improves sleep, cuts cancer risk, and much more!

Everyone should make exercise a priority throughout their lives. However, up to 75% of older Americans do not get enough exercise.(1)

It is generally recommended that older adults should do strength training two or three times per week, performing 10-15 repetitions of approximately 8 to 10 different exercises.(1)

Recent research presented by Dr. Wayne Westcott at a American College of Sports Medicine chapter conference(2) showed that for people over age 50, strength training twice a week is sufficient; three times a week may not give older bodies enough time to recover. It is during “recovery” that muscles repair and build.

Before starting a strength training or fitness program, always consult a physician.

And don’t forget your eyes. Your eye movement is controlled by muscles. Your eyes need oxygen and nutrients to thrive. Doing  these free eye exercise for vision fitness can help support healthy circulation in the eye area and keep them strong. Whether you have an eye condition or not, eye exercises should be part of your strength training program to maintain youth.

1. Nied RJ and Franklin B. Promoting and prescribing exercise for the elderly. Am Fam Phys 65:419-26, 2002.

2. Twice-a-week strength training best for over-50 group, Strength Training for Osteoporosis blog

Green tea is lower in caffeine [...]]]> Did you over-indulge in too many high-calorie foods over the holidays? Put on a few extra pounds? Two-thirds of American adults are overweight or obese, and a few extra pounds add up to health risks. However, drinking green tea may help fight body fat and also lower cholesterol levels.

Green tea is lower in caffeine than coffee, so it makes a great coffee substitute. A high intake of caffeine can cause nervousness, dependence, and sleep problems.

A recent, small study on green tea in Japan showed that taking green tea extract was associated with losing body fat and weight. The more green tea extract the study participants took, the bigger the effect. The subjects also had lower LDL cholesterol and lower blood pressure (to counteract hypertension).

A study in Holland indicated tied caffeinated green tea with weight loss, and even the decaf green tea drinkers lost weight. Researchers suggested that the caffeine helped with fat oxidation.

People with liver problems need to be careful about taking weight loss supplements that contain green tea extract. It is generally safest to drink green tea itself is generally safest. Green tea in its whole form may contain compounds that work in a synergistic  way to create health benefits.

Combined with a sensible diet and a significant exercise program, green tea may help weight loss programs. It may also have cancer-fighting properties. Green tea tastes great and helps maintain hydration levels.

Your overall health affects your eye health. Maintaining a healthy weight through good nutrition and exercise cannot be over-emphasized. Green tea contains antioxidants that fight antioxidants. Drink green tea and take care of your body can help prevent eye problems. At Natural Eye Care, we offer a complete program for preventing eye problems. Click to learn more about antioxidants’ role in preventing eye problems.

Source: WebMD

Topping the list for women vs. men is dry eye syndrome, autoimmune diseases, and certain [...]]]> While everyone, regardless of gender, must take care of their eye health, women have more eye disease, blindness and vision problems than men. A major study in 2001 shows that around the world, eye disease is more common in women.

Topping the list for women vs. men is dry eye syndrome, autoimmune diseases, and certain forms of cataract. Women tend to live longer in industrialized nations, so age-related eye problems are more common for them, including cataracts and macular degeneration.

Third world countries have 4/5th of the blind and visually impaired people in the world. Infectious diseases, like trachoma, are more common in women in third world countries. If women have less access to medical care than others, any eye condition will likely be more serious before they seek treatment.

Shockingly, three out of four cases of visual impairment is estimated to be preventable or correctable. Women need to receive comprehensive eye exams on a regular basis – ideally, at least once every two years, and more frequently for elderly and “at risk” individuals.

Some eye diseases and problems have symptoms, but many do not. Glaucoma and macular degeneration can cause blindness without warning. Regular screening is crucial to catching and treating problems in their early stages.

Poor nutrition is also a factor. In developing countries, women sometimes give their food portions to keep other family member strong. Links between nutrition and eye disease are well documented. A recent study in India showed a strong connection between low vitamin C intake and cataracts. Another study showed that vitamin D helped prevent macular degeneration. Check out our natural eye care program.

Lifestyle factors for eye disease are a blind-spot for most women. The risk factors for stroke, heart disease and cancer also risk factors for eye disease. Eating a good diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains, and maintaining a healthy weight are very important. Smokers have a bigger chance of developing vision problems. Regular exercise is crucial to overall health.

When women are aware of their higher risk of developing eye problems, they need to simply follow through with regular exams and a healthy lifestyle to reduce their chances of blindness and vision impairment. For more information, visit Women’s Eye Health: www.womenseyehealth.org