Controlled trials have shown that extracts of Ginkgo Biloba can significantly improve visual acuity in Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) patients within six months of use. Both animal and human studies have revealed that Ginkgo extract can help to prevent retinal detachment, while increasing antioxidant activity in patients’ blood, tears and plasma*.

Editor’s Note: Gingko biloba has many potential benefits as a powerful antioxidant, and its effects on improving circulation and even brain function.

*For the gingko biloba study references and for more related studies on nutrition and macular degeneration, Click Here

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New study shows that the progression of Age-Related Macular Degeneration my be connected to ongoing damage to mitochondia in the retinal cells.

Ref:  www.iovs.org/cgi/content/abstract/iovs.10-5429v1

Editor’s Note: Mitochondria are often called the “powerhouse of the cell” because they produce ATP (energy) from sugar and other organic molecules. Without this energy production within our cells, they (and we) would perish.

This study further underscores the importance of having a healthy diet, exercising and taking targeted supplements that nourish the retinal cells. Nutrients such as CoQ10 may help as well as it helps increase mitochondrial activity (energy production) in the cells. Supporting nutrients for CoQ10 include n-acetyl-carnitine and alpha lipoic acid.

For more information in nutrition and macular degeneration, Click Here

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Results from a new clinical trial suggest that lutein and vitamin A supplements helps preserve mid-peripheral vision in RP.

The researchers conclude that their data support the use of 12 mg/d of lutein to slow visual field loss among nonsmoking adults with retinitis pigmentosa taking vitamin A.

Based on the randomized comparison, the authors estimate that the benefit in preserving mid-peripheral field sensitivity would be an additional 3 years. Based on macular pigment optical density (MPOD) observational results, they estimate that the benefit would be 10 additional years.

Berson EL, et al. Clinical trial of lutein in patients with retinitis pigmentosa receiving vitamin A. Arch Ophthalmol 128:403-11, 2010.

For more related studies on RP and nutrition, Click Here

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Lutein and Zeaxanthin are powerful antioxidants used both in the retina and lens of the eyes. They help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, and also act as filters for our eyes helping to protect them against sun damage (they filter out blue light from the sun).

Zeaxanthin predominates at the macula lutea (an oval-shaped highly pigmented yellow spot near the center of the retina) while lutein predominates elsewhere in the retina.

Just supplementing for example with 6 mg of lutein per day can reduce the likelihood of onset of macular degeneration by 57%, as reported in one study done by Dr. Johanna Seddon. Both lutein and zeaxanthin are essential nutrients in helping protect vision as well for those with macular degeneration.

A 2007 study showed that women who got the most lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin E were 18% less likely to get cataracts. Archives of Ophthalmology (Arch. Ophthalmol. 2008;126:102-9) gathered from the Women’s Health Study.

Lutein is a xanthophyll and one of 600 known naturally-occurring carotenoids. Rich food sources of zeaxanthin and lutein include dark, leafy greens (like turnip greens, collard greens, kale, spinach and romaine lettuce), as well as broccoli, corn, Brussels sprouts, zucchini and peas. Orange peppers contain the highest amounts of zeaxanthin. Eggs are a good source of lutein as well.

For more related information, go to www.naturaleyecare.com

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New study shows that cholesterol biosynthesis could be involved in age-related macular degeneration, and supports data from other studies that have indicated a role for cholesterol in the pathology that leads to a major cause of visual impairment.

Until more is known, people should strive to live a healthy lifestyle, Dr. Seddon (lead researcher) said. “People should lower their total cholesterol because we know that higher cholesterol is related to increased AMD risk, refrain from smoking, and eat healthy foods, such as dark leafy vegetables, spinach, collard greens, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Ref: Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2010 Annual Meeting: Abstract 2475. Presented May 4, 2010.

For more related information, go to Click Here

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A daily supplement of lutein in combination with vitamin A may slow vision loss
associated with retinitis pigmentosa, according to the results of a randomized,
controlled, double-blind trial.

Writing in the Archives of Ophthalmology, American scientists report that a daily
supplement containing 12 milligrams of lutein in combination with 15,000 International
Units of vitamin A (retinyl palmitate) was associated with a preservation of
mid-peripheral vision.

The new data indicates that 40 year olds with the condition who take the vitamin A
plus lutein combination would not be expected to lose their mid-peripheral field until
the age of 61, which would represent a significant improvement compared with only 51
in people not taking supplements of the carotenoid.

revious studies had found that taking vitamin A slows the decline in retinal function
and vision loss.

No toxicity concerns were recorded during the study, and the researchers noted that
only non-smokers took part in their study. Berson and his co-workers stated that there
has been concern for smokers taking long-term lutein supplementation.

Source: Archives of Ophthalmology
2010, Vol. 128, Issue 4, Pages 403-411
“Clinical Trial of Lutein in Patients With Retinitis Pigmentosa Receiving Vitamin A”
Authors: E.L. Berson, B. Rosner, M.A. Sandberg, C. Weigel-DiFranco, R.J. Brockhurst,
et al.

For more info on related studies, Click Here

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In this study, subjects with high levels of plasma zeaxanthin had a 93% reduced risk of AMD. Globally, subjects with high total plasma lutein and zeaxanthin had a 79% reduced risks of AMD compared with subjects with low total plasma lutein and zeaxanthin.

Ref: IOVS, June 2006, Vol. 47, No. 6

Zeaxanthin is a yellow phytonutrient pigment located in many fruits and vegetables such as lettuce, broccoli, goji berry, kale, turnip greens, collard greens, kiwifruit, and Brussel sprouts.

For more information on related research studies and macular degeneration, Click Here

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Updated research continues to show the effectiveness of using eyedrops with 1% n-acetyl-carnosine solutions for preventing and managing cataracts. Research also indicates these eyedrops may help other eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, primary open-angle glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

Dr. Babizhayev and colleagues published their study in American Journal of Therapeutics (N-Acetylcarnosine Lubricant Eyedrops Possess All-In-One Universal Antioxidant Protective Effects of L-Carnosine in Aqueous and Lipid Membrane Environments, Aldehyde Scavenging, and Transglycation Activities Inherent to Cataracts: A Clinical Study of. American Journal of Therapeutics, UNKNOWN DATE;16(6):517-533).

Editor’s Note: For information on Can-C eyedrops (1% n-acetyl-carnosine eyedrops), go to www.naturaleyecare.com/store/detail.aspx?ID=1831

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Optometrists are seeing more patients with CVS syndrome than they were five years ago, and 40 per cent of baby boomers aged 45 to 54 associate their eye and vision problems with prolonged screen time, higher than any other age group, according to a survey conducted by Leger Marketing for the Canadian Association of Optometrists.

According to a study released Thursday by the Canadian Association of Optometrists, baby boomers are spending on average of 7.5 hours a day peering at computers, televisions, cellphones and smartphones.

While both men and women are suffering eye strain with long hours at the computer, women are reporting more eye and vision ailments associated with their screen time than men.

CAO National Office, 234 Argyle Ave., Ottawa, ON K2P 1B9
613-235-7924

Editor’s Note: Our visual system was designed for hunting and gathering, and not for extensive near work as demanded by today’s work and educational needs. Taking regular breaks from the computer to relax the eyes and do eye exercises can go a long way in preventing and/or managing CVS. Research shows that supplementing with nutrients such as Astaxanthin, Lutein and Black Currant Seed Oil can also help relieve eyestrain.

For more information on natural eye care and computer eye strain, Click Here

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A number of Japanese studies show how eye fatigue (often resulting from ongoing computer use) can be significantly reduced by supplementing with just 6mg of Astaxanthin per day in just 4 weeks. Eye fatigue symptoms include tiredness, soreness, dryness and blurry vision.

For more information on these studies, go to Asthenopia Research

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