Myths:
There is no cure for retinitis pigmentosa.
Facts:
Certain nutrients such as Vitamin A, lutein,omega-3 fatty acids, other antioxidants and COQ10 may help slow down retinitis pigmentosa and preserve vision, and in some cases even improve vision. Some research indicates that daily use of microcurrent stimulation may help preserve vision as well.
Overview:
Retinitis Pigmentosa (pigmentosis) is a progressive degenerative disorder of the retina that can cause a profound loss of vision. Various hereditary patterns have been reported. This disease affects 1 out of 3700 people.
Symptoms:
The typical symptoms include decreased night vision and peripheral vision, usually starting in the first or second decade of life. Marked loss of vision occurs over many years but may develop slowly. The diagnosis is made by a thorough eye examination and a special test called an electroretinogram, or "ERG".
Causes:
Conventional Treatment:
No known effective treatment.
Complementary Treatment:Shopping Tips
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On a tight budget?
Here's our single most important recommendation:
Doctor's Choice:
Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula -
Dr. Grossman's Advanced Eye & Vision (whole food) Support Formula - 60 vcaps per bottle
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Essential: Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula -
Dr. Grossman's Advanced Eye & Vision (whole food) Support Formula - 60 vcaps per bottle Essential: Vitamin A Palmitate 120 caps -
Vitamin A Palmitate 120 capsule - 15,000 IU per capsule Essential: Carlsons Super Omega-3 250 - 1000 mg gelcaps -
Omega-3 250 gelcaps 1,000mg per gelcap - Natural Lemon Flavor Essential: CoQ10 & L-Carnitine 60 softgels -
CoQ10 & L-Carnitine 60 softgels - helps support healthy heart function and may improve retinal function in patients with age-related macular degeneration.
Very Important: Microcurrent Stimulation 100ile Purchase Option -
helps stimulate energy production (ATP) in the retina, improve circulation and reduce waste build-up. Helpful: Retinal Support - 2oz -
based on classic Kidney and Spleen Chinese medicine formulas to help support the retina by building blood, improving circulation, eliminating dampness, and strengthening overall energy. Helpful: Fruits N Greens 180 gm -
180 gram organic formula loaded with fruits, vegetables and herbs. Recommended Vitamins, Supplements, Herbs & Other Nutritional Products
Since we consider most eye conditions to be a reflection of the health of the whole body, lifestyle choices and diet can play a major factor in getting and maintaining good vision. Below are some recommendations:
- The Vision Diet - recommended in Natural Eye Care: An Encyclopedia on CD which covers 29 major eye conditions including Retinitis Pigmentosa with specific nutrient, diet, exercise and juicing instructions
- Daily Juicing (preferably all organic) - ginger, garlic, leeks, parsley, beets, cabbage, carrots, celery, spinach, apples, grapes, raspberries, lemon, chlorophyll, wheat grasses (not too much fruit).
- Reduce or eliminate drinking caffeine and sodas, avoid aspartame (labeled diet foods) and man made fats (corn oil and safflower oil, trans fats and hydrogenated vegetable oils including canola oil).
- Eliminate deep fat fried foods
- Avoid monosodium glutanate (MSG) used as a flavor enhancer which is a potential retinal toxin (Inv Oph 1996; 37: 1618-24), and fat blockers like Olestra which impair the absorption of carotenoids (Argus, August 1996;19:18:July 1996;19:22).
- Limit your alcohol consumption to 1 glass of red wine at night. Alcohol interferes with liver functions, reducing protective glutathione levels (Alcohol 1993;10;469-75).
- Eliminate smoking. Smoking among other things produces cyanide, a retinal toxin.
- Supplement your diet with an organic green drink daily such as
Nanogreens
- Limit the amount of medications (both prescription and non-prescription as much as possible. John R. Heckenlively, MD, lists chloroquine ridazine (Mellaril), stelazine, chlorpromazine, indomethacin and tamoxifen, an anti-cancer drug, as suspicious agents for the onset of retinal pigment disorders (Retinitis Pigmentosa, J.B. Lippincott, 1988). Make sure to work closely with your doctor.
- Exercise daily - do at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise daily. Walking and swimming are two excellent forms of exercise.
- Managing your emotional health is very important in maintaining physical health. Fear (fear of failure, responsibility, of being alone, of death, etc.) is at the root of many of life's problems, and is a major factor in many diseases. Take up the practice of meditation, yoga, tai chi, walks in the woods or prayer on a daily basis.
Resources:
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