Leber's Hereditary
Optic Neuropathy

information on diet, nutrition, self-help & research

Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy is a rare condition which can cause loss of central vision. It usually affects men, most commonly in the late twenties or early thirties, but the symptoms can happen at any age, to men or women.

Certain nutrients such as lutein, zeaxanthin, vinpocetine, l-lysine, a number of vitamins & enzymes, and fish oil may help Leber's.
Some research indicates that daily use of Microcurrent Stimulation may help preserve vision as well.

Usually Leber's affects one eye first, so central vision is lost in that eye over a period of a few weeks. One or two months later, the second eye is affected in the same way. The time when someone is losing their eyesight is often called the 'acute' period. After a few more weeks, the eyesight stops getting worse.

Although that describes the most common pattern for Leber's, it can also affect someone very suddenly, or can affect them more gradually over a period of years.

Symptoms

Sudden or gradual onset of central vision, usually starting in one eye.

Advanced Eye and Vision Support Formula

Hereditary Factor
Leber's is linked to a number of genes, all in the DNA of structures called mitochondria. These provide energy to the cells of the body. We believe that the particlular gene changes linked to Leber's lower the amount of energy available to the cells of the optic nerve and retina. These cells are damaged and can even die because of this lack of energy. The damage to the optic nerve and retina is what causes the symptoms of Leber's.

Nutritional Supplements for Leber's

These are the most important supplements and recommendations.

Shopping Tips

On a tight budget?

Here's our single most important recommendation:
Doctor's Choice: Advanced Eye and Vision Support Formula - Dr. Grossman's Advanced Eye & Vision (whole food) Support Formula - 60 vcaps per bottle Promotes clear vision and healthy eyes, including macula, retina and lens, supports healthy eye growth, and rejuvenation, and supports the body's natural detoxification processes with targeted, quality antioxidants for vision.

Essential: Advanced Eye and Vision Support Formula - Dr. Grossman's Advanced Eye & Vision (whole food) Support Formula - 60 vcaps per bottle Promotes clear vision and healthy eyes, including macula, retina and lens, supports healthy eye growth, and rejuvenation, and supports the body's natural detoxification processes with targeted, quality antioxidants for vision.

Essential: Carlsons Super Omega-3 Gems 1000 mg 130 softgels / 250 softgels - Super Omega-3 Gems 1000 mg 130 softgels / 250 softgels - Fish body oil is the only major source of the polyunsaturated Omega 3's EPA and DHA

Essential: CoQ10 & L-Carnitine 60 softgels - CoQ10 & L-Carnitine 60 softgels - helps support healthy heart function & may improve retinal function in patients with age-related macular degeneration. -

Very Important: Microcurrent Stimulation 100ile Purchase Option - Microcurrent Stimulation helps stimulate energy production (ATP) in the retina, improve circulation & reduce waste build-up.

Helpful: Gingko Biloba Extract (2 oz bottle) - Ginkgo Biloba has superb antioxidant & circulatory supporting actions.

Helpful: Retinal Support 2 oz - Retinal Support is based on classic Kidney & Spleen Chinese medicine formulas to help support the retina by building blood, improving circulation, eliminating dampness, & strengthening overall energy.upport based on classic Kidney & Spleen Chinese medicine formulas to help support the retina by building blood, improving circulation, eliminating dampness, & strengthening overall energy.

Helpful: Renewal Greens 10.6 oz - Comprehensive high quality all organic green drink for overall health. Includes organic vegetable blend, wheat grass blend and digestive enzymes

Causes

Leber's is a genetic condition, that is, it is passed down through the family. Not everyone in a family affected by Leber's will lose their eyesight, and we do not yet know how to tell who will get symptoms.

We do know that Leber's is inherited through a gene which is only passed on through the egg cell from the mother.

Conventional Treatment

Work on gene therapy in 2009 presents some possibilities, otherwise, the condition is not known to be treatable conventionally.

Self Help

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.
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, and especially margarines).
Eliminate deep fat fried foods, 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). Eating greater amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol appear to increase the risk of retinal problems in general
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 excellent eye multivitamin such as Vital Eyes Complete or Dr. Grossman's Whole Food Multivitamin, and an organic green drink daily such as Renewal Greens
Limit the amount of medications (both prescription and non-prescription as much as possible. 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. Worry (fear of failure, responsibility, of being alone, of death, etc.) is at the root of many 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.

Studies

Gene Therapy Study.

Leber's HereditaryOptic Neuropathy