Cardiovascular Disease and Eye Health

heart affects eye diseaseThe link between cardiovascular disease and eye health may not be obvious. However, the eyes are made from nutrients. A large body of research shows how important nutrition is for eye health. Maintaining healthy vision depends on whether the eyes and visual system are properly nourished. Cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, can affect the flow of essential nutrients and oxygen to the eyes. Poor circulation to the eyes can cause damage to the retina’s tiny blood vessels, with potentially sight-threatening consequences. Cardiovascular disease can often be identified through retinal scans well before the disease is detectable through traditional tests.

Adults with vision impairment have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease compared to people without vision impairment. 1

Oxidative stress, Inflammation and Eye Health

Common eye diseases in seniors are often triggered and aggravated by oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. These diseases include macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataract, macular edema, and diabetic retinopathy. If these eye diseases go untreated, they lead to progressive loss of vision and even blindness. 2 3 4

A continuously growing body of evidence indicates that taking supplements of targeted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients may have a role in the prevention and treatment of these age-related eye disorders. 5 These studies are frequently overlooked by the medical community. However, the AREDS research of nearly 10,000 seniors resulted in more acceptance of targeted nutrients that help protect the eyes.

Vitamins C and E Plus Zinc

Several studies have examined the effects of different antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, and zinc. Researchers found that people whose vitamin C intake ranked in the highest third had a 27% lower risk of death from all causes during the follow-up period, compared to those whose intake was in the lowest third. Similarly, individuals with vitamin E intake in the top third experienced a 32% lower risk of mortality than those in the lowest third.

Higher intakes of vitamin E and zinc were linked to significantly lower health risks—41% and 36% lower, respectively. Interestingly, people with a high Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) also showed a 42% lower risk. Overall, the researchers concluded that eating more dietary antioxidants can help reduce the risk of death from all causes, as well as from cardiovascular disease, in people already living with heart conditions. 6

The Best Types of Antioxidants

When it comes to eye health, certain antioxidants play an especially important role. Xanthophyll carotenoids, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, are concentrated in vision-related tissues like the eye and brain. 7 These nutrients are found throughout almost all parts of the eye, except the vitreous, cornea, and sclera. The macula, which is vital for sharp central vision, contains lutein and zeaxanthin at concentrations up to 100 times higher than in other parts of the eye. 8

Macular carotenoids are believed to absorb between 40% and 90% of incoming blue light, depending on their concentration. 9 This absorption helps protect the retina from light-induced damage 10 and reduces glare. Lutein and zeaxanthin are also present in the fluid around the lens and iris, suggesting they help shield the eye from oxidative stress as well. 11

Numerous studies show that antioxidants play a crucial role in maintaining eye health, particularly in preventing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. Several nutrients act as antioxidants, including lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamins C and E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Lutein and zeaxanthin have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory benefits related to inflammation-related genes. 12 13 In these studies, lutein itself was shown to play an important role in the inflammatory response and the development of AMD. 14 15

Several studies have shown that higher levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in the retina are linked to a lower risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) 16 17 18 19.

Crucial Lifestyle Factors

Certain key factors can influence the degeneration of macular pigments, which are important for eye health. These include a poor diet, lack of physical activity, smoking, metabolic syndrome components (such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure), and certain common genetic variants related to macular pigment optical density 20. Together, these factors can help predict the likelihood of developing early or intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) 21.

Research also shows that supplementing with carotenoids—specifically lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin—may improve visual function in people with type 2 diabetes, according to electroretinographic studies 22. Even in healthy individuals, daily lutein supplementation has been found to increase macular pigment optical density, as well as enhance contrast and reduce sensitivity to glare 23.

Saffron

Saffron is a popular spice used particularly in East Asian cooking. It is high in antioxidants 24 25. Saffron has binding capacity of metabolites to biomolecules, which protects them from free radicals 26 27. It also has the following benefits:

Has anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects

Possibly by the inhibition of caspase-mediated apoptosis (cell death) after retinal damage 28 29.

Improves Visual Function

Both short-term and long-term studies have shown that saffron supplementation can lead to improvements in visual function 30 31.

Improves Blood Flow

Increases oxygen diffusion and improves retinal and choroidal blood flow 32 33.

Helps reduce eye pressure often related to glaucoma or glaucoma risk, up to 3.3mmHg to 3.7mmHg after 3 weeks of supplementation 34.

Decreased the Neuroinflammation

Associated with increased IOP 35.

Bilberry

Bilberry is particularly rich in anthocyanins, potent antioxidants. Anthocyanins modulate oxidative stress, and improve glutathione use in the body. They help improve microcirculation of tiny blood vessels 36 37 and therefore improve the delivery of oxygen to the eyes. They accomplish this by improving rhythmic changes in the diameter of blood vessels38 39 in the eye’s vascular system, as well as in the entire body. They help repair tissue,40 protect retinal nerve tissue, 41 and generally support a healthy retina by supporting levels of antioxidants in the blood serum.42

Eye Fatigue

Taking bilberry extract supplements orally for eight weeks has been shown to reduce eye fatigue related to prolonged use of screens. Benefits include less ocular pain, eye heaviness, discomfort, and the sensation of having something in the eye, as well as improvements in critical flicker fusion (a measure of visual fatigue). Bilberry extract may also help relieve symptoms of dry eye disease.

Myopia

Additionally, long-term use of bilberry extract has been found to slow down axial elongation and help control the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in children.

Connective Tissue

Bilberry’s antioxidants strengthen collagen and promote the health of tissues.

Night Vision

Bilberry helps stimulate the production of rhodopsin needed for night vision.43 44
Inflammation. Bilberry is also rich in tannins, which are astringent in nature and have anti-inflammatory properties. Bilberry was found to inhibit airway inflammation in asthma. 45

Focusing Capacity and Eye Fatigue

Bilberry supports focusing capacity, helps prevent eye fatigue in computer users, and supports all-over vision health.46

Mitochondrial Support

Bilberry is found to protect against dysfunction of mitochondria (cellular energy producers) and also against neurotoxicity.47

Cataracts

Some research suggests that bilberry may help slow the development of cataracts. In one study, a combination of bilberry and vitamin E prevented cataract formation in 48 out of 50 patients with age-related cataracts.48 In a later animal model, 70% of non-bilberry animals developed cataracts, while none of the animals given bilberry did so.49

Beta-Carotene

Beta-carotene is a natural precursor to retinol (vitamin A) and is found in many fruits and vegetables, especially those that are yellow or orange. As an antioxidant, beta-carotene helps protect DNA from free radical damage and is well-known for supporting eye health.50

Research suggests that higher intakes of vitamin A, alpha-carotene, lycopene, and lutein are linked to a lower risk of developing cataracts.
Our bodies convert beta-carotene from foods into vitamin A, so it’s important to include plenty of yellow and orange fruits and vegetables in your diet. If these foods are missing, your risk of vitamin A deficiency increases. One possible sign of vitamin A deficiency is the appearance of small, rough bumps on the backs of your upper arms or legs.

Suggested Supplements

Heart Health Complex 90 caps

OmegaGenics™ EPA-DHA 720 Lemon 60 gels

Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula (whole food) 60 vcaps – this formula is whole food, organic and GMO free with lutein, zeaxanthin, bilberry, and much more.

Dr. Grossman’s Meso Plus Retinal Support and Computer Eye Strain Formula with Astaxanthin 90 vcaps  – also contains lutein, zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxaanthin, taurine and more.

Advanced Eye & Vision Support & Meso Plus Formula with Astaxanthin (3-mo. Combo)

Dr. Grossman’s Advanced Eye and Dr. G’s Whole Food Superfood Multi120 Vcap Combo – 2 months supply

Dr. Grossman’s Blood Vessel Control Formula 2oz

ReVision Formula (wild-crafted herbal formula) 2 oz – supports the Liver (meridian) which “Opens to the Eyes”, promoting healthy circulation and energy flow.

Retinal Support (wild-crafted herbal formula) 2 oz – supports the Kidney and Spleen meridians to promote healthy blood nourishment to the retina and for overall eye health.

Dr. Grossman’s Bilberry/Ginkgo Combination 2oz (60ml) 

Resveratrol (Trans) w/Quercetin 60 vegcaps

NMN Wonderfeel Capsul 60 vegcaps

H2 Elite Molecular Hydrogen 60 tabs

Related Home Device

Microcurrent Stimulation 100ile Purchase Option –  home unit for supporting retinal and optic nerve health. Summaries of 7 studies done to date summarized on the product page.

Recommended Books

Natural Parkinson’s Support (ebook): Your Guide to Preventing and Managing Parkinson’s

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