Poor Circulation is Linked to Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma and Diabetic Retinopathy

Poor circulation from heart disease Poor circulation significantly contributes to eye diseases, including macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Heart disease and diabetes lead to poor circulation. Our eyes and brain require the most oxygen and nutrients, so they need healthy blood circulation. In this article, we will explore the connections between age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and poor circulation. We will also examine the relationship between heart disease and glaucoma. Additionally, we will discuss how diabetes affects circulation and leads to diabetic retinopathy.

Macular Degeneration and Poor Circulation

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe and irreversible vision loss in developed countries.1 2.The macula is a tiny spot in the middle of the eye’s retina, where we get our most detailed vision. Heart disease is a major contributing factor. Numerous studies have linked hypertension and atherosclerosis with AMD.3 4 5 6 Hundreds of peer-reviewed studies indicate that AMD can be very responsive to diet, exercise, and targeted supplementation.

The choroid is a thin layer of tissue in the eye’s middle wall, rich in blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the eye. Several cross-sectional studies have shown that blood flow in the choroid and retina is reduced in AMD.7  8

Poor circulation hurts the body’s ability to provide a healthy blood supply to the retina. This appears to induce ischemia (an inadequate blood supply) and hypoxia (inadequate supply of oxygen to the body’s tissues) in the retina. The retina is essentially starved of oxygen and essential nutrients. In severe cases, dry AMD develops into the more dangerous wet AMD.

In our opinion, wet AMD is a desperate attempt by the body to get essential nutrients and oxygen to the retina by growing unwanted, poorly formed blood vessels, in a process called angiogenesis.9 Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) causes abnormal blood vessels to grow in the back of the eye. These new blood vessels are weak and poorly formed. They tend to leak. If not treated quickly with eye injections and possibly lasers, wet AMD can cause rapid vision loss. Cardiovascular risk factors, including smoking, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis, appear to significantly contribute to the development of wet AMD.10

Dry AMD is the result of the natural waste in the retina not being completely reabsorbed. The waste builds up and gets deposited in the retina. These deposits are called “drusen.” Drusen results in slow vision loss over time. Diet, regular exercise and targeted supplementation can go along way in helping the body improve its ability to reabsorb this waste, and even reabsorb existing drusen. There is no effective conventional treatment approach at this time.

Essential nutrients for macular degeneration include: lutein, zeaxanthin, mesozeaxanthin, taurine, omega-3 fatty acids, bilberry, astaxanthin, vitamin A, and zinc. Other helpful nutrients include: ginkgo biloba, vinpocetine, resveratrol, NMN, lycopene, ginseng, green tea, Vitamin B Complex, and Vitamin C.

Many of these nutrients can be found in the form of a daily juice mixture. Include some of these ingredients: ginger, garlic, greens (especially kale), apples, grapes, raspberries, lemon, chlorophyll, wheat grasses, beets, cabbage, carrots, and celery. Do not use too many fruit servings, because excess sugar is unhealthy.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is considered a vascular disease to a significant extent. Research indicates a strong link between poor blood circulation and the development and progression of glaucoma. Glaucoma is characterized by the progressive death of retinal and optic nerve ganglion cells. This damages peripheral vision.11

High eye pressure (IOP) is often associated with determining glaucoma and optic nerve health. However, how well the optic nerves are being nourished is critical for helping preserve vision related to glaucoma. For example, glaucoma patients with normal and low tension glaucoma can continue to show deterioration of the optic nerves, even when IOP is successfully normalized through therapeutic interventions.12

There is ongoing evidence that poor circulation plays a significant role in glaucoma.13 14 This includes diminished perfusion pressure, impaired vascular autoregulation, and disrupted neurovascular coupling. Together, these factors contribute to the progressive degeneration of the optic nerve and retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma.

Abnormal vascular function can affect both the secretion and drainage of aqueous humor. This, in turn, can lead to increased intraocular pressure (IOP), playing a role in the development and progression of glaucoma.15

High blood pressure, or hypertension, can lead to an increase in intraocular pressure.16 17
Nitric oxide plays a crucial role in maintaining intraocular pressure (IOP) balance. It is highly expressed in the anterior segment of the eye, including the ciliary muscle, trabecular meshwork, Schlemm’s canal, and collecting channels, all of which are vital for the proper outflow of aqueous fluid.18 19 Ocular hypertensive patients have reduced nitric oxide formation compared to healthy individuals. Inhaling nitric oxide has been shown to lower IOP in these patients.20

MMPs (Matrix Metalloproteinases) are enzymes that play a role in breaking down extracellular matrix proteins.21 MMPs are thought to contribute to the IOP change in glaucoma.22

Together, the biomolecules Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), nitric oxide, and MMPs hold promise as potential biomarkers for predicting the progression of glaucoma and as targets for pharmacologic intervention.

Essential nutrients that help support and protect the optic nerves from damage include: Taurine, alpha lipoic acid, magnesium, n-acetyl cysteine, bilberry, pine bark, ginkgo biloba, NMN, B vitamins, vitamins C and E, grapeseed extract, and CoQ10.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetes leads to poor circulation. Prolonged high blood sugar damages the inner lining of blood vessels, causing scarring and inflammation.
High blood sugar leads to atherosclerosis. Plaque builds up in the arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow.

Diabetic neuropathy can damage nerves that control blood vessel function, leading to impaired circulation.

Poor circulation can reduce the body’s ability to meet the retina’s high oxygen demands. The blood vessels that serve the eye are relatively sparse.23 These factors make the retina especially vulnerable to vascular disease.24 25 Neurons in the inner retina, such as RGCs (Retinal Ganglion Cells), are susceptible to limited retinal inner blood supply in retinal diseases such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.26

More on this will be discussed in the next blog post.

Suggested Supplements

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

Retinal Support (wild-crafted herbal formula) 2 ozResveratrol Ultra High Potency 60 gels – AntioxidantNMN Wonderfeel Capsul 60 vegcaps

Nitric Oxide Supplement

Microcurrent 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 Eye Care: Your Guide to Healthy Vision and Healing

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

Natural Brain Support: Your Guide to Preventing and Treating Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Other Related Diseases Naturally

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