Subtle floating shapes Floaters are a good name for the small dark shapes that float before our eyes. You might not notice them at all unless you are looking for them. They are common as we age. These spots may look like squiggles, strands, or any of a hundred other shapes. Though they can be … Continue reading “Floaters in the Eye – Dangerous?”
Liver, Chinese Medicine and Eye Health You may have heard that the eyes are related to the liver. But how can that be and what does that mean? What are the practical implications? Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners understand that the health of the body is intimately connected to the flow – or blockage – … Continue reading “What is the Connection Between the Liver and the Eyes?”
Cataracts are one of the most common eye conditions among seniors. A cataract results in clouding the vision, and eventually causes blindness if not treated. The conventional approach to cataracts is to wait and see if it gets worse. When a cataract is advanced, an eye surgeon usually offers cataract surgery. Cataract surgery uses artificial … Continue reading “Nutrients for Cataracts: New Research, New Package”
Diabetic retinopathy is a vision-stealing effect of diabetes. What causes diabetes, and how can you prevent it? Can diabetic patients prevent this eye disease? What can you do to halt diabetic retinopathy? How can patients preserve their vision? Step 1: Don’t Get Diabetes Avoiding Type 1 Diabetes is a virtual impossibility. Doctors do not know … Continue reading “Halting Diabetic Retinopathy: Every Diabetic Patient’s Guide to Preserving Vision”
Biohacking refers to hacking human biology. The term “hacking” implies rogue, off-road, off-label, do-it-yourself activities. It stems from computer terminology, referring to illicitly defeating security protocols. However, the term has evolved to mean solving problems by undermining the established methods. Regarding vision health, we have identified three types of biohacks: Nutrition Biohacks (Nutrigenomics), Quantified Self … Continue reading “Biohacking the Eyes for Vision Health”
Mother always told you to eat your fruits and vegetables – but why? Modern researchers are finding more and more about antioxidants for health. Scientists publish mountains of peer-reviewed research a year on antioxidants found in fruits and veggies. One type of antioxidant is called “phytonutrients.” Found in plant pigments, phytonutrients are especially good for … Continue reading “Phytonutrients for Your Eyes and Brain: Love Your Fruits and Vegetables”
Diabetic Retinopathy is damage to the retina from poor blood sugar control. All types of chronic diabetes can cause retinal damage. The retina, at the back of the eye, is neural tissue. Tiny blood vessels, called capillaries, in the retina swell and leak. How often should diabetic patients visit their eye doctors? What are the … Continue reading “Diabetic Retinopathy: The Four Stages”
Several nutrients and vitamins such as bilberry and taurine help protect the optic nerve from damage. Glaucoma causes optic nerve damage. Optic neuritis and optic nerve atrophy are serious conditions that harm the optic nerve. Since the optic nerve sends electrical signals from the eye to the brain, any interruption damages vision. How does the … Continue reading “Protect the Optic Nerve with Taurine, Bilberry, and More”
The eyes are small, but they have many parts including the eyelids, sclera, cornea, lens, optic nerve and retina. We depend heavily on our vision. When something goes wrong, the eyes are disproportionately affected. For example, a senior at risk of heart disease is also at risk of an ocular arterial or vein occlusion. Also, … Continue reading “Which Parts of the Eyes Are Associated with Which Eye Diseases?”
Inflammation is a factor in many eye diseases, and what you eat affects inflammation. Whenever major holidays comes along, we are tempted to eat special foods. Many of these treats are high in calories and sugar, which contribute to inflammation. While you don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun, you can choose to eat foods that … Continue reading “Anti-Inflammatory Vision Diet for the Holidays”