Visual detox refers to purifying the eyes of debris, toxins, and the effects of bad visual habits. Debris build-up can affect vision health and contribute to the onset of eye disease. These diseases can include eye irritation, effects on lacrimation related to dry eyes, glaucoma, and macular degeneration (AMD). Focusing too much on close-up computer screens leads to computer eye strain symptoms and reduces the free flow of energy to the eyes. As the eyes’ health is directly connected to whole-body well-being, we must look at detoxification from a whole-body perspective.
Other symptoms of toxin build-up can include ocular burning, watering, pain, and photophobia 1, conjunctivitis and corneal opacity.2
Whole-body toxicity symptoms can include:
- gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea,
- respiratory issues, including shortness of breath, abnormal build-up of fluids in the lungs,
- nervous system symptoms, including numbness, tingling, or weakness in hands and feet, sleeping difficulty, and
- other symptoms, which may include scratchy throat, chills, low body temperature, brain fog, memory loss, fever, headaches, arrhythmia, and behavioral changes.
Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Dry Macular Degeneration is the build-up of waste on the retina. This waste is normal, and it is completely eliminated in a healthy eye. But when the waste is not completely reabsorbed, it gets deposited on the retina. This waste deposited is called drusen. Over time, drusen can gradually degrade vision. The unavailability of essential nutrients to the eyes is a major causative or contributing factor that results in AMD. Inadequate nutrition can be behind many other eye, brain and health conditions. ) Many research studies show that toxin build-up can result in essential nutrient deficiencies.
Glaucoma
Most cases of glaucoma are “Open-Angle Glaucoma”, where eye pressure (IOP) stays above the normal range. Over time, high eye pressure impacts the health of the optic nerves and impairs mostly the peripheral vision if not treated and managed. Glaucoma is often called the “Silent Thief,” as there are typically no symptoms until you suddenly notice a loss of peripheral vision. Therefore, regular eye exams are highly recommended.
In glaucoma patients, the drainage of aqueous fluid through the eye’s trabecular meshwork is often impaired. Poor eye detoxification may be an important factor. Aqueous humor is the clear liquid inside the front part of the eye. It nourishes the eye and keeps it inflated. If fluid cannot drain properly, fluid builds up within the eye, increasing eye pressure and potentially damaging the optic nerve.
Toxic Optic Neuropathy (TON)
Toxic optic neuropathy (TON) is a group of medical disorders that can be defined by visual impairment due to optic nerve damage by a toxin or drug reaction. The effects can be vision loss in both eyes, blurry vision followed by progressive decline, reduced color vision, and/or central or blur at the point of fixation. This may progress to total blindness if not treated.
Although TON probably has many causes, people who abuse alcohol and tobacco are at greater risk because they tend to be malnourished.3 4 Mitochondria dysfunction is also identified as a factor due to neurotoxicity, meaning the healthy optic nerve cells can no longer produce the energy needed to function properly or even survive.
A nutritional deficiency or toxic substance is sometimes the cause of optic neuropathy. Common vitamin deficiencies in optic neuropathy patients include thiamine (vitamin B1) and cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), and pyridoxine (vitamin B6). People who have had bariatric surgery for weight loss, as well as those with alcohol use disorder, are particularly susceptible to nutritional optic neuropathy, which may be related to nutritional deficiencies.5
Managing this eye condition starts with removing the offending agent. This may result in some reversal of the disease process.
Digital Detox
Our reliance on computers and smartphones for reading work harms vision, resulting in recurring blurry vision, headaches, poor concentration, dry eyes, and even increased eye pressure that can contribute to the onset of glaucoma.
Long hours of near-focus at work put great stress on the visual system and reduce the free flow of energy and circulation in and through the eyes. Excess screentime could affect the body’s ability to properly eliminate natural waste occurring in the eyes. We can refer to this as “digital toxification”. Studies have confirmed that limiting near-distance digital work reduces visual stress.6 7
As you cannot easily get away from long hours on the computer for work and school, there are several steps you can take to help mitigate the negative impact of this near-work time.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day
- Stop periodically to stretch and do eye exercises. Click to order our free eye exercise e-book.
- Use the 20-20-20 rule. Stop every 20 minutes and look at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eye muscles a chance to relax.
- Make sure the computer is set up correctly and has good lighting.
- Reducing overhead glare
- Avoid eating junk food
- Get plenty of sleep
- Exercise regularly
Computer users often become tired during the day. Take breaks and go outside for a quick, short walk. For a boost, drink some green or black tea, which are high in antioxidants. Avoid energy drinks, as they can cause a sudden energy boost and then a negative energy rebound afterward.
Herbs that help increase energy naturally include: ginseng, ginkgo biloba, ashwagandha, bacopa monnieri, gotu kola, guarana, rhodiola rosea, and sage.
Many of these herbs also help with healthy brain function and memory recall.
Self-Help Recommendations
- Where there is metal toxicity, chelation therapy may be appropriate.
- Reduce seafood consumption, eating primarily wild-caught seafood. The most common heavy metal toxin is mercury, which has many negative side effects and harms methylation (nerve covering). It is often found in higher concentrations in the fatty tissues of seafood via the ingestion of sediment, seawater, and oceanic food-chain organisms high in methylmercury.8 One study found that fish muscles contained the least concentrations of heavy metals, while the liver contained the highest amounts of copper, zinc, and iron, and gills contained the highest amounts of lead and manganese.9
- Avoid processed foods and excess fat
- Take targeted supplements, including a full B-Complex or comprehensive multivitamin and glutathione (best taken in an intraoral or sublingual formula)
- Eat a healthy diet. Learn more about our recommended Vision Diet.
- Make fresh juice daily. Add fruit, vegetables, and some of the detox ingredients listed below. Read our juicing tips before you start.
Best Detox Foods/Plants/Spices
The best detox foods/plants/spices include cilantro, garlic and onions, brazil nuts, dandelion, milk thistle, red clover, turmeric, barley grass juice powder, chlorella, and triphala.
Detox Homeopathic Drops – These gluten-free drops help to temporarily relieve blurry or distorted vision, as well as visual symptoms related to eye floater spots, sensitivity to glare, and red and painful eyes or eyelids.
Eyebright Drops with MSM – This unique combination of eyebright and MSM helps soothe the eyes and offers relief from general irritation and dryness.
Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula (whole food) 60 vcaps
Dr. Grossman’s Meso Plus Retinal Support and Computer Eye Strain Formula with Astaxanthin 90 vcaps
Cognirev Extra Strength 2 oz Oral Spray – helps boost overall energy and reduce brain fog.
Dr. Grossman’s Advanced Eye and Dr. G’s Whole Food Superfood Multi1 20 Vcap Combo – 2 months supply
ReVision Formula (wild-crafted herbal formula – based on classic Chinese medicine Liver tonic formula to help support healthy circulation and blood flow throughout the eyes and body.
Dr. Grossman’s Vitamin C Plant-Based Formula – 60 caps
ACG Glutathione EXTRA STRENGTH Spray 2oz.
UBQH 100mg 60 softgels – UBQH is an easily absorbed form of CoQ10 and is commonly prescribed for cardiovascular, neurological, immune support, and anti-aging care.
Packages
Computer Eye Strain Package 1 (3 month) – Nutrients for eye fatigue and computer eye strain. Meso Plus with astaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin. Black Currant Seed Oil with Omega 6 Fatty Acids for tired eyes. Eyebright Drops for irritation and dryness. MSM helps soften tissues for better transport of nutrients.
Computer Eye Strain Package 2 (3 month)
- Dwivedi et al., 1985 ↩
- Maskati, 1986 ↩
- Dunphy EB. Alcohol and tobacco amblyopia: a historical survey. Am J Ophthalmol. 1969;68:569–78. doi: 10.1016/0002-9394(69)91236-7 ↩
- Danesh-Meyer H, Kubis KC, Wolf MA. Chiasmopathy? Surv Ophthalmol. 2000;44:329–35. doi: 10.1016/s0039-6257(99)00117-4. ↩
- Nutritional and Toxic Optic Neuropathies(Toxic Optic Amblyopia; Nutritional Optic Amblyopia) ByJohn J. Chen, MD, PhD, Mayo Clinic ↩
- Schmitt et al., 2021 ↩
- Vanden Abeele, 2021 ↩
- https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-does-mercury-get-into/ ↩
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2314808X14000256 ↩