The macula, located at the center of the retina, plays a vital role in providing sharp, central vision necessary for tasks like reading, driving, and perceiving fine details. However, when a hole forms in the macula, it can lead to central vision becoming distorted, darkened, or even lost over time if left untreated. In the United States, macular holes are relatively rare, with a prevalence of approximately 0.33% among individuals over the age of 55. The condition becomes more common as patients enter their 70s. Continue reading “What Are Macular Holes And Can They Heal Naturally?”
Staying Hydrated for Better Health and Wellness
Staying hydrated is an essential part of maintaining health. Drinking healthy fluids throughout the day helps the body detoxify and is critical in maintaining temperature control and proper blood viscosity. Seniors, in particular, generally do not drink enough water.
Why are we told to stay hydrated for our health? At Natural Eye Care, we care about the eyes and the body. Thus, keeping the body’s fluid balance is part of maintaining vision health. While 60% of the human body is composed of water, the eye is 98% water. Dehydration impairs the functioning of all systems in the body. Overhydration is also dangerous. In this article, we discuss the benefits of hydration, the deleterious effects of chronic dehydration, and how much water you need to drink. Continue reading “Staying Hydrated for Better Health and Wellness”
Retinal Scans Can Detect Diabetes, MS and Dementia Early
Retinal scans are proving to be an effective way to detect early signs of diseases like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and dementia. They can sometimes detect disease before symptoms appear. The best news about retinal scans is that they are painless and non-invasive. You may have looked into machines that scan the retina at your optometrist or eye surgeon’s office. Why are retinal scans helpful for detecting diseases that are not, technically, eye diseases? How is the retina connected to the brain and brain health? Continue reading “Retinal Scans Can Detect Diabetes, MS and Dementia Early”
Why Magnesium is Essential for Healthy Vision
As part of our series on essential nutrients and vision health, we will focus on Magnesium and why it is an essential nutrient for good health.
Magnesium (Mg), a highly abundant element in the body, plays a vital role in cellular balance. It supports the metabolism of various minerals, nitric oxide, and numerous enzymes essential for maintaining equilibrium within cells. Absorption of magnesium depends upon many other factors, including magnesium in the diet, selenium, parathyroid hormone, and vitamins B6 and D. Excess fat interferes with magnesium functioning. In addition, too much alcohol, salt, sugary sodas, coffee, sweating, stress, women’s menstruation issues, some drugs, and parasites decrease magnesium levels.1 Continue reading “Why Magnesium is Essential for Healthy Vision”
How Microplastic Pollution Can Damage Your Health
When tiny plastic particles pollute the ecosystem, can they cause harm? If so, can you do anything? At Natural Eye Care, we have mined the research on the effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on human health. Read on to find out what they are, how they affect living organisms, and how to reduce your exposure.
What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are pieces of plastic measuring less than 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) long. They are usually produced intentionally or generated when large synthetic polymer products, such as plastic packaging, are not properly disposed of or treated. Once formed, microplastics are often exposed to the environment, where they can decompose. Much of the exposure to microplastics starts with the dumping of these MNPs in the ocean, finding their way to fish, plankton, and the shore. Various human activities and products, such as washing, worn tires, city dust, road paint, ships, and cleaning products, have been reported as sources of microplastics. 1 Continue reading “How Microplastic Pollution Can Damage Your Health”
Diabetic Retinopathy, Sugar Balance and Retinal Support
Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness among adults. Poor blood sugar balance can damage nerves, so nerve support is crucial for people with diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye condition stemming primarily from imbalances in blood sugar levels. When blood sugar is not properly managed, the body’s delicate nerve tissues, including the retina, can be injured.
At Natural Eye Care, we have examined the research on nutrients that help protect the eye, including the retina and blood flow to the eye. Research has identified oxidative stress and inflammation as key contributors to the onset and development of numerous eye conditions.1 2 3 These conditions include macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, macular edema, and diabetic retinopathy. Without intervention, these eye diseases can result in a gradual decline in vision, potentially leading to blindness. Studies suggest that incorporating specific antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients may be beneficial in preventing and managing these eye disorders.4
Continue reading “Diabetic Retinopathy, Sugar Balance and Retinal Support”
Eating Habits Can Impair Circulation, Increasing the Risk of Glaucoma, Retinal Vascular Occlusions, Dry Eyes, Macular Degeneration
We might not connect our eating habits to eye disease, but poor nutrition impairs circulation. Reduced circulation can contribute to eye diseases, including cataracts, glaucoma, retinal vascular occlusions, ischemic optic neuropathy (ION), dry eyes, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Instead of being a “victim” of eye diseases in your senior years, you can take charge of your health today!
At Natural Eye Care, we believe that the visual system uses approximately 25% of the nutrients we take into the body. Only the brain needs more. Therefore, a nutrient-rich diet helps keep your eyes healthy. Anything that impairs the free flow of blood, oxygen, and nutrients can significantly increase the risk of eye disease. Over time, you could experience vision loss, making you less independent in your senior years.
Poor Circulation is Linked to Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma and Diabetic Retinopathy
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.
February: Macular Degeneration Awareness Month
This month, we’re focusing on understanding macular degeneration and the importance of early detection. We will explore natural approaches to manage this eye disease and support healthy vision.
Macular Degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss, primarily affecting central vision, and can lead to blindness if not properly managed. The macula is a yellowish spot at the center of the retina, where vision is sharpest. While genetics can play a role, macular degeneration often appears in those over 50 due to essential nutrients not reaching the eyes, particularly the retina. Factors like a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, reduced nutrient absorption, certain medication side-effects, and health issues such as poor circulation and chronic inflammation can contribute to this condition.
Continue reading “February: Macular Degeneration Awareness Month”
Neuroinflammation and Glaucoma: Bridging Brain Health and Vision
Neuroinflammation is inflammation of the brain or spinal cord. It’s a defensive response to injury, infection, or illness. Neuroinflammation is beneficial after, for example, a spinal cord injury.1 However, chronic inflammation is a significant contributing factor to disease onset. Researchers are concerned that an inflamed brain and spinal cord can lead to disease in the brain and eyes. The optic nerve and retina, for example, are neural tissue. In this article, we look at the links between neuroinflammation and two eye conditions: glaucoma and thinning of the cornea. We also examine research on neurodegeneration, deteriorating brain health, and a compromised blood-brain barrier. And, we list some nutrients that help reduce neuroinflammation.
Continue reading “Neuroinflammation and Glaucoma: Bridging Brain Health and Vision”