Myopia on the Rise

Lifestyle changes resulting in reduced outdoor activities coupled with rapid urbanization have been associated with a huge increase in nearsightedness (myopia) across many parts of the world. Indoor activities include concentrated near-work and digital device use which results in myopia.¹

Myopia now appears at earlier ages, and usually the earlier it appears, the deeper the person advances into nearsightedness. Increasingly strong lenses for distance vision are required as myopia progresses. Continue reading “Green Space Lowers Risk of Myopia”

Understanding your personality is one key to understanding your vision strengths and weaknesses.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) divides humanity into five types, based on the five elements:

• • • • Wood: The Controller
      • Fire: The Performer
      • Earth: The Peacemaker
      • Metal: The Critic
      • Water: The Thinker

When personality types are in balance, they function well, but when out of balance, related health and eye conditions can ensue. Continue reading “Vision Health Linked to Personality”

Iritis, the most common form of uveitis, is more prevalent than most people realize. What are the symptoms of this eye condition? What can you do to prevent and manage all types of uveitis? When does uveitis signal an underlying condition?

Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea. The uvea is made up of the iris, the colored part of the eye; the ciliary body, which makes the fluid that fills the eye and flexes the eye lens; and the choroid, the layer beneath the retina.

Types of Uveitis

• • Iritis or anterior (front) uveitis. Anterior uveitis can involve the iris, ciliary body, cornea, and sclera. It is the most common type of uveitis and accounts for about 50–60% of all uveitis cases in special care clinics.¹ Sixty-five percent of cases are related to another health condition. The remaining 35% are idiopathic (no discernible relationship to another health problem).
  • Cyclitis or intermediate uveitis. Intermediate uveitis is the least common type of uveitis, involving the area between the ciliary body and the back of the eyeball. It has been found to account for 3–17% of uveitis around the world.²
  • Choroiditis or posterior (back) uveitis. This category accounts for only 10–40% of uveitis cases. However, more visual loss results in these cases than from other uveitis forms. Such vision loss may be due to cystoid macular edema, retinal detachment, subretinal fibrosis, or optic nerve damage.³ Up to 50% of patients with posterior uveitis have an associated systemic disease.

Iritis, the most common form, is an immune system-related condition affecting the front part of the eye. The iris becomes inflamed and is often experienced as a painful red eye. Iritis mostly affects people between the ages of 20 and 59 and is uncommon in children. It affects women only slightly more than men, a little less than 2% of the population.⁴ Iritis causes 2.8–10% of legal blindness in the US, or nearly 30,000 new cases of blindness each year.⁵

Chronic Inflammation, Iritis and Uveitis

Chronic inflammation can affect the health of the body and eyes in many ways, including negatively affecting circulation, digestion (poor absorption of nutrients), joint damage, and increased free-radical activity. Common eye problems resulting from chronic inflammation include not only uveitis, but scleritis, macular edema, Sjogren’s syndrome, central retinal vein occlusion, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy, and macular degeneration.

Uveitis may arise from problems in the eye itself or as a symptom of diseases of other parts of the body. It can be short in duration (acute) or continue for a long time (chronic). It may develop as a result of an autoimmune condition, trauma, bruise, infection, tumor, or due to environmental or other toxins.⁶ The resulting inflammation, if untreated, can destroy tissue, leave scars, lead to eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, optic nerve, and retinal damage, and even result in blindness.

How to Reduce Inflammation

Antioxidants

We can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress to protect our vision. Antioxidants in our diet and supplemental nutritional support provide ingredients for fighting excess inflammation and oxidative stress. These include antioxidant enzymes like glutathione⁷ and superoxide dismutase (SOD),⁸ phytonutrients such as lycopene,⁹  lutein,¹⁰ and astaxanthin,¹¹, and vitamin and vitamin-like compounds.

Superoxide dismutase has been found to be helpful in treating uveitis.¹². It has a greater antioxidant effect compared to the corticosteroid dexamethasone. Adding it to therapy with dexamethasone results in lower inflammation intensity and enhanced dexamethasone effect.

Nutrients and Spices for Inflammation

Other nutrients and spices that help reduce inflammation include omega-3 fatty acids¹³ (such as fish oil), holy basil,¹⁴ turmeric (curcumin),¹⁵ and ginger.¹⁶

Other important nutrients that may be helpful (according to animal studies) include bilberry, trans-resveratrol, alpha lipoic acid, green tea, and ginkgo Biloba.

Vitamin D

Low vitamin D levels are seen in patients with uveitis.  Since vitamin D is an important part of the body’s immune defenses, scientists are investigating this therapeutic avenue.¹⁷ Vitamin D supplementation is recommended for people at risk for a uveitis relapse.¹⁸

Vitamin B1

Benfotiamine, a derivative of thiamine found in roasted garlic, has potent antioxidative properties and has been shown to prevent diabetic complications such as uveitis.¹⁹

Lifestyle Changes to Help Prevent Iritis and Uveitis

A well-balanced diet, combined with good eating habits, promotes the best possible absorption of nutrients. The Vision Diet is an anti-inflammatory diet. It is based on the Mediterranean diet. The Vision Diet is an alkalizing and anti-inflammatory diet high in essential nutrients. We recommend favoring alkaline foods for everyone with an inflammatory condition (including heart conditions, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, diabetes, and digestive disorders of any kind), but even more so for anyone with chronic eye problems (even if not inflammatory), such as glaucoma, macula edema, uveitis, macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and Sjogren’s syndrome. Acidic diets, like the standard American diet, include high amounts of processed food, refined carbohydrates, poor-quality oils, and high levels of salt, which promote inflammation.

Moderate daily exercise not only supports our muscular system and physical strength, but it supports every system of the body, including the visual system, circulation, respiration, digestion, the immune system, brain functioning, and hormonal balance.

Managing stress and anxiety is also important, as these have been found to contribute to chronic inflammation.

Lifestyle habits are important; for example, it can make a significant difference if you stop smoking and wear ultraviolet-blocking sunglasses.

Supplement Recommendations

Advanced Eye and Vision Support Formula 60 vcaps – whole food, organic GMO free fomula

Dr. Grossman’s Vitamin C – (plant-based) 60 vcaps Formula

Resveratrol (Trans) w/Quercetin 60 vegcaps

Dr. Grossman’s Bilberry/Ginkgo Combination 2oz (60ml) – wild crafted herbal tincture

Dr. Grossman’s Meso Plus Retinal Support and Computer Eye Strain Formula with Astaxanthin 90 vcaps – combination of lutein, zeaxanthin, mesozeaxanthin and astaxanthin.

Supplement Packages

Anti-Inflammatory Eye and Whole Body Package 1 (1 month supply)

Endnotes

Did you know that proper nutrition and exercise can help prevent diabetic retinopathy? ¹  Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a potentially blinding complication of diabetes that damages the eye’s retina; it is a leading cause of vision loss in the world. About 10% of Americans have diabetes. One in three people with diabetes has symptoms of diabetic retinopathy. Of these, a further one-third have vision-threatening DR, including diabetic macular edema. And yet, the condition can potentially be preventable. Continue reading “Nutrition for Diabetic Retinopathy”

Did you know that untreated high blood pressure increases the risk, not only of heart attacks and strokes, but eye conditions such as advanced macular degeneration, glaucoma, and macular edema?

Studies support a target blood pressure for most people of 120/80 mm Hg, with an optimal level of 115/75 mm Hg for many people.¹ Continue reading “Nutrients & Diet for High Blood Pressure”

The food you eat supports your body, your eyes, and your brain.  And some foods, containing phytonutrients, enzymes, and vitamin and vitamin-like nutrients, are especially helpful. A common feature of these foods is that they contain a wealth of antioxidants.

The most powerful way to get these nutrients is through juicing. In the prevention section of our website, we discuss our favorite juicing recipes by eye condition, as well as the benefits of juicing. Continue reading “Best Foods for Eyes & Brain”

Your Eyes Benefit from Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Meso-zeaxanthin

Lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin are potent antioxidants found in green leafy vegetables, eggs, corn and even chocolate. They have a profound effect on preserving healthy vision, brain function, the immune and cardiovascular systems.

New research is focusing less on the well-established understanding of local benefit from nutrients, e.g. lutein for macular degeneration or cataract, and more on its systemic benefits affecting the immune system, the brain and cognitive function, the eye, cancer, and cardiovascular health.¹ In addition, new research is focused on the “why” of the benefit of these carotenoids.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of vision loss and blindness. Our retina is abundantly supplied with oxygen but repeated or prolonged exposure to light, especially UV and blue light, decreases long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (such as omega-3s) in the retina, increases certain molecular bonds (lipid conjugated dienes), and degrades the photoreceptors and retina.²

Accumulated exposure to UV and blue light can cause accumulation of free radicals, oxidative stress, accelerate vision loss, and hasten breakdown of photoreceptor cells which are essential for vision. Continue reading “Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Meso-Zeaxanthin – An Update”

Diet for Better Vision and Overall Health

The standard Western diet tends to lack essential phytonutrients that support the health of the retina, as well as other nutrients such as adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and a wide range of amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and vitamin-like nutrients. The standard diet features processed foods, non-whole grains, fats, sugars, and some types of meat that may aggravate inflammation in the body. Inflammation is an underlying cause, or sometimes a direct cause, of many health issues, such as arthritis. Inflammation also harms vision health.

We recommend an anti-inflammation diet based on a combination of the Mediterranean Diet and the Alkalizing Diet.

Dietary Guidelines

• A well-balanced diet, combined with good eating habits, promotes the best possible absorption of nutrients.
• Avoid foods containing AGEs. AGEs are biochemical compounds that form naturally within the body through enzyme reactions involving sugars, proteins, fats, or nucleic acids. If too-high levels of AGEs form, they cause oxidative damage and inflammation. AGEs are found in some foods and are formed by cooking these foods. High-heat methods of cooking meat and cheese, such as grilling, searing, roasting, and frying, hasten the formation of additional AGEs. High-fat, aged cheeses contain more AGEs than low-fat cheeses (low-fat mozzarella, cheddar, and cottage cheese). Other foods high in AGEs include butter and processed foods such as cream cheese and mayonnaise. Oils and nuts contain lower quantities.
• Favor an Anti-inflammatory diet. Tight control of blood glucose levels and hypertension is essential to slow and manage inflammation. There are several treatments available to help control it.
• Limit or avoid sugar and artificial sweeteners. It is thought that excess sugar in one’s diet results in too much glucose making its way to the eyes, making it difficult for the eyes to utilize all the glucose. This may result in more dry eye symptoms and can cause diabetes. 54.3% of diabetics suffer from dry eye syndrome. Know what you are putting into your body.
• Avoid toxic fats in commercial red meats, dairy products, fried foods, and hydrogenated oils such as margarine and shortening. These fats interfere with the proper metabolism of essential fatty acids in the body and, indirectly, cause dry eye syndrome.
• Gut issues may contribute to dry eye. Try taking a high-quality probiotic to replenish the healthy flora in your gut, particularly if you have been on long-term antibiotics. Once your symptoms are under control, try switching from probiotics in pill form to real food ferments such as sauerkraut, pickles, miso, kefir, kombucha, kimchi, yogurt, etc. They provide a greater variety of beneficial bacteria than can be found in a pill. And they contain many vitamins and minerals.

Suppose inflammation is a contributing factor in an individual’s dry eye syndrome. In that case, it is imperative to look at the possibility that your gut may be the source of the inflammation. Leaky gut syndrome and imbalances in gut flora may also be contributing. Chronic inflammatory conditions have been tied to dry eye syndrome.

Nutrition and Vision

The eyes need essential nutrients to maintain healthy vision, second only the needs of the brain. Macular degeneration is often related to the retina “starving” for essential nutrients. Glaucoma, cataracts, macular edema, epiretinal membrane, retinal tears and detachments, and other eye issues have underlying causes. Major contributing factors to eye disease are often connected to a poor diet, lack of exercise, chronic stress, and underlying inflammatory conditions. Other factors can come into play, such as genetics, being highly myopic, and exposure to environmental toxins. This represents an opportunity to take charge of our healthy vision and overall health. The body is always trying to heal, so the focus is on taking actions that support the body’s natural healing process.

The Vision Diet: A Plant-Based Diet

We believe that the Vision Diet is a healthy diet for both eyes and body. The diet consists mainly of plant-based foods, along with small portions of preferably organic, consciously produced animal products, such as free-range, grass-fed meats. Vegetarians on a strict plant-based diet need to routinely check their levels of certain nutrients that are difficult or not possible to obtain solely from plants, particularly vitamin B12, zinc, and iron.

The Vision Diet incorporates the following principles:

1. 1. The Alkalizing Diet avoids the foods that cause inflammation, including high amounts of processed food, refined carbohydrates, poor-quality oils, and high levels of salt.
   2. The Mediterranean Diet, for example, is alkaline and avoids processed and refined foods; it is rich in vegetables and fruit.
   3. Balanced omega-3 and omega-6. Minimize carbohydrates, particularly all refined carbohydrates (white flour, pasta, white bread and rice, and sugar).

Learn more about the Vision Diet.

Juicing

Make healthy juice in your kitchen. Choose at least four to six fruits and vegetables. Do not use too many carrots and beets due to their natural sweetness. Remember to include healthy ingredients, such as ginger, parsley, beets, cabbage, carrots, endive, green-leafy vegetables, chlorophyll, wheatgrasses, and berries. Favor organic produce. Do not use cold fruit or ice. Cold arrests the digestive fires. In the winter, you may have warm soups or stews instead.

Supplement Recommendations

Advanced Eye and Vision Support Formula – our whole food, organic, GMO free formula with lutein and zeaxanthin.

Dr. Grossman’s Meso Plus Retinal Support and Computer Eye Strain Formula with Astaxanthin 90 vcaps – with lutein, zeaxanthin, mesozeaxanthin, and astaxanthin

Dr. Grossman’s Whole Food Organic Superfood Multi-Vitamin 120 Vcaps -our organic, whole food, GMO-free multivitamin

Dr. Grossman’s Bilberry/Ginkgo Combination 2oz (60ml) – strengthens blood vessels and capillaries and are potent antioxidants.

Dr. Grossman’s Premium Turmeric Vcaps (Organic) – and GMO-free. Helps reduce inflammation.

ReVision Formula (wild-crafted herbal formula) 2 oz – wild-crafted herbal formula basic on classic Chinese formulation to promote healthy circulation and energy flow in the eyes and body.

 

Common sense lifestyle habits empower you to take charge of your health.  Enjoying a healthy diet high in fresh vegetables, fruits, and low in sugars and fats, coupled with daily exercise and adequate rest are the foundations of good vision and good health. Continue reading “How Lifestyle Impacts Vision & Health”

The relationship between health, longevity, emotions, and aging is of enormous interest these days. With the fast past of life, technological advances, and changes in how humans communicate, the pressure is on.

There is an enormous body of research showing that our emotional state directly affects our health and longevity. Continue reading “Your Emotions and Anti-Aging”