A major problem with advanced Macular Degeneration is the growth of blood vessels in the eye. These unwanted blood vessels develop in the late stages of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD), also known as “wet” ARMD. Dr. Marc Grossman at Natural Eye Care has developed a package of supplements aimed at strengthening the retina and reducing the risk of new blood vessel growth.

New blood vessels obscure Continue reading “Blood Vessel Support and Prevention Package for Macular Degeneration Support”

Current research on genetic eye diseases focuses mostly on genetic therapies. Scientists have learned how to sequence DNA at a relatively low cost. New tools for modifying genetic materials, such as the CRISPR, have opened the door for new treatments and even cures. Certain eye disorders are caused by mutated genes and genetic predispositions. This article highlights current research into four genetic eye disorders Continue reading “Current Genetic Eye Disease Research on Fuch’s, Leber’s and Retinitis Pigmentosa”

Diabetics and glaucoma patients could start wearing comfortable smart contact lenses to monitor blood sugar and intraocular pressure. Professor Jang-Ung Park and colleagues in South Korea¹ have solved some of the problems associated with smart contact lenses by using graphene. They recently released a study documenting their breakthrough research. These biosensors may have broad applications for detecting and treating disease.

Why Smart Contact Lenses?

Tears can indicate glucose levels in the body. Insulin-dependent diabetics Continue reading “Smart Graphene Contact Lenses for Glaucoma and Diabetes Control”

What is this new buzzword “glycation”? When sugars bind with protein molecules, aging apparently accelerates.

Doctors are starting to offer the hemoglobin A1c blood test to more patients because tissue glycation is suspected of accelerating aging. This simple blood test was typically reserved for diabetics. However, research is pointing to its usefulness for all ageing individuals. The test results are good indicators of poor blood sugar control, disease risk, and longevity.

Glycation is the binding together of sugar and protein molecules. A visible result of glycation is Continue reading “Does Glycation Accelerate Ageing?”

The eye disease glaucoma can be devastating to eyesight, so scientists are looking at risk factors such as folate intake. There are few good therapies once the disease sets in. Vitamins could potentially prevent glaucoma. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association looked at folate intake and the risk of developing open-angle glaucoma, also called “pseudoexfoliation” or “exfoliation syndrome.”

Glaucoma mostly strikes the elderly. In open-angle glaucoma, a part of the eye does not drain correctly. Fluid builds up in the eye, damaging the optic nerve. Fluid pressure builds up in the eye. Glaucoma can Continue reading “Could Folate Prevent Glaucoma? (Vitamin B9, Folic Acid)”

Artificial sweeteners are marketed to dieters and diabetics as a low-calorie alternative to sugar. However, a meta-study found that these sweeteners have negative impacts on gut bacteria, appetite, and metabolism.¹ Ironically, long-term users of artificial sweeteners were more likely to experience weight gain and obesity than non-users. They also had a higher incidence of weight-related diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart Continue reading “Artificial Sweeteners Ironically Linked to Weight Gain”

The eye has a delicate vascular system. Eye circulation brings oxygen and nutrients to the eyes. It also removes waste products. The “choroid” is the part of the eye that circulates blood. Fats and blood clots that damage the arteries can also clog the arteries and veins in the eyes. This condition is common as people age. Poor circulation is associated with many eye diseases:

• Retinal vein occlusion is a sudden blockage that can cause serious, permanent eye damage.
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration patients have thinner choroids (thinning of the retina) – often due to lack of essential nutrients reaching the retina.
• If the choroid does not have enough oxygen, new blood vessels can form. These blood vessels unfortunately are of poor quality and often leak blood and fluids in the retina, which can result in severe vision loss (“wet” macular degeneration or choroidal neovascularization) if not treated (common treatment is an injection of either Lucentis, Avastin or EyLea to dry up the blood vessels and reduce related inflammation).

Additionally, diabetes can lead to an Continue reading “Vascular Support Packages 1 and 2 for Retinal Support and Eye Circulation”

Eye washes provide natural relief for irritated, inflamed eyes. Natural Eye Care recommends eye washes for a wide variety of eye conditions. Good lid hygiene can both soothe and prevent eye irritation.

Eye irritation can be caused by conjunctivitis, bacterial or viral infections, dry eyes, hormonal changes, allergies, drug side-effects, dehydration, excessive screen time, Continue reading “Two Eye Washes for Irritated Eyes”

A study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that seniors had better memory and attention if they followed the Mediterranean Diet. Many seniors struggle with memory and attention impairment. Research is finding that what you put in your mouth strongly impacts brain functioning. A large body of research shows that certain types of diets have better cognitive outcomes than others.

At Natural Eye Care, we recommend the Mediterranean Diet. Saying the word “diet” does not necessarily imply losing weight. Rather, this style of eating Continue reading “Mediterranean Diet Associated with Better Memory and Attention”

Visually impaired people can now detect their surroundings using a camera and a small device held on the tongue. Wicab Technology’s BrainPort converts visual data into tiny electrical signals. The tongue is sensitive enough to detect the patterns on an electrode array. With training, the brain learns to process the data in both the somatosensory cortex and the visual cortex. This sensory substitution device represents hope for the visually impaired. Visual impairment can be Continue reading “Visually Impaired Use Tongue to “See” with BrainPort”