Problems of the eye range from minor inconveniences to severe, debilitating conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some eighty million Americans have potentially blinding eye diseases. As the aging population continues to grow, the number of people with cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other serious eye disorders will increase. Scientific evidence indicates that vision problems can be often prevented with early detection and treatment, as well as healthy behaviors and lifestyle choices throughout the lifespan. This comes as no surprise to the natural healing community, but now appears to be acknowledged by mainstream medicine, too. On its website, the CDC tells about the association between age-related eye problems and risk factors such as smoking and ultraviolet light exposure. Furthermore, it says, “Additional modifiable factors that might lend themselves to improved ocular health include a diet rich in antioxidants and maintenance of normal levels of blood sugar, lipids, total cholesterol, body weight, and blood pressure combined with regular exercise.”
Cataract, the primary cause of vision loss in the US, occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy as a result of tissue breakdown and protein clumping. It can affect one or both eyes, and usually develops slowly. According to 2013 data from the CDC, the number of people who have cataracts is expected to surge from 20.5 million in 2013 to more than 30 million by 2020.
Glaucoma is characterized by increased pressure within the eye. It can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss and blindness. Glaucoma is associated with normal aging, as well as injury, infection, blood vessel blockage, and inflammatory disorders. In the early stages, there are usually no symptoms.
Diabetic retinopathy involves progressive damage to the blood vessels of the retina. It is a common complication of diabetes. Over time, high blood sugar deprives the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye from receiving necessary nutrients. As with the other conditions, vision loss from diabetic retinopathy can be prevented if diagnosed early and managed properly.
Nearly two million Americans have macular degeneration, also known as agerelated macular degeneration (AMD), with an additional seven million showing early signs of the disease. AMD affects the macula, which is the central part of the retina responsible for central vision. Central vision is needed for seeing fine details clearly, and is important for daily activities such as reading and driving. The more common type of the disease, dry AMD, occurs over time as the macula thins and tiny yellow deposits under the retina, called drusen, form and grow. Wet AMD, which accounts for 10 to 30 percent of cases, progresses more rapidly than the dry form. When it occurs, abnormal blood vessels behind the retina start to grow under the macula, causing leakage of blood and fluid, and subsequent scarring. In the early stages of wet AMD, straight lines often look wavy.
Myopia, or nearsightedness, affects nearly one out of every three Americans. It is so common that most people view it as an inevitable part of aging. However, experiences in children with myopia have shown that it may be associated with deficiencies and imbalances in nutrients, including selenium, magnesium, chromium, zinc, calcium, vitamin C, and folic acid.
Vision loss can also be caused by infections, eye injuries, inherited eye diseases, and stroke. Other, less serious eye problems that may cause varying levels of discomfort include floaters, which are typically normal, small specks that float across the field of vision; dry eyes, which can cause itching and burning; and eye strain, caused by overuse.
The National Eye Institute offers the following general guidelines for promoting healthy vision: schedule regular, comprehensive examinations that include dilation of the eyes (especially important since many diseases often have no warning signs); know your family’s eye health history; maintain a healthy weight; use protective eye wear; rest your eyes as needed; and do not smoke. Dietary recommendations include dark leafy green vegetables such as kale, spinach, and collard greens, and fish such as salmon, tuna, and halibut, which are high in omega3 fatty acids.
According to an article on eye health on the Life Extension website (www.lifeextension.com), many lifestyle and nutritional interventions have been found to prevent and reduce the severity of eye problems. These include exercise, controlling blood sugar, diet, and nutritional supplementation.
Whole body exercise can decrease drusen formation associated with macular degeneration. Walking and running have been shown to reduce the risk of cataracts. People with diabetic retinopathy appear less likely to engage in regular movement activities as recommended by the American Diabetes Association.
Research indicates that uncontrolled blood sugar can increase the progression of eye diseases. Foods that have a high glycemic index, such as high fructose corn syrup, potatoes, fruit juices, and dried fruit, should be avoided or limited. Unsweetened dairy products, meat, fish, poultry, nuts, seeds, and other low glycemic foods are preferred.
Other dietary recommendations include increasing overall consumption of fruits and vegetables, with particular focus on phytonutrients as found in kale and collard greens, as well as beans, okra, and plantains. Improved eye health has also been associated with a Mediterranean diet emphasizing whole grains, legumes, olive oil, and fish, in addition to fruits and vegetables.
A number of supplements may help to lower the risk of eye diseases. These include the B-complex vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D, lipoic acid, and zinc. Omega-3 fatty acids are useful in regulating the formation of blood vessels that can distort vision. Among the phytochemicals, carotenoids such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin have been shown to reduce the occurrence of macular degeneration and cataract formation, and astaxanthin has been linked to decreased eye strain and fatigue. Other supplements with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties include Ginkgo biloba, curcumin, and resveratrol, a phytochemical found in grapes, cranberries, and peanuts. Taurine may help with corneal disease, as it supports the regeneration and removal of worn out tissue. Cineraria is a homeopathic remedy that increases lymph flow around the eyes, thereby removing toxins and improving visual clarity.
An increasing body of evidence is showing the benefits of natural modalities to overall health and well-being. Following is a sample of recent peer-reviewed scientific studies regarding vision problems.
A 2013 study published in Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science found that larger macular drusen were less likely in participants who were physically active seven or more hours per week compared to those who exercised two or fewer hours per week, leading the investigators to conclude that “a physically active, heart-healthy lifestyle prevents the earliest manifestation of AMD.” A lower cataract risk was significantly associated with both running and walking in a 2013 study in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. Researchers reported in Epidemiology (2013) that patients with type 2 diabetes who ate an average of 253 grams of fruit per day had a 50 percent lower risk of incident retinopathy compared with those who had an average of 23 grams per day.
A 2012 study published in Ophthalmologica found that daily consumption of black currant anthocyanins was associated with a notable drop in eye pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma.