Clear Vision, Cataracts and ARMD
The miracle of sight is marvelously simple, but at the same time extremely complicated.
Eyes are not only the "window to the soul" but also a window to the wonders of the world around us.
Although the concept of the way the eye works is very simple, just like a camera, how it actually functions in our bodies is far from elementary.
Let's begin with the basics: The light reflected or omitted from objects passes through the lens of the eye reaching the retina. The retina is full of cells called rods and cones. The rods detect color and are concentrated towards the center of the retina in an area called the fovea. The cones are responsible for seeing black and white and are mainly concerned with night vision.
The rods and cones function by converting light energy into electrical energy and this energy moves along the optic nerve to the brain. When this electrical energy reaches the brain, it is then translated into a picture that we can observe and comprehend.
There are many things that can cause our vision to fail. Most of these conditions are a result of bodily aging processes.
Diabetes, smoking, damage from UV radiation, coronary artery disease are just a sampling of the health conditions that also adversely affect our eyesight.
In the United States, ARMD (age related macular degeneration) and cataracts are the two leading causes of failing eyesight.
Studies have shown that oxidative damage from UV rays (produced by the Sun) can cause both cataracts and ARMD.
Both the lens and the retina are continually exposed to UV radiation from the Sun, as well as oxygen in the air.
UV radiation and oxygen combined can produce oxygen free radicals.
These free radicals impair the clear proteins in the lens, so they can become clumpy or cloudy.
In ARMD, the retina of the eye is also targeted when a chemical reaction called peroxidation damages cell membranes.
The retina's normal high levels of oxygen and polyunsaturated fatty acids are then reduced. This damage ultimately results in the death of precious sight-giving rods and cones at the center of the retina.
Until recently, the only help for ARMD and cataracts was to undergo risky surgery and was otherwise considered to be untreatable through other means.
The good news today is that studies are showing that good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in healing the damage done by free radicals to the eyes vision surfaces.
Indeed, proper nutrition goes a long way in helping to prevent both cataracts and ARMD.
Studies continue to point to just how important fruits and vegetables are in maintaining overall good health, including vision.
Recent studies from the National Institute of Health found that those whose diets had the highest level of carotenoids (vitamin A precursors) had a 43% lower risk of developing degenerative eye diseases.
Protecting the eyes from the damages caused by exposure to UV radiation is also beneficial. Wearing big brimmed hats or ball caps with UV400 or better rated sunglasses can play a protective role as well.
Nutritional support is by far the easiest way to prevent or even reverse age related eye conditions.
To maintain healthy eyes, make sure your diet includes the following, either in the foods you eat or in supplemental forms:
Vitamins A, C, E. Vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of blindness in third world countries. Vitamin C is a major antioxidant and is found in concentrations in both the lens and the vitreous humor (the liquid found between the lens and the retina) in 10-15 times higher concentrations than in blood. In animal studies, lack of vitamin E in resulted in damage to the structure of the retina tissue, suggesting it may play a role in humans as well.
B-complex vitamins are important in maintaining healthy cell functions and in the recycling of antioxidants.
Minerals like zinc and selenium are also essential for eye health. Several studies have focusing on the preventative role that zinc plays in ARMD, while selenium is a key component of glutathione - an important enzyme that supports ocular health.
Eat the brightly colored fruits and vegetables. They contain a wealth of the phytonutrients that are necessary for maintaining maximum eye health. Just remember this little ditty : " If its bright, its right".
Xanthophylls, Zeaxanthin and Lutein protect against the damage caused by UV radiation. These phytochemicals are showing great promise in the prevention not only of cataracts, but ARMD as well. Lutein has also been shown to increase the amount of pigment density in the retina.
Hesperidin, is a phytonutrient that helps maintain healthy circulation insuring that all the vital nutrients get to where they are needed in the eye.
Ginko Biloba an herb known for stabilizing the micro blood vessels ensuring adequate blood flow to the eyes. This can have beneficial effects for diabetic eye health as it helps strengthen the circulatory system.
Bilberry (European blue berry) extract. For years the scientific community panned the legend that British fighter pilots who ate bilberry jam before their night flights during WWII reported superior night vision to their commanders, who then required it before night missions. Research has shown that the pilots were right. Bilberries actually help improve night vision and time the eyes need to adapt to the dark.
As a footnote, loss of night vision is often the first symptom of ARMD.
So please remember that your diet is extremely important to the health of your eyes and that's a good thing because it gives you a measure of control not available to previous generations.
It all boils down to this: Eat right, protect your eyes on bright days with a brimmed hat and UV400 or better rated sunglasses, and use supplements to boost your resistance to vision destroying free radicals.
You'll see a brighter future for your efforts!
The Institute for Vibrant Living has a natural nutritional vision product you may try risk free for alimited time. Just click the link at the authors area.
Clear Vision, Cataracts and ARMD
By: David Flores
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