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Jim Golick CCN, LDN
In part 1 of this article, I discussed general dietary and lifestyle choices which can help the health of our eyes as well our overall health. This section will focus on specific nutritional measures to help common eye problems.
1. Macular Degeneration
The macula occupies a small central area of the retina, yet occupies only 2% of the visual field. However, it contains 25% of the cone cells, which are the photoreceptors responsible for day vision. The macula contains a lot of yellow pigments. These are derived form 2 dietary carotenoids- lutein and zeaxanthin, which are found abundantly in spinach, kale, collard greens, and egg yolks. Lutein supplements also are available. Macular degeneration is related to poor circulation, especially to the retina, and overall poor nutrition and low antioxidant status. There are two forms of this disease, the “wet” form, which affects about 10%, and the “dry” form responsible for 90% of cases. The wet form is more severe, with rapid progression and hemorrhaging in the blood vessels of the eye. The dry form is more gradual, and due to waste products which can’t be eliminated quickly enough due to lack of antioxidants. The dry form is more likely to benefit form antioxidants and the following dietary measures:
1. Increase fruits, veggies, especially spinach.
2. Eat lots of sardines, or take DHA fish oil capsules.
3. If this program is begun early, there is a good chance of reversing or at least retarding the progression.
4. Also consider Eye Support vitamins, which provide dozens of important nutrients for eye health.
2. Cataracts
Cataracts are essentially due to gradual free radical damage due to sunlight, medications, aging, chemicals, diabetes, smoking, alcohol, poor digestion, and trans fats.
If nutritional measures are begun in the early stages, surgery may be avoided.
1. Increase fruits, veggies, especially spinach.
2. Consider antioxidants: Glutathione, SOD, vit C, beta carotene, E, biotin, riboflavin/B-2, Alpha Lipoic Acid, quercetin
3. Eye support vitamins may provide most of the above.
3. Dry Eyes
Surprisingly, this condition is often related to arthritis. Many arthritis sufferers can have a possible nightshade vegetable sensitivity.
1. Try to avoid tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers, and eggplant. This may help joints and your dry eyes.
2. Possible allergy to wheat or dairy. Try avoiding these foods and observe response.
3. Increase EFA’s through fatty fish, flax seed oil/fish oil, Cod liver oil
4. Try Hyaluronic acid- a natural lubricating “water sponge” abundant in cells of eyes, lungs, joints, and skin.
5. Antioxidants as above
6. Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc
7. Vitamin A, 10,000 -25,000 IU
4. Glaucoma
Related to Congestive Heart Failure, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, stress. These conditions cause a lack of blood flow, which causes damage to the capillaries around optic nerve. If no blood reaches the retina, sight can eventually be lost.
1. Reduce stressors and dietary factors such as caffeine, nicotine, sugar, etc.
2. EFA’s
3. Antioxidants
4. Magnesium, zinc
5. Eye Support vitamins
5. Poor Night Vision
1. Increase blueberries, or take bilberry capsules
2. Increase fruits and veggies, (esp. carrots and spinach) or take natural beta carotene
3. Eye Support vitamins
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