Many eye problems are simply remedied by supplying the appropriate nutrients. Eyes need to be fed and exercised just like the rest of the body. We need to learn how to protect one of our most precious assets so they will last us a lifetime. |
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I found a marvellous book at the "Save the Children" book sale in July. "The Science of Seeing" by Ida Mann printed by Patterson Press, Perth WA in 1946 and updated in 1962. In it she explains how vitamins actually work in the eye - fascinating that we have known this for so long, here in Western Australia and still don't utilise the information fully.
If you look at the diagram of the eye above we
are familiar with the outer eye, things like cataracts and replacing the
lens, glaucoma drops to reduce eye pressure, eye colour, refraction of
images etc. Not so familiar perhaps with the actual retina at the
back.
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In normal vision Vitamin A plug (insert) on Rods
and Cones is 'blown' by light to retina like a blown light bulb filament
and so needs replacing each time light strikes.
Fat build up and excess blood vessel damage below Cones inactivates and destroys them so vision message not sent to brain. Taurine, Vitamins E and C, lipoic acid etc clean up fat deposits. |
So lets look at uses and lack of particular nutrients.
VITAMIN A
* all body linings need Vitamin A particularly
the eye
* low Vit A = glare intolerance, night-blindness,
dry tearless eyes, Sjogren's, faded, blurred vision
* eye surface thins, surface flakes, becomes
rough and opaque leading to distorted and impaired vision
* low Vit A can lead to rupture of the
cornea
* basic to Rods and Cones responding to
light and passage of sight messages to the brain
VITAMIN B2
* eyes sore, red, gritty, itchy, watering,
uncomfortable
* eyes bloodshot as corneal blood vessels
swell and can be seen on the surface of the eye
* if swollen can't oxidise glucose so causes
damage
* B2 drains overfilled capillaries in 24
- 48 hours
TAURINE
* concentrates in macula
* acts as an antioxidant by breaking down
fats
* enhances Rods & Cones so therefore
vision
* inhibits damage by glucose to lens
* prevents and reverses macula degeneration
* assist with retinitis pigmentosa
VITAMIN E
* inhibits toxic effects of fat oxidation
on the Retina
* disintegration of Rods can occur due
to low Vit E
* concentrates in the lens of the eye
* helps to prevent glaucoma, cataract,
macula degen
VITAMIN C
* helps prevent glaucoma, macula degeneration
* bloodshot eyes can occur due to low Vitamin
C
* reduces the risk of cataracts by up to
70%
* C as eyewash accelerates healing of conjunctivitis
* can alleviate dry eyes
* alleviates eye Inflammation
* concentrates in the eyes, particularly
in the lens
VITAMIN B1
* inhibits excessive cross-linking by glucose
* improves eyesight
* improves nystagmus (eye flicker) in 48
hours
* low B1 can be associated with droopy
eyelids
* low in glaucoma patients