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Read Dr. Elena Krasnov's Weekly Column in the Health & Fitness section of the 24 Hours Magazine. Look for new articles every week!

Monday, August 11, 2008

Better Eye Health

Q: I have always had eye troubles. I have had two detached retinas which has left me with limited vision in one eye.

There must be ways to contribute to my eye health, but I have not been informed by my doctor. Could you please let me know if there is anything that I can take to improve my eyes.

A: A retinal detachment occurs when the retina is pulled away from its normal position in the back of the eye. The retina sends visual images to the brain through the optic nerve. When detachment occurs, vision is blurred. A detached retina is a very serious problem that almost always causes blindness unless it is treated.

Retinal detachment can occur at any age, but it is more common in midlife and later. Conditions that can increase the chance of a retinal detachment include nearsightedness, previous cataract surgery, glaucoma, severe trauma, previous retinal detachment in your other eye; family history of retinal detachment; or weak areas in your retina that can be seen by your ophthalmologist.

Retinal tears will usually need to be treated with laser surgery or cryotherapy (freezing), to seal the retina to the back wall of the eye again. These treatments cause little or no discomfort and may be performed in your ophthalmologist's office. This treatment will usually prevent progression to a retinal detachment. Occasionally retinal tears are watched without treatment.

Retinal detachment is a medical emergency and should be treated as such. After the danger has subsided you can try and prevent recurrence using vitamin supplements, herbs and homeopathics.

To start with Arnica Montana 30 CH can be taken for trauma/injury and to slow down fluid seepage right after surgery and possibly on daily basis to prevent reoccurrence. Nutritional support for the eyes is well known and includes daily supplements of Vitamins C, E, A and beta-carotenes as well as zinc and selenium. These act as powerful anti-oxidants and prevent free-radical scavengers from damaging the retina. Lutein, zeaxanthin and billbery extract are also important eye supplements however they are more useful in maintaining health of the pigment cells and the optic nerve. Vitamin E is the most important in the prevention and treatment of retinal detachment. Vitamin E improves oxygen supply and circulation in the smallest blood vessels. Anti-oxidants play a major role in anti-aging process whether it is your eyes or other body parts.

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Dr. Elena Krasnov is a registered Naturopathic Doctor and Clinic Director of the Toronto Naturopathic Clinic. Submit your questions online at 24hrs.ca

Co-written by Miranda Tallon-Malisani Holistic Nutritionist