Supplements Shop

The Healthy Way

Ask The Expert

Mesotherapy

Chelation Therapy

Weight Loss

Longevity

EIS system

Tell A Friend

New Patient Form

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

Monday, November 16, 2009

Examining Eye Health

Q: Dear Elena, I have suffered with 3 detached retinas and I have reduced vision now as a result in my left eye. Are there ways to help improve eyesight through natural ways?

A: Most retinal detachments are a result of a retinal break, hole, or tear.

What you eat has an influence on how well your body functions and affects your eyes as well. It also affects speed of recovery from injury and prevents recurrences.

Everything that is good for you in general, is also good for your vision.

The following provides a list of supplements that are known to have an effect on your vision:

Vitamin A and Beta Carotene, are consumed by the eyes for night vision and by exposure to heat and glare, flickering fluorescent lights, computer monitors and TV. Sources of vitamin A are found in orange and green vegetables. If you take supplements it should be of the beta-carotene type. If you are a smoker or drinker it may be something you should give up for your eye health as the nicotine in cigarettes as well as alcohol burn vitamin A.

B complex vitamins are all important for the workings of eye muscles. Vitamin B1 keeps the eye muscles working; B2 keeps eyes at a correct light sensitivity level. Lack of vitamin B2 causes undue sensitivity to light, constant fatigue, burning eyes and inability to see at twilight hours. B2 also appears to play a role in the circulation of nutrients to the lenses. A lack of B2 shows up in cataract patients. B6 is important for emotional balance. Below average B12, levels are apparent in individuals who suffer from cataracts and glaucoma.

Sources of B vitamins are dark green vegetables, brewer's yeast, eggs, meat, nuts and seeds. If you take supplements make sure you get a balanced combination since they need each other to be absorbed in your body. B vitamins are consumed by stress, so make sure you take some extra at the stressful moments in life.

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) with Bioflavinoids is important for circulation within the eyes. Sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits, melon, and tomatoes. I often recommend taking at least 3000 mg of Vitamin C per day to maintain a healthy and steady level. Smoking also lowers vitamin C levels.

Several studies found that higher levels of calcium and low Vitamin D had a positive effect on near-sightedness (myopia), detached retina, and glaucoma. It appears that calcium dehydrates the fluid within the eyes, thus making the eyeball shorter. Sugar, found in carbonated drinks seems to be one of the major causes.

Zinc for retinal health also appears to be important.

Taking a good mix of multivitamins and multiminerals can be an easy solution to an otherwise daunting task. Taking all these vitamins separately can be a nightmare.

I often prescribe a multi vitamin/mineral formula that has been specially formulated for eye health. It usually includes herbs and extracts such as Lutein, Zeaxanthin and bilberry as well as some anti-oxidants such as proanthocyanidins.

All The Healthy Way articles:

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