Natural Remedies for

Healthy Vision

Natural remedies for healthy vision, including cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, dry eyes, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and short sight.

ON THIS PAGE:

Cataracts
Macular Degeneration/ARMD
Glaucoma
Diabetic Retinopathy
Dry or Sore Eyes
Short Sight/Myopia

More Information on Healthy Vision
from Natural Health Answers Report.

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More Information on Healthy Vision
from Natural Health Answers Report.

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ANTI-OXIDANTS

Carotenoids including Lutein

Carotenoids are substances found in highly-coloured fruits and vegetables like carrots, peppers and tomatoes. They and include alpha- and beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, zeaxanthin, and cryptoxanthin. Beta-carotene is a precursor for vitamin A.

They protect the eye from damage by free radicals, helping reduce the risk of macular degeneration and cataract. They are needed to form the visual pigments called rhodopsins. Carotenoids also benefit circulation, the immune system, and skin health including acne.

CAROTENOIDS AND LUTEIN

LUTEIN is known as ‘nature’s sunglasses’. It shields the eye from the damaging blue wavelengths of light that increase the risk of macular degeneration. Blue light occurs not only in sunlight but also fluorescent light, computer screens, and welding equipment. Considerable research shows lutein benefits macular degeneration. It also protects the inner eye from ultra-violet light, which contributes to cataracts.

Smokers and diabetics tend to have low levels of carotenoids. Smokers are NOT advised to take beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is safe in pregnancy, although vitamin A is not.

Warnings: Lutein and Zeaxanthin are best absorbed when taken with a meal containing fat.
Smokers should not take beta-carotene.

Supplements: Viridian make a good mixed carotenoid capsule, Betatene; also a tasty Red Food Blend, in capsules, or available as powder you can sprinkle on food.

The best value lutein is New Focus lutein sublingual spray, contains 10mg lutein per daily dose, plus zeaxanthin, taurine, bilberry extract and ginkgo. This is by far the best form of lutein; a high percentage is rapidly absorbed under the tongue. Healthaid produce good value 20mg lutein capsules, but from capsules,only around 20% is absorbed. I do not recommend lutein tablets. The absorption rate is too poor.

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Grape Seed Extract/Pine Bark Extract

(Pycnogenol)

These very similar extracts are rich sources of flavonoids (compounds found in plants) called Proanthocyanidins or OPCs.

Like carotenoids, they are powerful anti-oxidants, protecting blood vessels, and eye tissue, heart, brain, and all connective tissue from damage. They have the additional advantage of reinforcing the strength of blood vessels. In studies, these extracts produced significant improvement, in healthy eyes, in visual performance in both glare, and darkness. They can benefit macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and capillary fragility.

Pycnogenol is a trademarked form of Pine bark extract.

Warnings: physician’s guidance advised with warfarin or similar

Supplements: Grape Seed Extract is generally less expensive than the brand name Pycnogenol, and they are very similar. Viridian produce both Grape Seed Extract, Pycnogenol, and an excellent combination which yields 50mg per vegetarian capsule. Also Nature’s Aid Pycnogenol tablets.

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VITAMINS

Vitamin C

In parts of Europe and Asia, vitamin C is considered part of routine treatment for glaucoma. It lowers eye pressure through a combination of decreasing fluid production and improving the outflow of aqueous humor. It also improves collagen metabolism, which may be one of the underlying reasons for the development of glaucoma.

In one study, a single dose of Vitamin C improved intra-ocular pressure for up to 8 hours.

The normal healthy lens of the eye contains a higher level of vitamin C that any other organ of the body except the adrenal glands. Studies have shown a decreased level of vitamin C in the aqueous humour as well as in the overall body when cataracts are forming. Vitamin C has also been shown to control sugar imbalances that often play a role in cataract formation.

Vitamin C reduces the risk of diabetic retinopathy by inhibiting the accumulation of sorbitol. 500mg Vit. C has been shown to raise Glutathione levels by 50% - Glutathione is a particularly important protective anti-oxidant for the eye. Glutathione levels are important in cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and many ageing processes.

Vitamin C helps maintain and repair a healthy cornea.
Vitamin C is of course necessary for many other processes in the body.

Warnings: physician’s guidance with liver or kidney problems.

Supplements: cheap vitamin C is widely available but the usual form, Ascorbic Acid, may be too acid for some. Some tablets contains a lot of unnatural fillers. Look for a time release formulation, and/or take your vitamin C little and often. Low acid formulations are kinder for those with sensitive stomachs. Try Viridian’s Ester C capsules or Acerola powder; Bio-Health’s Bio C powder; Quest Bio-C with extra bioflavonoids, especially useful for the eyes.

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Vitamin B2 - Riboflavin

Riboflavin, ie. vitamin B2, helps the eyes by boosting Glutathione levels. Glutathione is an important antioxidant for the eye and is made in our bodies when the right nutrients are present. Glutathione levels are important in cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and many ageing processes.

Vitamin B2 is also helpful for migraines, brain health and energy production. It should be taken as part of a B complex. B vitamins are generally involved in nerve health and energy production, and are essential to reduce our levels of homocysteine, a toxic amino acid implicated in heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Some B vitamins are depleted by alcohol, the drug metformin, or oral contraceptives, and all are deficient in processed and refined foods, so supplements can be useful.

Warnings: avoid with cataracts.
causes harmless yellow discoloration of urine.
high doses of vitamin B3 may cause harmless facial flushing.

Supplements: any B Complex supplement will contain B2. Viridian make High Two, a B Complex with 200mg extra B2 added.

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Viridian Anti-Oxidant Formula

This contains all the above anti-oxidants in one capsule, plus trace minerals and more.
A very convenient way to boost your daily anti-oxidant protection.

Viridian Antioxidant Formula contains:

Vitamin C as magnesium ascorbate 150mg
Grape Seed Extract 30mg
Mixed carotenoids including Lutein 5mg
Zinc 5mg
Selenium 100microg.
L-Glutathione 15mg
Alpha-Lipoic Acid 10mg
Also contains Copper, L-Cysteine, B2, B6, and Manganese.

Warnings: none at maintenance dose of one capsule per day, but see individual ingredients.

Supplements: Viridian Anti-Oxidant Formula is available in independent health stores and from me at Ordering Supplements. Other Anti-Oxidant combinations are also available.

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MINERALS

Chromium

This metal is an essential mineral for eye health. Chromium is necessary for the development of the ciliary muscles of the eye, which control focussing. A deficiency may contribute to short-sightedness.

Chromium is also essential for the manufacture of Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF), which helps regulate blood sugar. Chromium deficiency may be involved in weight problems and type 2 diabetes, and diabetic retinopathy is a major cause of blindness. Chromium can help regulate sugar cravings, and is lacking in refined foods.

It works best with adequate levels of vitamin C and Folic Acid.

Warnings: may enhance the effect of diabetes drugs. Use only under supervision.

Supplements: Widely available: sometimes called GTF (Glucose Tolerance Factor) Chromium. Viridian Chromium Complex contains 200mcg. chromium plus zinc and alpha lipoic acid.

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Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that relaxes smooth muscle, which regulates the outflow of aqueous humour from the eye. Problems with this outflow are one of the major causes of glaucoma.

Magnesium benefits heart health, Magnesium is also used for migraines, cramps, PMS with irritability or anxiety, and can help mood swings. Magnesium is essential for bone health.

Vitamin B6 may be included in Magnesium supplements. B6 reduces homocysteine, for more info please see Heart Health pages. B6 also raises cellular magnesium levels and help lift depression.

Warnings: physician’s guidance advised with kidney or heart disease, heart medication,
or ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure.

Supplements: Several companies produce Magnesium with B6, for example Viridian. Biohealth make a useful pure Magnesium, called Extra Magnesium 100mg.

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Selenium

A mineral essential for the production of Glutathione, an important anti-oxidant for eye health. Glutathione levels are important in cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and many ageing processes.

Cataract sufferers tend to have low levels of selenium. Helps to boost immunity, increase white blood cells and combat ageing effects. Works well with vitamin E.

Warnings: none at recommended dosages: Safe at levels of 100-200 micrograms.

Supplements: Natures Aid Selenium 100mcg tablets are excellent value, and also contain 15mg zinc, 800 mcg. vitamin A, 33 mcg. vitamin E, 90mg vitamin C, some B6 and copper. Viridian Selenium is 200mcg in a vegetarian capsule.

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Zinc

Zinc is an antioxidant and helps protect cells and blood vessels. A deficiency of zinc is associated with increased incidence of type 2 diabetes, and the associated diabetic retinopathy. Zinc is necessary, along with manganese and copper, for the production of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) an enzyme that protects the lens from cataracts.

Zinc is often depleted in vegetables due to modern farming methods. Older people and those with rheumatoid arthritis often have a lack of zinc, and this may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. Zinc is essential for the immune and male reproductive systems.

Warnings: do not exceed the recommended daily dose for long periods.
best absorbed when taken separately from high fibre food.

Supplements: Widely available. Quest or Viridian are good brands.

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Viridian Trace Mineral Complex

viridian trace minerals for healthy vision

This combo would top you up on all the minerals with special uses in the eye, with the exception of zinc and magnesium, which are major minerals sold separately.
Includes:

Selenium 200 microg. For Glutathione production
Chromium 200 microg. For eye muscles and blood sugar regulation
Vanadium 50 microg. involved in blood sugar control
Manganese 15mg and Copper 1mg for Superoxide Dismutase to protect the lens (along with Zinc)
Also contains Boron 1mg and Molybdenum 200 microg.

Warnings: physician’s guidance advised with lithium.

Supplements: Viridian Trace Mineral complex is available in independent health stores and from me at Ordering Supplements. Dead Sea mineral drops are excellent but not high dose. Other mineral combinations are also available.

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HERBS

Bilberry and Eyebright.

Bilberry is a source of LUTEIN, and of the OPC flavonoids (plant compounds) described under Grape Seed Extract.

It is beneficial in cataract and macular degeneration, and through protecting the collagen in the eye, it can help prevent and treat glaucoma.

It improves circulation to the eye and protects the blood vessels.

Eyebright.
Eyebright may be included in bilberry remedies, and is also available separately, though it is a little harder to come by.

Eyebright is traditionally used for eye fatigue, sensitivity to light, problems of eye muscles, and
conjunctivitis. It contains flavonoids, plant sterols and vitamin C. It is also a useful catarrh herb. Eyebright drops or herb tea can be diluted into an eyebath for dry or sore eyes (see warnings), or used as a relaxing compress on the eyelids.

Warnings : Caution applying herbs to the eye, best done with supervision from a professional herbalist. Only use sterile, or recently boiled and cooled, water. Do not store the eyebath mixture or bacteria may develop in it.

Supplements: Viridian Bilberry with Eyebright vegecaps. Natures Aid Bilberry tablets. Vogel Bilberry tincture, and Eyebright tincture(drops). Eyebright can be puchased as dried herb.

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Turmeric

This herb has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for eye health. We now know it helps protect the lens from cataract by boosting Glutathione, an important anti-oxidant for the eye. Glutathione prevents a particular kind of cell damage called glycolysation. Glutathione levels are important in cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and many ageing processes.

Turmeric also protects the liver, aids the excretion of cholesterol and is an anti-inflammatory.

Warnings: physician’s guidance advised with warfarin or similar.
not advised with biliary obstruction/gallstones.

Supplements: I recommend Viridian Organic Turmeric 400mg.

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EYE CARE COMBINATIONS

Viridian Lutein Plus

This is a fantastic combination of nutrients known to help maintain eye health. Available from Ordering Supplements.It is suitable for those with macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma or diabetic viridian lutein plus for healthy vision

retinopathy, and can also be useful for general eye strain or poor night vision. The effectiveness of all the ingredients is backed by research.
Lutein Plus contains a good 10mg LUTEIN, and other carotenoids including lycopene – substances found in highly-coloured plants. Carotenoids protect the eye from damage by free radicals, helping reduce the risk of macular degeneration and cataract. They are needed to form the visual pigments called rhodopsins.

Lutein is known as ‘nature’s sunglasses’. It shields the eye from the damaging blue wavelengths of light that increase the risk of macular degeneration. Considerable research shows lutein benefits macular degeneration. It also protects the inner eye from ultra-violet light, which contributes to cataracts.

Lutein Plus also contains Bilberry, a rich source of both lutein and OPCs, plant compounds that are potent anti-oxidants. Bilberry is beneficial in cataract and macular degeneration, and through protecting the collagen in the eye, it can help prevent and treat glaucoma. It improves circulation to the eye and protects the blood vessels.
The minerals chromium, copper, selenium and zinc are anti-oxidants, protecting the eye from free radical damage, and helping to balance blood sugar and protect the collagen of the eye. They are also required for important enzymes in the retina.

In addition, Viridian Lutein Plus contains two anti-oxidant amino acids. Glutathione helps preserve the transparency of the lens and cornea. Taurine is found in significant levels in the lens, cornea, and in human tears. It is even added to some contact lens solutions!
You can read more about carotenoids, lutein, bilberry, glutathione, pine bark, chromium, selenium and zinc elsewhere in this section.

Ingredients per vegetarian capsule:
Lutein 10mg
Beta Carotene 5mg
Carotenoids 254mcg
Bilberry 100mg
L-Taurine 50mg
Vit E 50IU
Bioflavonoids 20mg
Selenium 100mcg
Chromium 100mcg
Pine Bark 20mg
Zinc 5mg
L-Glutathione 10mg
Lycopene 500mcg
Copper 500mcg

Warnings: avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin are best absorbed when taken with a meal containing fat.

There are many other combination remedies on the market, for a comparison,
use the Natural Health Answers Report.

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Footnotes
* Viridian herbal products contain a mixture of standardised extract and whole herb. The measure in milligrams combines these.

More Information and Support.

This page lists some natural remedies - there are many others.

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