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Eyeing the Problem: Vitamin and Herbal Support      for Healthy Vision

Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it~Confucius

The eye is a very complex structure that is vital to our processing of visual information and the cues this provides to the rest of the body.  Despite this complexity, there are only a handful of nutrients that support the eye and most of the problems that we have with it.  A deficiency in even one nutrient can cause eye problems.  Being on the computer all of the time causes a need for vision support, and wearing contact lenses increases the risk of injury and infection.  Certain drugs can also cause eye abnormalities including ACTH, allopurinol, anticoagulants heparin or coumadin, aspirin, cortisone, prednisone and prednisolone, Diabinese, diuretics, antihistimines, and digitalis preparations.  Disturbances in color perception can be caused by Indocin, marijuana, niacin (if taken for long periods of time), streptomycin, sulfa drugs and tetracycline.  Supplements can be used to prevent or even correct certain eye problems.

The most important nutrients for the eyes are as follows:

Vitamin A--We are all familiar with the association between vision and Vitamin A.  It is absolutely vital to the integrity of the mucous membranes of the eye, helps protect the eye from infection, is an important antioxidant for the eye, and concentrated levels of it are found in the macula.

Lutein, Zeaxanthin & Other Carotenoids--Several carotenoids, the compounds that give plants their color, are important to the eye.  A carotenoid complex can strengthen the eye and all of its component parts.  Carotenoids that are especially important to the eyes include lutein and zeaxanthin, which are found in concentrated amounts in both the macula and the retina.  The food that is highest in lutein is corn.  Orange pepper has the highest concentration of zeaxanthin.  Other foods high in carotenoids are kale, broccoli, and squash.  A higher dietary intake of carotenoids is associated with a lower risk of macular degeneration.  Carotenoids can also be found in supplement form for additional support.

Free Form Amino Acid Complex--Necessary for making eye proteins, which, along with Vitamin A, are constantly being used up by the eye as images are formed.

Taurine--An amino acid found in high concentrations in the retina.  This amino acid in combination with zinc is very important to eye function.

Zinc--Is very important to the functioning of the eye and a deficiency of this mineral has been linked to retinal detachment.

Vitamin C plus bioflavanoids--Acts as an antioxidant to reduce interoccular pressure.

NAC--An important antioxidant that, along with B-6, protects the lens of the eye.

Eyebright--This herb has a great affinity for the eyes and the sinuses.  It strengthens all of the eyes tissues.  It provides an elasticity to the nerves and optic mechanisms that permit us to see.  Eyebright can be used as an eyewash for inflammation of the eyes, conjunctivitis, opthalmia, eyestrain, or just about any eye issue you are having.  Make a tea, cool it, and wash the eye with it.  It can also be taken internally and is especially helpful if you have accompanying symptoms of sinus issues or allergies.

Goldenseal--This herb is a natural antibiotic and great for any eye infection or other problem.  It can be used as an eyewash by making a tea, cooling it, and washing the eye with it.  It can also be taken internally, but is not to be taken as a preventative measure.  As with any herb, you must check goldenseal for interactions with any drug you are taking. 

There are combination formulas that work very well in supporting the eyes including Occuguard by TWINLAB (on sale this month), Able Eyes by Carlson, and Vision Enhancement by Gaia.  Similisan also makes homeopathic combination formulas for the eyes for such conditions as dry eyes, allergy eyes, pink eye, computer eyes, or cataract care. Boiron makes a great combination formula for red, dry, itching or burning eyes.  Ask our staff to direct you to the one that is most suited to your needs.

Certain conditions of the eye can also be helped by a combination of nutrients.  We will review some of the most common below:

Cataracts--Since cataracts are a disease of the lens of the eye, the nutrients for correcting or preventing them are related to maintaining a healthy lens.  Antioxidants NAC (precursor to glutathione), grape seed extract, selenium and Vitamin E all act to prevent free radicals that can destroy eye tissue.  Copper (3 mg) and manganese (10 mg) are important for healing and retarding the growth of cataracts.  L-lysine, an amino acid, is important to the collagen formation that is necessary for lens repair.  The B-complex vitamins help with overall eye metabolism and support the nerves in the eye that nourish the tissues.  Homeopathic silicea 6X is good for cataracts as the lens contains a high concentration of silica.  Chapparal strengthens the eyes and can help dissolve cataracts.  Cataracts that have progressed significantly may require surgery.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration--This condition is a progressive loss of vision related to degeneration of the macula, the part of the eye responsible for fine vision.  It is caused by a hardening of the arteries that nourish the retina, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients.  Important antioxidants for this condition include CoQ10, grape seed extract, selenium and vitamins C & E.  Vitamin A, lutein, and zeaxanthin are concentrated at high levels in the macula, so supplementing with these nutrients is vital.  Blueberries, bilberry & gingko can improve circulation to the eyes, allowing nutrients to get to them and strengthening the blood vessels in the eye.  As always, herbs must be checked against drugs you take for any reason to make sure there would be no interaction.  Combination formulas like TWINLAB's Occuguard can be helpful with this condition.

Night Blindness--Bilberry is perhaps the best herb for night blindness or intense visual tasks.  It brings circulation to the eye so that it can function properly.  Vitamin A is also very important to improving night vision.

Double vision--Homeopathic Natrum Muriaticum 6X can help with double vision accompanied by a headache.

Conjunctivitis or Other Infections--Eyebright, goldenseal or mullein can be used as an eyewash. Similisan's pink eye formula may also rid you of the infection. 

Shingles--When this condition affects the eyes, 1000-2000 mcg of B-12 should be taken each day to protect the nerves in the eye.  L-lysine is also important for slowing down the virus.

Dry eyes--Evening primrose oil, 1000 mg 2-3 times per day, can really help with this condition.  Vitamin A is also very important, as are lutein and zeaxanthin.  Similisan also has a homeopathic dry eye formula. 

Eye Strain--Using goldenseal as an eyewash will calm eye strain.  Raspberry leaf tea can be used as an eyewash for very bloodshot eyes.  If you work on a computer frequently, make sure you take breaks to focus on far away objects for a few minutes each hour.  Bilberry is excellent for intense visual tasks such as extended night driving or all night studying, but may not be as good for work on the computer. It opens up the blood vessels so easily that the light from the computer may then bother you.  Cucumber slices over the eyes can also have a very cooling effect and soothe the eyes.

Floaters--These are caused by bits of cellular debris that cast shadows over the retina.  L-methionine, an amino acid, chelates heavy metals that can cause this condition. 

Whatever your issue with your eyes, clearly the most important nutrient is Vitamin A, closely followed by the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin.  The eyes are so important to our daily lives that it makes sense to take good care of them.  While regular eye check-ups are necessary due to the complex structure of the eye, many simple conditions of the eye and eye maintenance can clearly be enhanced by supplements.