Ocular Health Treatment   Many eye problems are the direct result of underlying diseases elsewhere in the body.  It is essential that the underlying disorder be identified through a complete diagnostic workup by a qualified health care professional, in order to render appropriate treatment.               Since chronic glaucoma often has no symptoms until late in the disease, all individuals should undergo regular tonometry tests and optic nerve evaluations to measure eye pressure.  Early glaucoma detection and treatment may prevent permanent eye damage.  Standard treatment options may include cholinergic eye drops to reduce the eye pressure, and/or surgery to drain the fluid in the eye.     Supplements helpful for Ocular Health   Antioxidants (Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Beta-carotene, Vitamin A) Vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene are potent antioxidants that help protect against free radical damage in the body and the effects of eye aging.  Vitamin A and its precursor, beta-carotene, are important antioxidants, which are vital for normal vision.  Vitamin A is equally essential for the photopigments responsible for night vision. Vitamin A supplementation may help prevent eye disorders caused by vitamin A deficiency including night blindness (nyctalopia). [2]   Cataract and macular degeneration patients are often deficient in antioxidants. Studies indicate that supplementation with vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene decreases cataract risk by more than 50 percent, and may help improve vision. [3, 5] Other studies show that supplementation with vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene helps protect against macular degeneration. [6, 7]  Furthermore, supplementation with vitamin C may help reduce eye pressure in glaucoma patients. [8]   Bioflavonoids (bilberry) European bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) extract contains a potent bioflavonoid antioxidant, anthocyanosides (blue-red pigments contained in berries).  Bilberry supplementation has been shown to increase blood flow to the eye, thereby leading to improvements in vision.  Studies suggest that bilberry supplementation may help certain eye disorders including macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. [9, 10]   Zinc Zinc, a nutritional mineral, is often low in the elderly and plays an important role in retinal function. [11]  One study shows that zinc supplementation may help improve vision loss in patients with age-related macular degeneration. [12]  Since zinc also regulates the release of vitamin A, a zinc deficiency may also adversely affect vision by inhibiting the release of vitamin A and its related compounds.   Selenium and Glutathione Cataract patients have deficiencies in selenium and selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), an important antioxidant enzyme.  Lower levels of glutathione and selenium may contribute to the development and progression of cataracts. [13]   Carotenoids (Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Lycopene ) Lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene are carotenoid antioxidants found in the eye.  These nutrients help protect against free radical damage in the eyes. [14, 15] In fact, certain studies have found that patients with low levels of lycopene are twice as likely to have age-related macular degeneration.[16]  Another study found that eating a variety of carotenoid-containing foods helps protect against AMD. [17]   Grape seed extract Grape seed extract contains a potent bioflavonoid antioxidant, proanthocyanidins (PCO).  Grape seed supplementation may help protect against free radical damage and enhance the absorption of vitamin C. [18] Grape seed extract supplementation may be extremely relevant for ocular health, as it has been shown to protect against AMD, improve poor night vision, and decrease one's sensitivity to bright light (photophobia). [19]   Gingko biloba Gingko biloba extract contains the potent bioflavonoid antioxidant, ginkgo flavonglycosides.  Supplementation with gingko biloba extract may help improve eye pressure in glaucoma patients and protect against AMD and retinopathy. [19]   Melatonin Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain, is also an antioxidant which offers free radical protection. Because of this property, melatonin supplementation may afford some protection against the formation of cataracts. [20]   Hachimijiogan Hachimijiogan, a Chinese formula containing 8 herbs, has been used to treat cataracts for centuries.  Hachimijiogan supplementation may confer antioxidant protection in the eye and help protect against the formation of cataracts. [21]   Magnesium Magnesium, a nutritional mineral, may help improve eye pressure in glaucoma patients.  One study showed that magnesium supplementation helped improve blood supply to the eyes and assisted with vision of glaucoma patients. [22]   Chromium Glaucoma patients are often low in the trace mineral, chromium.  Low levels of this mineral are associated with high intraocular pressure and reduced focusing ability of the eyes. [23]     Learn More About Ocular Health Introduction to Ocular Health Ocular Health Treatment Products helpful for Ocular Health Go Back Learn More

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