Health Topics > Eye Health > eyeconditions

EYE CONDITIONS

Dry Eye Syndrome
Floaters
Degeneration of the back of the eye (retina) - most common form being Macular Degeneration
Cataracts - clouding of the lens
Glaucoma - increased pressure in the eye
Amsler Grid to detect signs of vision loss and monitoring your central visual field

1. DRY EYE SYNDROME

Constant dryness, scratching and/or burning in your eyes may be signs of Dry Eye Syndrome - also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca - which is largely due to a problem with the eyes not producing enough tears for washing out dust and debris.

What are the causes?

This condition should be checked with an Optometrist or Opthalmologist (eye surgeon) to determine the cause. Common causes may include; ageing, side effects of some medications, symptoms of auto immune diseases such as Lupus, wearing contact lenses and hot, dry and dusty conditions as seen in Australia.

General recommendations

Try to include more oily fish in your diet such as sardines, salmon, tuna and trout as these contain omega 3 fatty acids. Always remember to help protect your eyes outside by wearing sunglasses. Reduce smoking and stress and limit wine consumption.

Raw Juicing

Blood flow within the eye decreases with age therefore essential nutrients are deprived for proper function. Fresh raw juices help reduce free radicals. See "Raw Juices Can Save Your Life" book, page 88 for specific juices to help with other eye problems including eye strain, Presbyopia and Haemorrhage or blood clots in the eyes.

Recommended supplements

Flaxseed capsules

Take 2 daily - Researchers suggest that including Flaxseed Oil makes Fish Oil supplementation more effective.

Omega 3 Fish Oil

Take 2 capsules two to three times daily - It is reported that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil protects the eye from Dry Eye Syndrome.

2. FLOATERS

Most floaters - muscae volitantes - are the result of bits of cells that remain in the vitreous (gel-like fluid) humor after birth and float around when the vitreous shrinks as we get older. As the vitreous gel shrinks, floaters (the collagen protein inside it) may appear as wiggly, hazy thread-like lines or spots. They are generally seen in light-coloured backrounds and are not usually noticeable all day. Floaters are very common in those who are nearsighted or have had cataract surgery.

General recommendations

Try to eat foods that have high amounts of Lutein and Zeaxanthin such as; egg yolk, orange peppers, kiwi, grapes, spinach, orange juice and zucchini. Always protect your eyes outside by wearing sunglasses and try to reduce smoking and stress and limit wine consumption

Raw juicing

Fresh raw juices help reduce free radicals. Try to include fresh green leafy vegetables and salads daily. See "Raw Juices Can Save Your Life" book, page 88 for specific juices to help with eye problems.

Recommended supplements

Selenium tablets

Take 2 tablets twice daily. Selenium is an excellent antioxidant and important in maintaining healthy eye function.

3. MACULAR DEGENERATION

Degeneration (AMD-Aged Related Macular Degeneration) is the slow deterioration of the cells in the macular, a tiny yellowish area near the centre of the retina. It is responsible for clear vision reading, recognizing faces and the discernment of colours. With ageing, the macular becomes thin and gradually destroys sharp, central vision.

How common is it?

It is estimated that over 800,000 Australians have some form of MD, and this will triple over the next 25 years, with women twice as likely to develop MD as men.

What causes it?

One of the major causes of AMD is thought to be exposure to free radicals caused by smoking, air pollutants, radiation, environmental toxins, drugs and AMD family history.

General recommendations

Lutein and Zeaxanthin have been known to protect the macular pigment. Studies have shown that these two supplements are essential in helping preserve vision for those with macular related eye diseases, floaters, cataracts, macular degeneration.

Fish oil may help prevent MD. New studies (appeared in the Archives of ophthalmology) suggest a diet rich in fish (omega – 3 fatty acids found in fish) not only helps the heart and brain but adds evidence to helping protect the eyes. Always protect your eyes outside by wearing sunglasses, reduce smoking, limit wine and reduce stress.

Raw Juicing

Include fresh raw juices daily to helps reduce free radicals. Use a variety of colours such as; broccoli, green and/or red bell peppers. See "Raw Juices Can Save Your Life" book, page 88 for specific juices to help with eye problems.

Recommended supplements

Omega 3 Fish oil

Take 2 capsules two to three times daily wtih meals - New studies (appeared in the Archives of ophthalmology) suggest a diet rich in fish (omega – 3 fatty acids found in fish) not only helps the heart and brain but adds evidence to helping protect the eyes.

Selenium tablets

Take 2 tablets twice daily. Selenium is an excellent antioxidant and important in maintaining healthy eye function.

4. CATARACTS

A cataract is an opaque spot (clouding) on the lens of the eye that you cannot see through, as it has blocked/changed the passageway of light. As a result, your vision may diminish or become blurry. It has been shown that the origin of cataract formation and macular degeneration is ultimately related to damage caused by free radicals.

How common is it?

Cataracts are very common in older people with most cataracts being related to ageing. However, cataracts are more common and progress more rapidly in people with diabetes.

General recommendations

Always protect your eyes outside by wearing sunglasses. Reduce stress, smoking and limit wine consumption.

Raw juicing

Fresh raw juices help reduce free radicals. Try using; carrot, spinach, celery, parsley, berries. See "Raw Juices Can Save Your Life" book, page 88 for specific juices to help with eye problems.

Recommended book:

"Diabetes Type 2" You Can Reverse It Naturally! In this book you will learn; the importance of protein to blood sugar control and weight loss, nutrients that diabetics need, reducing complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease and blindness. You will also learn specific foods, herbs and essential tests that all diabetics must have regularly to maintain good health.

Recommended supplements

Selenium tablets

Take 2 tablets twice daily. Selenium is an excellent antioxidant and important in maintaining healthy eye function.

5. GLAUCOMA

Glaucoma is an eye disease that involves the balance of the fluid (filling the eye) and an elevation in pressure inside the eye. The fluid is formed more rapidly than it leaves the eye and pressure builds up resulting in damage to the retina. There are different types of glaucoma and a regular visits with your Ophthalmologist is recommended.

How common is it?

Glaucoma Australia suggest that over 300,000 Australians have glaucoma. While it is more common as people age, it can occur at any age. Some people are at higher risk than others and these include; those over 60 years of age as well as those with a family history.

General recommendations

Always protect your eyes outside by wearing sunglasses. Reduce stress and smoking and limit wine consumption.

Raw Juicing

Try to include fresh raw fruit and vegetables including; dandelion root, beet including top, carrots, apple, berries. See "Raw Juices Can Save Your Life" book, page 88 for specific juices to help with eye problems.

Recommended book:

Recommended supplements

Selenium tablets

Take 2 tablets twice daily. Selenium is an excellent antioxidant and important in maintaining healthy eye function.

6. Amsler Grid

Using the Amsler grid may help to detect signs of vision loss and monitoring your central visual field.

Directions:

If you wear reading glasses, then put them on.
Stand at a reading distance (12") from the grid in a well lit room.
Cover one eye with your hand. Look at the center dot at all times. If you notice any area on the grid that is blurred, distorted, discoloured or missing, you may be exhibiting signs of AMD and should contact your ophthalmologist promptly.
Do this test for each eye seperately.