Eye see…
And when we don’t see? Because something is going wrong with our eyesight? It’s time to focus on this important and delicate area and see what natural medicine can do to help.
Many issues to do with the condition of the eyes is around circulation, blood vessel health, fatty acid sufficiency and inflammation. Often the first step for people is go grab some cheap glasses and see if this fixes the issue. We also expect to have some changes to our eyesight as we age, like most tissue in our bodies, which change over the years.
When it comes to our eyes however, this is precious tissue, and we want to be sure we are doing all we can to retain our vision in the best shape possible for as long as possible.
Here’s where understanding your eye’s needs comes in. Some key nutrients are an important starting place, followed by herbs as medicine:
Vitamin A: This nutrient is particularly helpful as it helps to keep the cornea (outside covering) of your eye clear. Vitamin A also helps with night vision. For some people, their eyesight is only an issue when the light is low, in which case this Vitamin could be the key. We prefer it in a safe form that your body can convert as much as it needs from - ask us for details.
Vitamin E: Antioxidants are known to benefit your eye tissue, protecting it from free radical damage. Several studies have shown that taking Vitamin E may reduce the risk of macular degeneration progression and cataracts.
Vitamin C: Required for collagen production all over the body, and in the eye, for the structure of tissue in the cornea and sclera. A reduced risk of cataracts has been noted when supplemental Vitamin C has been introduced.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Both of these carotenoids can be found in the macula and retina of your eyes, acting to filter blue light and protec your eyes from damage. Vision improvement has been shown at 15mg of Lutein per day, but we recommend an individual assessment before leaping in to any supplements.
Omega-3: So much has been written about the benefits of fish oil for the human body, and here is another. Fish oil contains both EPA and DHA - acids that protect cells from damage. Your retina contains high concentrations of DHA, and if we’re not eating enough fish each week, this is hard to obtain in sufficient quantities. Omega-3 is also anti-inflammatory, and one of the main diets of longevity (and eye health) - the Mediterranean diet - is high in Omega-3.
These are only a few of the nutrients that your eyes need to stay healthy, and you can find out more by booking a session with us to talk about your individual needs.
Herbally, our go-to for eye health is Bilberry. This herb (berry) has been studied for many years for conditions of microvascular circulation (the small vessels, of which the eye has many), and been found to be useful for many visual disorders, including myopia and simple glaucoma. It makes sense, as it is also used for dysfunctional veins in the lower legs, kidneys, bowel (haemorrhoids), bruising and diabetic vascular issues.
So, before you reach for those glasses as your first option, take a look at your nutrient status and see what you can achieve optimising this first. We’re here to help with that.
[This article is not in place of seeing your optician if you have changes to your eyesight that are concerning to you, or your medical practitioner for other vascular concerns. It is not a prescription, and we recommend a consultation if you would like to tailor your healthcare. We work with health professionals of all kinds to bring a complementary approach to healthcare]
