Sight is a sense that we rely very heavily on. Though it is also one of the easiest senses to lose. Visual loss can occur for many reasons such as optic nerve damage, infection, glaucoma, cataracts, eye trauma, vitamin deficiencies, etc.

Most visual problems are treated with glasses or contacts. Though many question whether this is the proper way to treat such problems. The problem is that glasses and contacts force the eyes to focus with these objects. In order to do this the muscles in the eye must pull on the globe of the eye to force it in to a shape that will allow the eye to focus with the eyeglasses or contacts. This creates a problem. This strengthens the eye muscles that are needed to focus the vision with the glasses or contacts, at the expense of other eye muscles. So the stronger eye muscles keep the globe of the eye pulled in one direction, which creates a dependence on the glasses or contacts to see. Gradually the vision continues to weaken and stronger eye glass or contact prescriptions become necessary. Another way to look at this problem is that experts recommend that if you do a lot of reading or computer work that you should look up and off in to the distance frequently. Otherwise only the muscles for focusing up close get strengthened and other eye muscles weaken. When this occurs the muscles in the eye can contract, even when you are not looking at things up close. The muscles in the eye are so strong that are trying to force the eye in to a shape to focus up close, and ability to focus on objects far away becomes more difficult. Because of this it is recommended that people who are trying to improve their vision either not wear their glasses whenever possible, or wear weaker prescriptions whenever they can. This helps to strengthen the weaker muscles in the eye as they fight to regain focus of the eye.

Stress can also affect vision for a similar reason. When we are under stress the muscles in the eye pull the globe out of shape leading to a distortion of the vision.

Here is a brief description of a few of the more common eye problems:

1. Astigmatism- An abnormal curvature of the cornea of the eye, which leads to a greater magnification in some areas of the eye than in others.

2. Macular degeneration- A breakdown of the blood vessels in the back portion of the eye, known as the macula. The macula is the portion of the eye where the light coming through the lense of the eye focuses. The broken blood vessels are replaced with scar tissue, which interferes with the ability of the eye to interpret the light entering the eye, which is the basis for our sight.

3. Night blindness- A loss of the ability to see well in lower light levels. This can occur from a lack of vitamin A or zinc, lack of rhodopsin in the rods of the eye, retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, cataracts, and optic nerve damage. Genetics and pharmaceutical medications have also been implicated as causes in some cases of night blindness.

4. Xerophthalmia (photophobia)- This is sort of the opposite of night blindness. In this case the eyes are extremely light sensitive. Tear production is also reduced, preventing the eyes from receiving proper lubrication. This in turn can cause ulcerations and infections of the eyes. Vitamin A deficiency is one known cause. Some pharmaceutical drugs are also known for their ability to increase light sensitivity of the eyes.

5. Glaucoma- This is generally defined as an abnormally high pressure within the eye. Though glaucoma may also occur without the increased pressure. A rise of pressure within the eye can lead to damage of blood vessels within the eye. There is optic nerve degeneration in glaucoma whether or not the internal pressure of the eye is elevated. There are different forms of glaucoma with different causes. A few of the causes are genetics, pharmaceutical drugs; such as antihistamines and decongestants, eye infections, scar tissue between the iris and the cornea, eye trauma, eye tumors, and blockage of the drainage system for the aqueous humor within the eyeballs. Age, race, diabetes, the use of pharmaceutical steroids, previous eye surgery, eye infections, and genetics all play a role in the risk of developing glaucoma.

6. Cataracts- These occur from changes of the protein structure within the lens of the eye. The results are a opaque clouding of the lens, decreasing the ability to see properly. Free radical damage is considered by some to be the main cause for the development of cataracts. A few other known causes are eye trauma, the use of steroidal medications, chemical exposure, radiation exposure; including sunlight, and certain genetic conditions. Diabetes also increases the risk of developing cataracts.

Historical uses of ingredients:

Juniper berry- Used to strengthen the optic nerve, improve night vision, lower blood sugar in diabetics, and to strengthen the adrenal glands, which prevents stress induced visual problems. Vitamin C, bioflavonoids, and sulfur in juniper berries may help macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy by strengthening the blood vessels in the eyes. Gallotannins, found in juniper berries are strong antioxidants to quench free radicals.

Schisandra berries- Used in Chinese medicine to treat astigmatism, eye fatigue, night blindness, to improve peripheral vision and eye adaptation to the dark, and to strengthen the adrenal glands. Vitamin C and bioflavonoids in the schisandra berries may help prevent macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

Bilberry extract- Used to increase rhodopsin to assist with night blindness. The vitamin C and bioflavonoids in the berries may help with preventing macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

Lycii berry- Used in Chinese medicine to treat various visual problems, especially night blindness.

Eyebright- Contains a bioflavonoid that strengthens the blood vessels in the back of the eye.

Amla berries- Used to treat glaucoma by reducing pressure within the eye. Contains vitamin C and bioflavonoids, which strengthen the blood vessels in the eye. Prevents free radical damage.

Dandelion leaf- A great source of the antioxidants vitamin A and E, which prevent free radical damage.

Shi jue ming- Used in Chinese medicine to treat a variety of eye problems, including cataracts.

EPA/DHA- Naturally occurring fatty acids. They are particularly important for
proper retinal function, and have been found to decrease the risk of macular degeneration. Also important for the structure and function of the nervous system, including the optic nerve. Increases rhodopsin levels in the rods of the eye.

Stevia- A good source of chromium, which helps in the regulation of blood sugar, which may help prevent diabetic cataracts.

Silica- Improves nerve function, such as the optic nerve. Improves the strength of the blood vessels in the eyes.

Zinc- Necessary to move vitamin A from the liver to the retina.

Recommended use is 1/3 to 1/2 teaspoon of the powder 3 times daily on an empty stomach at least 20 minutes before meals. The powder can be mixed in juice, water, or unsweetened applesauce, or may be placed under the tongue and washed down with water.

Note: The herbal claims being made are based on historical uses and scientific research from outside the U.S.A. They have not been reviewed or approved by the FDA. The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a guide for the diagnosis or treatment of any disease.