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.