The document summarizes Alzheimer's disease. It discusses how AD involves shrinkage of brain tissue and deposits of tau proteins. Symptoms include changes in behavior and problems with memory. While aging is a risk factor, other factors may also play a role. Family caregivers take on a significant responsibility as the disease progresses. Managing AD care is challenging and often requires caregivers to sacrifice their jobs and free time.
Cerebral Palsy is a motor disability appearing in early life due to brain damage. It has a prevalence of 1-4 per 1000 live births. Etiologies include prenatal, perinatal and postnatal insults. It is classified as spastic, dyskinetic or ataxic. Visual characteristics include refractive errors like hyperopia, strabismus in over 10% of cases, and reduced accommodation. Down Syndrome is a genetic condition caused by trisomy 21. Its prevalence is about 1 in 700 live births. Physical characteristics include low muscle tone, a flat facial profile, and health issues such as congenital heart defects and hearing loss.
Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible and progressive brain disorder that causes nerve cell death and the formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. It was first discovered in 1906 by Dr. Alois Alzheimer. Risk factors include increasing age, family history, and medical conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. Symptoms start with mild forgetfulness and trouble remembering recent events and advance to include problems thinking clearly, mood changes, and loss of bodily functions. While there is no cure, lifestyle factors like exercise, intellectual stimulation, and diet may help slow the progression of the disease.
This document discusses Alzheimer's disease, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, risk factors, and current research. It notes that Alzheimer's results from the loss of neurons in the brain, leading to memory loss, thinking problems, and behavioral changes. Two abnormal lesions - beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles - are hallmarks of the disease. Risk factors include older age, family history, and certain genes. While there is no cure currently, lifestyle factors like exercise, diet, social activity, and mental stimulation may help reduce risk or slow progression.
The document discusses visually handicapped and visually challenged individuals. It defines different types of blindness from complete blindness to mild or moderate vision impairment. The leading causes of vision loss globally are uncorrected refractive errors and cataracts. Some key causes of blindness include glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and certain eye diseases. Symptoms may include cloudy vision, inability to see shapes, or poor night vision. Blindness is diagnosed through eye exams and can sometimes be treated through glasses, surgery, medication or learning adaptive skills depending on the cause and severity of vision loss.
Health issues of people with disabilitiesÄshish Kumar
The document discusses health issues faced by people with disabilities in West Africa. It notes that 600 million people live with disabilities globally, with numbers growing due to factors like population growth, aging, and chronic conditions. 80% of disabled people live in low-income countries. Poverty limits healthcare access while socioeconomic inequality and cultural beliefs impact acceptance. Common causes of disability discussed include cerebral palsy, spina bifida, traumatic brain injuries, polio, vision and hearing impairments, Down syndrome, and cognitive/emotional impairments. Treatment options and how to prevent or address related health issues are provided.
This document provides tips for taking care of one's eyes as they age. It notes that various age-related eye conditions like macular degeneration and glaucoma become more common after age 50. One in six adults over 45 have an eye disorder that threatens vision. The risk increases with age. It provides several tips to protect eyesight, including exercising, eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, visiting an eye doctor regularly, not smoking, wearing sunglasses outdoors, and wearing protective eyewear during activities like welding. Regular eye exams are important for early detection of conditions like diabetic retinopathy that can lead to blindness if untreated. Following these tips can help reduce risks to vision as one ages.
This presentation summarizes Alzheimer's disease. It defines Alzheimer's as the most common form of dementia that occurs in the brain. The key points covered are that Alzheimer's causes nerve cell deterioration and death in the brain, leading to problems with brain function. Symptoms include memory loss, difficulty performing tasks, and mood changes. The disease progresses through 7 stages, from normal aging to severe impairment. Currently there is no cure, but drugs can help treat symptoms like memory problems, anxiety, and agitation. The presentation provided an overview of the causes, effects, symptoms and stages of Alzheimer's disease.
Whether playing football, soccer or just riding a bicycle, everyone is vulnerable to concussions. This webinar will provide the latest medical information on how to identify, treat and prevent sports concussions – and the mild traumatic brain injuries they result in.
This is a public domain presentation used to test Powerpoint embedding on a Joomla site.
This is a public domain presentation used to test Powerpoint embedding on a Joomla site
This is a public domain presentation used to test Powerpoint embedding on a Joomla site
Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over a number of years. In its early stages, memory loss is mild, but with late-stage Alzheimer's, individuals lose the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment.
Visual Diagnosis and Care of Patients with Special Needs: SyndromesDominick Maino
This document discusses visual diagnosis and care of patients with special needs, including those with syndromes/genetic anomalies/brain injury. It covers several conditions commonly seen in children with special needs such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, autism, ADHD, acquired brain injury, and various learning disabilities. For each condition, it discusses etiology, prevalence/incidence, physical and visual characteristics. It emphasizes the importance of comprehensive eye exams and vision therapy for patients with special needs.
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive mental deterioration that causes generalized brain degeneration and is the most common cause of premature senility. It was first detected by Alois Alzheimer in the early 20th century. Approximately 5.8 million Americans over 65 have Alzheimer's, with 80% being over 75 years old. The disease causes severe memory impairment and loss of ability to perform daily tasks as it progresses. Medications can temporarily improve or slow symptoms to help maximize independence. Memory loss, difficulty finding words, repeating questions, forgetting conversations and events, and misplacing items are signs. It also impacts judgment, decision making, mood, sleep, wandering, and causes delusions.
Alzheimer's disease is a fatal and progressive brain disorder that results in the loss of memory and cognitive skills. It comes in three stages, starting with mild memory loss and ending with complete loss of physical and mental abilities. While there is no cure, early diagnosis allows people to plan and seek treatments to maximize quality of life, such as herbal remedies, vitamins, diet, exercise, and medications. Scientists are still working to understand the causes and find a cure through stem cell research and brain mapping.
Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disorder that destroys memory "dementia" and other important mental functions. Learn the Causes, Symptoms & Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease here.
Effective treatment for diplopia in Mindheal Homeopathy clinic ,Chembur, Mumb...Shewta shetty
"Diplopia-This is commonly known as having double vision where the patient sees two images of the same object. These images may be placed horizontally, vertically or diagonally. It is usually caused due to the impaired function of the extraocular muscles. Mindheal homeopathy is able to identify the root cause of diplopia and treat it. "/>
- Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and was first described by Alois Alzheimer in 1906.
- It causes plaques and tangles in the brain that are associated with reduced neurotransmitter production and can cause memory loss, confusion, and other cognitive issues.
- There is no cure and symptoms worsen over time, eventually leading to death. Caregivers play an important role in assisting those with Alzheimer's as the disease progresses.
This document summarizes traumatic brain injury (TBI), including its causes, types, symptoms, treatment and outcomes. It discusses the epidemiology of TBI, noting it is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. It describes the two main types of TBI - open and closed head injuries. It also summarizes the potential psychiatric issues after TBI like depression, mania, psychosis, OCD, PTSD and personality changes. Finally, it discusses factors that can influence outcomes, noting that 30-35% of severe brain injury cases result in death.
Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss among older adults that results from the degeneration of photoreceptors in the macula. While there is no cure for AMD, studies have found that increasing intake of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin through diet or supplementation can help delay progression of the disease and potentially reverse visual impairment. The average American consumes only 1-3mg of lutein and zeaxanthin per day, but increasing intake to 10mg daily has been shown to benefit AMD prevention and treatment. Lutein and zeaxanthin accumulate in high concentrations in the macula where they help protect against light damage and reduce oxidative stress.
This document discusses geriatric eye care and common eye disorders seen in older adults. It begins by outlining the goals of discussing 5 common eye disorders, anatomical changes in the aging eye, and leading causes of vision loss. It then defines and describes age-related conditions like presbyopia, cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. For each condition, it discusses risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options and interventions. The focus is on maintaining vision and independence in older adults.
The document discusses the structure and function of the human eye. It describes the cornea, iris, lens, retina and other parts of the eye. It then discusses common eye disorders like myopia, hyperopia, amblyopia, presbyopia and their causes and treatments. Finally, it discusses types of visual impairment and different eye diseases.
This document discusses glaucoma, which is characterized by optic nerve damage and elevated intraocular pressure caused by congestion of fluid in the eye. It can cause vision loss or blindness but is usually asymptomatic until late in the disease. Risk factors include age, family history, diabetes, and corticosteroid use. Treatment aims to prevent further optic nerve damage through medication, laser treatment, or surgery. The document also discusses cataracts, which are lens opacities that are the leading cause of blindness. Cataracts develop due to aging, trauma, radiation exposure, or systemic conditions. Early cataracts are treated with glasses but later cataracts require surgical removal and lens replacement.
This document discusses common eye conditions seen in elderly patients and things nurses should be aware of when examining their eyes. It notes that 20% of Louisiana's population is over age 60 and many will have eye issues. Common age-related changes include smaller pupils, presbyopia, lens yellowing, and eyelid drooping. Serious disorders like cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma can cause vision loss. When examining eyes, nurses should check for abnormalities, ask about symptoms, review medications, and be aware that issues may develop gradually and go unnoticed.
Descriptive power point lecture for geriatic carers highlighting basic anatomy and basic facts about the eye and eye problems ;Aging and the eye, common eye disorders, symptoms and signs,
care of the eyes and prevention of blindness and injury for the elderly,
care of the eyes for the blind or visually impaired elderly and mobility concerns for the blind and visually impaired.
People with diabetes have an increased risk of eye complications from high blood glucose levels, including retinopathy, macular edema, and cataracts. These complications can lead to vision loss if left untreated, but regular eye exams and early treatment can prevent vision loss in 98% of cases. Early detection and treatment of complications is important to preserve vision, as treatment can usually prevent further deterioration even if vision loss has already occurred.
This document discusses blurred vision, its causes, clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, and nursing care. It begins with an introduction by the presenter and defines blurred vision. Potential eye-related and systemic causes are outlined. Clinical pictures and diagnosis involve history, eye exams, and potential blood tests. Management can include eye drops, changing glasses/contacts, laser procedures, or surgery. Nursing assessment, diagnoses like altered comfort or tissue integrity, and interventions like education and counseling are reviewed. References are provided.
This document provides information about various eye diseases from the National Eye Institute website. It begins with an overview of the anatomy of the eye and lists many common eye diseases. Separate articles then provide more detailed information about cataract, retinal detachment, and corneal disease. For each disease, it discusses symptoms, causes, risk factors and additional resources for more information available on the National Eye Institute website.
This document provides information about various eye diseases from the National Eye Institute website. It begins with an overview of the anatomy of the eye and lists many common eye diseases. Separate articles then provide more detailed information about cataract, retinal detachment, and corneal disease. For each disease, it discusses symptoms, causes, risk factors and additional resources for more information available on the National Eye Institute website.
An optometrist examines patients' eyes, diagnoses eye diseases and conditions, and helps manage eye health issues. They check vision, eye alignment and coordination, eye health, and may provide treatments like eyeglasses, contact lenses, or referrals to specialists. Regular eye exams are important throughout life to detect issues early and maintain healthy vision and eye health.
School-age myopia is the most common vision disorder that usually begins in children. It is caused by abnormal eyeball elongation leading to refractive errors. Increased time indoors and decreased time outdoors, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, are risk factors that may increase myopia. Environmental factors like increased education levels and decreased outdoor time have been linked to rising myopia rates. Maintaining good environmental sanitation through reducing light pollution and ensuring proper lighting can help prevent myopia.
1. Eye Health – Caring for your Retina.
2. Diabetes and the prevention of Retinal Problems.
3. Retina Problems can be Associated with Age.
4. Latest Advances in Retina Treatments for Vision Loss.
This presentation provides an overview of glaucoma, including its classification, types, risk factors, symptoms, pathophysiology, diagnostic tests, management, and discharge planning. Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions characterized by increased intraocular pressure that can damage the optic nerve and cause irreversible blindness if left untreated. However, early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the condition and prevent vision loss. The presentation reviews the different types of glaucoma and discusses diagnostic tests, medical and surgical treatment options, and the importance of lifelong management and follow-up care.
Sensory processing disorder is a condition where the brain has trouble processing sensory information from the environment. It used to be called sensory integration dysfunction. People with sensory processing disorder may be oversensitive to sounds or touch. They may also have problems with coordination, spatial awareness, conversation, and play. Sensory processing problems often affect children but can also affect adults, and are commonly seen with autism. While not officially recognized as its own disorder, many experts believe sensory processing disorder should be.
Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy characterized by progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells and their axons and a characteristic visual field defect.
It is the 2nd leading cause of blindness worldwide, often diagnosed late. For the foreseeable future, the best hope for glaucoma therefore is early diagnosis and monitoring.
Iridology is a technique for evaluating a person's health based on an examination of the iris of the eye. The iris may reveal signs of systemic toxicity, nutritional deficiencies, chronic conditions, and more. Key signs examined include sodium rings, acidity levels, cataracts, and corneal ulcers. The iris can provide clues about assimilation, bowel health, lymphatic function, and toxicity settlements in other organs that may underlie physical issues. Iridology aims to identify underlying health imbalances and guide more holistic treatment approaches.
Prion diseases are rare neurodegenerative disorders caused by misfolded prion proteins. They affect both humans and animals. In cattle it is known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or "mad cow disease", and in humans it is known as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). Prion diseases occur when normal prion proteins misfold and induce other prion proteins to also misfold, triggering a chain reaction that causes damage to neural cells. There is no cure for prion diseases and diagnosis is difficult since prion proteins are similar to normal forms.
The document discusses the importance of eye care and vision screenings. It notes that many common eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration are more likely to cause vision impairment if left untreated. Age is also a major risk factor, as several aspects of vision and eye health decline with age, such as pupil size and responsiveness to light. Regular eye exams are important for detecting issues early and maintaining eye health.
285 milion people around the world are blind or visually impaired.
About 80% of these cases are avoidable.
Poorer population are more affected.
90% of these patients lives in developing countries.
Similar to Supporting eye health with food and nutrients (20)
This document provides an overview of the Yin yoga practice and its health benefits. It describes several Yin yoga poses such as Melting Heart, Bound Angle, Camel, Child's Pose, and Frog and explains how each pose stretches different parts of the body and affects meridians and organs. It recommends holding Yin poses for 3-5 minutes to allow the tissues to relax and lengthen. The document aims to educate readers on Yin yoga and its health benefits through detailed descriptions of sample poses.
The document discusses Patanjali's eight-limbed path of Ashtanga Yoga, which provides a framework for ethical discipline and spiritual practice leading to self-realization. It outlines the eight limbs - Yamas (ethical disciplines), Niyamas (individual disciplines), Asana (postures), Pranayama (breathwork), Pratyahara (sensory withdrawal), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (blissful absorption) - and provides brief descriptions of each practice and the states they cultivate. The goal is to purify body and mind to realize one's true nature and merge individual consciousness with universal consciousness in Samadhi
A beginner yoga class will involve arriving early, bringing your own mat and any props needed. The class will start with seated meditation and breathing exercises to prepare the body. The main part of the class will consist of flowing through postures in a sun salutation sequence, including mountain pose, forward folds, plank and downward facing dog. The instructor will guide students through adjustments and breathing techniques for each pose. Classes typically end by returning to a seated meditation pose to relax the body.
Utkatasana, or chair pose, is described as an energizing and warming pose that builds strength, confidence, and focus. The document provides instructions for performing the pose safely, including engaging the core and thighs while drawing the shoulders back and chin in. It also lists health benefits such as improved muscle strength, circulation, and focus of the mind and diaphragm. References for additional information on the pose are included.
Holistic wellness system presentation massage therapyHeather Johnstone
Massage involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body and comes in many styles with different pressures and techniques. It provides benefits such as improved circulation, reduced stress and pain, increased relaxation, and accelerated recovery from injuries. The document discusses various massage types like Swedish, deep tissue, shiatsu, hot stone, Thai, and prenatal massage and their techniques and health effects.
Whole food therapy the health benefits of sweet potatoesHeather Johnstone
Sweet potatoes offer health benefits year-round, not just in the fall and in winter. Learn more about how to incorporate them into your diet, as well as their nutrient value.
Reiki is a healing technique that works on the subtle vibrational body to restore balance. It involves intuitive hand placements by a practitioner to direct life force energy. Reiki sessions typically begin with hands placed on the head and face then moving down the body over organs and glands to restore balance to vital systems. Reiki is guided by intuition and allows the universal life force energy to flow through the practitioner to the recipient.
The document describes the seven main chakras in the human energy system, plus the crown chakra. For each chakra it lists the associated planet, location in the body, color, symbol, sound, emotion, alignment statement, essential oils, active hours, and mudra or hand position. The chakras range from the Saturn chakra at the base of the spine to the Crown chakra above the head. Each chakra is represented by a different color, symbol, sound and emotion.
Chair and Presenter, Stephen V. Liu, MD, Benjamin Levy, MD, Jessica J. Lin, MD, and Prof. Solange Peters, MD, PhD, prepared useful Practice Aids pertaining to NSCLC for this CME/MOC/NCPD/AAPA/IPCE activity titled “Decoding Biomarker Testing and Targeted Therapy in NSCLC: The Complete Guide for 2024.” For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, and complete CME/MOC/NCPD/AAPA/IPCE information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at https://bit.ly/4bBb8fi. CME/MOC/NCPD/AAPA/IPCE credit will be available until July 1, 2025.
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Hemodialysis: Chapter 8, Complications During Hemodialysis, Part 3 - Dr.GawadNephroTube - Dr.Gawad
- Video recording of this lecture in English language: https://youtu.be/pCU7Plqbo-E
- Video recording of this lecture in Arabic language: https://youtu.be/kbDs1uaeyyo
- Link to download the book free: https://nephrotube.blogspot.com/p/nephrotube-nephrology-books.html
- Link to NephroTube website: www.NephroTube.com
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Exploring Alternatives- Why Laparoscopy Isn't Always Best for Hydrosalpinx.pptxFFragrant
Not all women with hydrosalpinx should choose laparoscopy. Natural medicine Fuyan Pill can also be a nice option for patients, especially when they have fertility needs.
Ontotext’s Clinical Trials Eligibility Design Assistant helps with one of the most challenging tasks in study design: selecting the proper patient population.
Descoperă Bucuria Vieții Sănătoase cu Jurnalul Fericirii Life Care - Iulie 2024!
Gata să te bucuri de o vară vibrantă și plină de energie? Life Care îți vine în ajutor cu Jurnalul Fericirii din Iulie 2024, un ghid complet pentru o viață armonioasă și echilibrată.
Pe parcursul a cateva de pagini pline de informații utile și inspirație, vei descoperi:
Sfaturi practice pentru o alimentație sănătoasă:
Rețete delicioase și ușor de preparat: Bucură-te de preparate gustoase și nutritive, perfecte pentru zilele călduroase de vară.
Recomandări pentru o alimentație echilibrată: Asigură-ți aportul necesar de nutrienți esențiali pentru un organism sănătos și plin de vitalitate.
Sfaturi pentru alegeri alimentare inteligente: Învață cum să faci cumpărături sănătoase și să eviți tentațiile nesănătoase.
Trucuri pentru un stil de viață activ:
Rutine de exerciții fizice adaptate nevoilor tale: Găsește antrenamente potrivite pentru a te menține în formă și energic pe tot parcursul verii.
Idei de activități în aer liber: Descoperă modalități distractive de a te bucura de vremea frumoasă și de a petrece timp de calitate cu cei dragi.
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JMML is a rare cancer of blood that affects young children. There is a sustained abnormal and excessive production of myeloid progenitors and monocytes.
Chair and Presenter, Stephen V. Liu, MD, Benjamin Levy, MD, Jessica J. Lin, MD, and Prof. Solange Peters, MD, PhD, discuss NSCLC in this CME/MOC/NCPD/AAPA/IPCE activity titled “Decoding Biomarker Testing and Targeted Therapy in NSCLC: The Complete Guide for 2024.” For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, and complete CME/MOC/NCPD/AAPA/IPCE information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at https://bit.ly/4bBb8fi. CME/MOC/NCPD/AAPA/IPCE credit will be available until July 1, 2025.
Decoding Biomarker Testing and Targeted Therapy in NSCLC: The Complete Guide ...
Supporting eye health with food and nutrients
1. Whole Food Therapy Presentation
Moira Khouri NC MH HHP CCP RYT
Supporting Eye Health with Foods & Nutrients
“Drugs and surgery do not correct or eliminate the causes of eye diseases, which
are often individual and multifactorial.” Glen Swartwout,O.D.
In this presentation we'll learn about holistic nutrition that will protect and support
healthy eyesight. Eyesight can be affected by many factors in our lives. To understand
how and why vision may be diminished and what we can do about this we’ll first look at
the basic anatomy of the eye, then the vision disorders and causes. Finally, we’ll learn
about the nutritional interventions we can use in our daily lives that will support great
vision and protect us from age-related diminishing eyesight.
Basic Eye Anatomy 101
Rays of light enter the eye through the cornea, the outermost layer, and reach the lens
of the eye located just behind the cornea, which is a transparent covering. The cornea
focuses the light as it travels into the retina. The retina is actually an extension of our
brain and is lined with photoreceptor neurons called rods and cones. Rods respond to
dim light; cones are stimulated by bright light and are specialized to detect color. The
macula is the area of the retina that has the most photosensitive cells and is responsible
for our central vision. The retina collects the light through these photosensitive cells
(cells that are sensitive to rays of light) that send impulses to the ganglia, a group of
nerve cells near the front of the retina. The ganglia lead to the optic nerve which
transmits impulses to the visual center in the occipital lobe of the brain. Surrounding the
eyeball is the choroid, an outer layer filled with capillaries which are responsible for
transporting the nutrients required for vision health to the eye.
2. Vision Disorders and Their Causes
The eye’s health is dependent on healthy neurological and cardiovascular systems.
The images obtained by the eye are transferred by electrical impulses to the brain and
transformed into visual images. The cardiovascular system provides oxygen-rich blood
and removes waste products. There are many causes of vision disorders including
nutritional deficiencies, body toxicity, Candida yeast and parasitic infections, drugs,
alcohol, smoking, environmental pollution, poor lighting, physical strain, poor dental
condition, poor posture and even emotional stress. Some vision disorders are
anatomical in nature. For example, nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism
all often result from a refractive error, a deflection of the ray of light from a straight path
as it travels through the anatomical structure of the eye.
Nearsightedness (Myopia)
When the visual image falls in front of the retina of the eye, we are unable to focus on
distant objects, our distance vision is impaired. This may be due to the eyeball being
longer than normal, a steeply curved cornea, or an inability of the lens to relax
sufficiently.
Farsightedness (Hyperopia)
When the visual image focuses behind the retina we are unable to focus on nearby
objects. This may be due to the eyeball being shorter than normal, the cornea being too
flat, poor muscle tone in the ciliary muscle which controls the lens, or it may be due to a
combination of these issues.
Astigmatism
When the shape of the cornea is more oval than round the eye tends to focus on two
points rather than one causing blurry vision, fatigue and headaches.
Lazy Eye (Amblyopia)
Usually beginning in childhood this condition occurs when one eye functions at lower
capacity than the other and the brain receives dissimilar information from each eye. An
example of this is that one eye could be myopic and one astigmatic. The brain begins
to favor one eye, focusing on a single image, causing some atrophy in the other eye,
and diminished vision over time.
3. Night Blindness
Often a symptom of retinitis pigmentosa, a disease that causes deterioration of the rods,
(the cells that respond to dim light and help to distinguish light and dark) and
progressive loss of vision. Night blindness is also linked to poor liver function.
Vitamin A and Zinc deficiencies may also be a cause of night blindness.
Cataracts
This is a partial or complete clouding of the lens of the eye and the leading cause of
blindness, mostly occurring in adults but it can occur at any age. Risk factors include
diabetes, exposure to radiation or infrared light, medications such as steroids and
cortisone, injuries and diseases. Studies have found that people whose eyes contained
higher amounts of lutein were up to 80% less likely to have cataracts. (ONB pg 151)
Cataracts may also be linked to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and protein
imbalances.
Macular Degeneration
This condition is a result of degeneration of the macula, the area of the retina that has
the most photosensitive cells and is responsible for our central vision. It is the most
common cause of severe vision loss in those over 55 years of age, and risks increase
for those over 65 year of age. Risk factors for MD may include atherosclerosis, a
hardening of the inner arterial walls due to deposits of fatty and protein substances and
hypertension (high blood pressure).
Macular degeneration may also be linked to nutritional deficiencies, chemical
exposure and cigarette smoking.
Glaucoma
This is a group of conditions that cause loss of peripheral vision, and usually include an
increase in the fluid pressure within the eye. It can go undetected in the early stages
due to being asymptomatic. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in older adults.
Aging is one risk factor. Risk factors include serious eye injuries and surgeries, tumors
of the eye, and some medications such as steroids. Risk also seems to increase with
early menopause, before age 45. Researchers in the Netherlands found women who
experienced early menopause were found to be twice as likely to develop glaucoma,
compared to women who were menopausal after age 50. The researchers believed
that female hormones play a protective role. (Alternative Medicine pg. 940)
Other causes may be nutritional deficiencies in the retina and optic nerve and an
excess of toxins and metabolic waste in the body systems.
4. Retinal Detachment
This is a peeling away of the retina from the back of the eyeball that can result in
blindness. This occurs when a hole or tear in the retina allows fluid to seep through and
pool between the retina and the back of the eye. This may be caused by injuries to the
eyes.
Retinopathy
This is a serious visual disorder that occurs when there is a hemorrhage of the retinal
blood vessels.
This is usually associated with hypertension (high blood pressure) or diabetes,
and is a major cause of blindness in diabetics.
Food and Nutrition for Eye Health
According to Dr. Glen Swartwout, O.D. many eye diseases are linked to nutritional
deficiencies cause by poor dietary habits. Specific foods and substances such as eggs,
sugar, dairy products, unhealthy fats, fried foods, processed foods laden with additives
and preservatives, wheat, acidic foods, alcohol, coffee and tobacco are all implicated.
As mentioned above, cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration are linked to
vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
An interesting fact is that the pH of our blood (the acid/alkaline balance) has an effect
on our eye health. If the pH is too acidic it affects our muscle tone and turns the eyes
inward. If the pH is too alkaline it will also interfere with muscle tone, causing the eyes
to turn outward. The muscles that control eye movements and our vision health are
affected by our nutritional choices. Dr. Swartwout has had great success within four
weeks in 2/3 of his patients simply by making changes in their diet, health habits and
with nutritional supplementation. This experience is supported by other doctors who
have helped their patients in the same way. Balance is the key to good health.
5. Dietary Factors
Consumption of sugars, refined, processed chemical laden foods and “junk” food
contribute to eye disease, as it does throughout the entire body. For prevention a diet
of organic whole fresh natural foods, minimally processed foods, vitamin and mineral
supplementation is recommended.
Recent research implicates oxidative stress as a cause of major eye diseases.
Consuming foods with antioxidants and supplementation with antioxidants is therefore
very important to protect your eye health. Also at the top of the list for vision health are
the carotenoids and bioflavonoids.
Carotenoids
More than 600 carotenoids have been found in red, yellow, green and orange
vegetables and fruits. Especially important to vision health are Lutein and Zeaxanthin
which have highly anti-oxidative properties and help vascular changes in the macula,
and decrease age related macular degeneration. Lycopene is a carotenoid and a
powerful antioxidant that is helpful in vision health. Anthocyanins help to reduce
intraocular pressure and help to maintain collagen, the main component of the lens, and
the connective tissue that supports the eye. Astaxanthin protects the retinal tissues
from oxidative stress caused by light, helps maintain appropriate eye pressure levels
and supports the eye’s energy levels and visual acuity.
Cooking your leafy green vegetables on low heat can actually increase the
bioavailability of lutein and zeaxanthin by breaking the cell walls and the carotenoid
protein complexes. Below are the best food sources for Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Lycopene,
Anthocyanins and Astaxanthin.
Lutein
Found in leafy green vegetables, especially kale, collard greens, turnip greens, mustard
greens, spinach, Swiss chard, red peppers, beets, parsley, romaine lettuce, dill, celery,
carrots, squash, corn, tomatoes, potatoes, green peas, red, blue and purple fruits such
as blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries and plums, papaya, oranges and
eggs.
Zeaxanthin
Found in kale, spinach, collard and mustard greens, Swiss chard, red peppers, beets,
red, blue and purple fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries
and plums.
Lycopene
Found in tomatoes, tomato juice and sauces, watermelon, guava, pink grapefruit, green
peppers, dried apricots and carrots.
6. Anthocyanins
Found in red, blue and purple plant foods such as beets, blueberries, raspberries,
strawberries, blackberries and plums. Black current and bilberry are the absolute best
sources for eye health.
Astaxanthin
Found in salmon, lobster, krill, crab and other shellfish with a pink or reddish color.
Bioflavonoid Rich Foods
Bioflavonoids are found in high concentrations in citrus fruits, blueberries, blackberries,
dark skinned grapes, Indian Gooseberry, cherries, cranberries, Acerola cherry,
elderberry, mango and pomegranate. These plant compounds have both antioxidant
and anti-inflammatory properties. They improve night vision and adaptation to the dark,
visual acuity and capillary integrity to reduce hemorrhage in diabetic retinopathy.
Antioxidant Rich Foods
The best sources are prunes, raisins, blueberries, blackberries, kale, strawberries,
spinach, raspberries, broccolini, plums, alfalfa sprouts, broccoli, beets, avocados, and
spices and herbs such as turmeric and Ginko Biloba.
Supplements for Vision Health
It is important to use only whole food sourced supplements for proper absorption and
utilization by the body. Synthetic supplements, while being much less costly, are also
much less effective. They are synthesized in labs from chemicals with similar molecular
structures however they are not the same, and cannot be properly assimilated by the
body. Your body can only recognize and assimilate the naturally derived forms of
nutrients. Getting most of your nutrients from whole foods is ideal. However
supplementation helps to bridge any nutritional gaps and provide additional nutritional
support for healing some conditions.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids - 1400 mg EPA and 1000 mg DHA daily. Helps prevent arteries
of the heart and eye by reducing inflammation. Cold water fish such as salmon, tuna,
halibut, sardines and mackerel are good sources.
Coenzyme Q10 - 50 – 100 mg daily. Combined with N-acetyl-carnitine and Omega-3
fatty acids the nutrient mix stabilized visual functions in patients age related macular
degeneration.
Lipoic Acid - 150 – 300 mg daily. Lipoic Acid is a very powerful antioxidant that helps
with reducing free radical damage and oxidative stress.
7. Selenium - 200 – 400 mcg daily. An essential trace mineral with antioxidant properties
that protects cellular integrity and cell membranes, protects from free radical damage,
helps prevent cataracts, and when combined with Vit. E it helps visual acuity in patients
with macular degeneration.
Vitamin C - 1000 – 3000 mg daily. Helps reduce intraocular pressure in high doses. An
important antioxidant for the eyes, improves vision in those with cataracts. May help to
slow the progression of glaucoma.
B Vitamins - At least 50 mg of each daily. Protect cardiovascular system. Deficiency
of B12, folic acid, and niacin has been seen in glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age
related macular degeneration. B vitamins store poorly in the body so must be ingested
regularly.
Zinc - 15 – 30 mg daily. Helps maintain the integrity of the immune system, and
carbohydrate and protein metabolism. The retina has the highest concentration of any
organ in the body, good for normal vision function, adaptation to the dark and reduces
visual loss in macular degeneration.
Vitamin A - 4000 – 5000 IU daily. Required by the photoreceptors in the retina, helps
maintain health of rods and cones in the retina. Do not use synthetic forms of Vitamin A.
Vitamin E - 400 IU daily. Large doses can prevent macular degeneration. Deficiency
leads to cataracts. Do not use synthetic forms of Vitamin E.
N-acetyl-cysteine - An antioxidant that helps prevent cataracts and degenerative
changes in the eye.
N-acetyl-carnosine - Administered topically in eye drops 3 to 4 times daily, it moves
into the water soluble and lipid containing parts of the eye helping to prevent DNA
damage.
Taurine - an amino acid that protects from the harmful effects of ultraviolet light.
Ginko Biloba - An herb with antioxidant properties that improves arterial blood flow and
enhances cellular metabolism; helps prevent degenerative changes in the eye. It is
available in a dried herb form to use as tea, and may also be found in a tincture form
which can be added to water, use according to directions on the label.
Bilberry -100 mg daily. Effective in vascular disorders, contains flavonoids and
antioxidants that increase microcirculation and supports retinal function, helps to reduce
intraocular pressure and to maintain collagen, the main component of the lens, and the
connective tissue that supports the eye. Recently many studies have been done on
Bilberry and its benefits to eye health.
8. References
Goldberg (2002). Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide. (2nd ed.). Berkey, CA: Celestial
Arts.
Holford, P. (2004). The New Optimum Nutrition Bible. Berkeley, CA: Crossing Press.
Margen MD, S. (1992). The Wellness Encyclopedia of Food and Nutrition. New York, NY:
Random House Inc.
Marieb, E. N. (2006). Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology. (8th ed.). San Francisco, CA:
Pearson Education Inc.
Matt, M., & Zieman, J. (1982). The Human Anatomy Coloring Book. New York, NY: Dover
Publications Inc..
Merieb, E. N. (2006). Anatomy and Physiology Coloring Workbook. San Francisco, CA: Pearson
Education Inc..
Murray ND, M., Pizzorno ND, J., & Pizzorno MA LMT, L. (2005). The Encyclopedia of Healing
Foods. NewYork, NY: Atria Books.
Walker, R. (2005). BODY An Amazing Tour of Human Anatomy. New York, NY: DK Publishing
Inc..
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