The last several days I have provided you with information regarding eye health. It’s quite interesting actually what happened to me seven years ago. I quite frankly had no idea that there were so many different eye diseases. Leber’s, the eye disease that I have, is actually a young person’s disease. In fact I received e-mails today about several children afflicted with this disease. I was diagnosed with Leber’s seven years ago and after quickly recovering from the shock of being told I would be blind for the rest of my life I set out on a journey to learn all I could about eye health. Frankly, my journey involved much more than that, but I’ll save that for another day.
Up until seven years ago I really thought it was as simple as people wore glasses or contacts, people had perfect sight or people had glaucoma; which I thought was genetic. Many eye diseases, including glaucoma are of course genetic but I can certainly tell you from personal experience that what you eat may in fact assist or adversely effect your eye condition. I cannot say that you can prevent an eye disease but I can say with much certainty that you may be able to lessen the effects. This I know for sure, good nutrition will certainly not worsen the effects of eye disease. So for the critics out there who suggest that nutrition cannot aid in eye health; I say, what’s the harm dear friend? Right? Let’s think about this for a second. I, among many others, suggest that good nutrition may aid, in all sorts of ways; from minor to serious diseases. That being said, if we are confused, I ask you, what’s the harm?
Let’s talk about glaucoma for a moment. Some types of common glaucoma conditions are:
- Open angle or chronic: The most common type, this is caused by the trabecular meshwork which is the eyes filtration system, becoming clogged.
- Narrow angle: This type is an abrupt onset condition. It is when the eye stops draining. It causes pain, redness, nausea, headaches and must be treated immediately at the emergency room.
- Low tension: Poor circulation in the body, specifically to the optic nerve, can cause this type of glaucoma.
- Secondary: This type develops as a result of other health problems. It can be related to injury or be a side effect of a drug.
Glaucoma is sometimes genetic, I understand that. But let’s assume for a moment that it is not genetic. I am extremely focused on prevention, therefore it is important to get to the root of the problem, not necessarily just address solutions for the problem. Many people suffer with the low tension type of glaucoma which is linked to poor circulation in the body. I would like to point this out because if this is the case with you there are several immediate actions you can take. If you suffer from glaucoma or any other eye disease you should:
- Drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
- Antioxidants are really important.
- Vitamins A, C, E and CoQ10 are really great for the eyes.
- Physical exercise is beneficial for circulation in the body and pressure in the eyes.
- I know this is easier said than done, but reduce your stress. Stress was actually my downfall. It was the reason for the onset of my disease.
It seems as if it always comes down to the same solutions regarding prevention. Reducing stress, increasing physical exercise and good nutrition are key. If you do in fact have an eye disease or know someone who does, think about holistic solutions. I know that sometimes medication seems like the only answer, but if you feel that way why not do both? Take your medication, use your eye drops and then why not supplement with antioxidants? And remember my friends, supplements are OK but it is always best to get your antioxidants from the food you eat.
