Natural Options for Better Eyesight
Skin degeneration is not the only concern as we age.
Another serious side-effect of the aging process is deterioration in the quality of vision.
Blurry vision, increased long and short-sightedness, poorer night vision.
All of these are symptoms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration also known as AMD.
What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is deterioration and a loss of central vision which is generally age-related.
What are the Different Types A.M.D.?
There are two types of advanced macular degeneration dry and wet.
What are the Symptoms of Dry A.M.D.?
The symptoms of dry macular degeneration typically include:
- Needing more light for close-up work
- Blurring of vision
- Reduction in intensity of color
- Blurred spots in the centre of your field of vision.
What are the Symptoms of A.M.D.?
The symptoms of wet macular degeneration typically include:
- Distortion of Straight lines that may appear wavy
- Object size and depth perception problems
- A partial loss of central vision and blind spots
Who Do I see for a Diagnoses of Macular Degeneration?
Your optician will be the first point of call if you suspect you have symptoms of macular degeneration.
They will probably tell you there is nothing you can do about this. Which to a degree is true. However, many studies show that there are Herb, Juice, and supplements that can help improve and sustain eyesight. These herbs and foods can be taken as Herbal Teas, Juices, in Foods, or supplements.
They generally work by improving the quantity and quality of
Here is our list of the top 9 herbs and foods to get into your diet to help strengthen your eyesight.
Natural Ways to Improve Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Fresh Juices & Herbal Teas
There are many health benefits to drinking fresh juices.
Fresh juice is that it is a great way to get high amounts of vitamins and nutrients without chewing through kilos of fruits and veg.
You can make fresh vegetable juices, fruit juices, wheat-grass juices.
Herbal teas can have many benefits are a great alternative to tea and not-so-healthy coffee.
If you do not have a juicer and are thinking of buying one then here are a couple of important points to note.
1. Juice only Organic foods or herbs if at all possible ( and affordable ). Foods that have been grown with fertilisers and pesticides take up these chemicals. By juicing you may be concentrating these into higher doses.
2. There are two types of juicers. The cheapest and most easily found is a centrifugal juicer. However, for better results, higher juice extraction, and the ability to juice superfoods like wheat-grass or greens you should look for a macerating juicer. They will usually yield around 20% more juice.
Bilberry & Berry Fruit ( Vaccinium Myrtillus – Vaccinium Australe )
Bilberry is rich in anthocyanidin and can help improve vision at and in the dark by boosting the regeneration of the purple element of the retina.
Studies concluded that they can improve night vision by boosting retinal pigments by increasing blood circulation in the retina.
This also means they are beneficial in treating diabetic retinopathy,, and improving or even preventing glaucoma, cataracts and retinitis pigmentosa. [1]
To use Bilberry to help strengthen eyesight eat about half a cup of ripe bilberry fruits a day or enjoy a Herbal Bilberry tea.
Other berry fruit such as, black current, blueberries, raspberries, also has high levels of flavonoids and anthocyanidin that help to strengthen eyes.
It is also interesting to note that studies of 90 000 women in the UK found that women eating 3 or more portions of berry fruit a week had a 32% lower rate of heart attacks.
NOTE: Do not use Bilberry or Grape seed without consulting your doctor if you take blood thinners or any medication that decreases blood clotting or if you suffer from low blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or blood clots. You should also not use Bilberry if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Suggested Supplement Dose
160 mg of standardised bilberry extract two times a day around twice a week.
Carrots, Beta Carotene & Vitamin A
Even your optometrist will probably agree that ensuring a good supply of Vitamin A will benefit your vision.
Your body uses beta-carotene from foods to make vitamin A. It is vitamin A that is central in helping your eyes to convert light and send that information to the brain. It is present in many foods such as sweet potato, sweet red peppers and greens, and supplements. The most pleasant and easy way to ensure a good extra supply is probably by drinking fresh carrot juice.
Use a centrifugal juice extractor or better still a macerating juice extractor to juice about 2 medium, organic, just as din and can help improve vision at and in the dark by boosting the regeneration of the purple element of the retina.
Studies concluded that:
Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) enhanced intake of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) ( Omega 3 Fatty Acids ) and reducing dietary glycaemic index (dGI) ( carbohydrate foods that affect blood sugar levels ) will be of good effect protecting against age-related macular degeneration.[2]
Lutein and Zeaxanthin & Dark Green Leafy Vegetables
Many studies have shown that getting high levels of nutrients Lutein and Zeaxanthin in your diet is essential and will have a strong effect on preventing macular degeneration.[3]
The best sources include dark green, leafy vegetables. For juicing leafy vegetables a macerating juicer is the best choice.
Good sources for these nutrients are kale, spinach, turnip greens, collard greens, Swiss chard, and Spirulina.
Saffron
Zeaxanthin gives colour to paprika saffron and many other plants and was found to have a strong positive effect to prevent loss of eyesight due to age. It can also help with general eye problems such as cataracts.
A study on a group of 23 70-year-olds suffering from poor vision was undertaken in Italy. Participants took 20 milligrams of saffron each day for just 3 months. In this short time, researchers found an improvement in visual sharpness and doubling of photo-receptor response.[4]
Chicory (Chihorium intybus, Cichorium endivia)
Chicory root is widely recommended as an excellent natural treatment for problems with your eyesight and especially blurred vision.
Although we were unable to find any specific studies into this it is suggested the best way to use Chicory is to combine with other juices.
In addition, Chicory is highly beneficial as a natural Diabetes treatment. This is because it contains inulin and this helps maintain blood sugar levels. It also reduces levels of bad LDL cholesterol levels in the blood. [5]
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo is known to improve circulation and eye blood flow and is rich in flavonoids which may also help AMD.
This herb also helps protect against glaucoma and may also benefit people with retinopathy. [9]
Suggested Dose
Around 80-mg standardised extract if ginkgo bilboa 2 to 3 times a day.
NOTE: Do not use Ginko Bilboa without consulting your doctor if you take blood thinners or any medication that decreases blood clotting .
AREDS formula
This is a supplement formula produced by the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS).
They recommend taking:
- Vitamin C (500 mg per day)
- Vitamin E (400 IU per day)
- Beta-carotene (15 mg per day, or 25,000 IU of vitamin A)
- Zinc (80 mg per day)
- Copper (2 mg per day, to prevent a copper deficiency that can occur when taking extra zinc)
This combination of vitamins was found to help slow the progression of intermediate to advanced macular degeneration. The National Eye Institute recommends that “people with intermediate AMD in one or both eyes or with advanced AMD (wet or dry) in one eye but not the other” take this formulation each day.[6]
They also state that this combination of nutrients did not slow prevent early signs of AMD.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Studies show that Omega 3 plays an important role in preventing AMD.
People who are one portion or more of oily fish per week had a 50% reduction in the risk of AMD. [8]
Milk Thistle
In natural medicine, your eyes and liver health are linked. Milk Thistle is one of the best herbs to support your liver function as it is rich in Silymarin.
Add Milk Thistle to your diet as a supplement as teas will not contain enough active ingredients.
This herb is said to improve liver function and boost glutathione. Studies show that a low glutathione level is linked with AMD. [6]
NOTE: Milk Thistle affects liver function. Consult your doctor if you are taking any medication, have any history of hormone-related cancers. Do not take milk thistle if you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, chamomile, yarrow, or daisies.
Do not use Milk thistle if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Suggested Dose
Take 150mg 70% standardised extract 2 to 3 times per day.