Tag Archives: Lutein/Zeaxanthin by Pure Encapsulations

On the Lookout for Vision Changes

VisionChangesJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

 

 

While many seniors support a healthy lifestyle to maintain physical strength, mental wellness and overall wellbeing, vision health should not be overlooked. As vision and eye structure both undergo common age-related changes, it’s helpful to know what’s normal and what isn’t. Presbyopia, which is a typical loss of focusing ability, can be corrected with glasses, contacts, or as the condition advances, corrective surgery. Dry eyes, reduced pupil size, loss of peripheral vision, decreased color vision and vitreous detachment, or floaters, may commonly occur.  Serious age-related disease processes, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, have the potential to affect quality of life.

Though considered an age related eye disease, cataract formation is quite common. Cataracts may begin to form during one’s 40s and 50s. However, most do not affect vision before the age of 60. Initially, early symptoms of cataracts may be improved with glasses or magnifying lenses. When cataract vision loss begins to interfere with daily life, surgery to replace the affected lens with an artificial one is the only effective treatment. In most cases, cataracts will continue to worsen over time resulting in continual vision reduction. Left untreated for long periods of time, cataracts may cause complete vision loss. Fortunately, modern cataract surgery is considered extremely safe and highly effective.

To support long term eye health begin with a well-balanced largely plant-based diet. Include green leafy vegetables, oily fish, citrus fruits and non-meat protein sources. The Mediterranean style diet provides nutrients for eye health and reduced risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, such as omega-3 essential fatty acids, lutein, zinc and vitamins E and C. Exercise, along with a healthy diet, supports proper weight maintenance, thereby reducing the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Poorly controlled blood sugar is a risk factor for diabetic retinopathy, which can damage retinal blood vessels, resulting in symptoms of blurred vision, increased floaters, poor night vision and vision loss.

It is highly recommended that adults have their vision checked and eye health evaluated annually, and more frequently if a problem has been identified. Additionally, be on the lookout for symptoms such as loss of peripheral vision, a key sign of glaucoma; difficultly adjusting to the dark when entering dimly lit areas, often the first sign of macular degeneration; distorted vision, as with macular degeneration, straight lines may look wavy; and poor night vision often accompanied by sensitivity to glare, which may indicate the beginning of cataract formation.

Dry eyes can occur when the tear production decreases resulting in a lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eyes. This can arise from a medical condition, as in diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or a thyroid disorder; aging and hormonal changes; vitamin A deficiency; or any of the following: contact lens use, smoking and certain prescription medications. Dry eye syndrome associated with aging is relatively common. Symptoms can include burning sensation, inflammation, irritation, eye fatigue, pain and excessive tearing. Symptom relief for those with chronic dry eye can include OTC artificial tear drops, prescription anti-inflammatory eye drops or the use of nutritional supplements, such as BioTears®.

To protect and support eye health:

  • Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB radiation. Reduced UV exposure may help prevent cataracts and macular degeneration.
  • Participate in regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, at least 5 days each week. A long-term study involving 15,000 people found that physically active people experienced less vision loss over 20 years than non-exercisers.
  • Don’t smoke, as smoking damages the optic nerve, and increases risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
  • Take a break from the computer screen. Follow the 20-20-20 rule by resting your eyes every 20 minutes and focusing 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
  • Eat a healthy diet rich in antioxidant fruits and vegetables that contain eye health supportive carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin. Include healthy fats and oils for an omega-3 boost.
  • Maintain healthy blood sugar, as well as healthy blood pressure.
  • Clinically supported nutritional supplements for eye health include fish oil, vitamins A, C and E, antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin and astaxanthin, as well as a high quality multivitamin and mineral formula.

Professional Supplement Center offers many high quality products in support of eye, vision and overall wellness:

BioTearsBioTears® by BioSyntrx: This highly rated very popular dry eye nutritional supplement systemically addresses the structure/function causes and effects of ocular surface moisture production. Biochemically balanced nutrient co-factors support normal production of eye lubricants, as well as mucous membranes, joints and synovial membranes. Ingredients include specific vitamins, minerals and omega-3 essential fatty acids.

 

Lutein/ZeaxanthinLutein/Zeaxanthin by Pure Encapsulations®: These unique carotenoids specifically support the macula and overall visual function, as well as retinal and optical lens health. Gluten free, hypoallergenic, Non-GMO, vegetarian formulation.

 

Macular Support...Macular Support by Pure Encapsulations®: This comprehensive formula provides a powerful blend of antioxidants and botanicals designed to defend and support the macula, which is highly susceptible to free radical damage. Selected ingredients include lutein, zeaxanthin, amino acids and proanthocyanidins that provide exceptional free radical protection in retinal tissues. Gluten and soy free, hypoallergenic, Non-GMO vegetarian formulation.

 

Vital Eyes CompleteVital Eyes™ Complete by Metabolic Maintenance: This broad spectrum research-based ocular- protective multivitamin/mineral/antioxidant formula provides powerful antioxidants and nutrients important for eye and overall metabolic health. Gluten, dairy, nut, egg and preservative free.

 

Vision ProtectVision Protect™ by LuxVite™ Naturals: This physician formulated nutritional supplement provides ingredients clinically shown in the AREDS2 study to support the macula and promote eye health. Ingredients include antioxidant vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids. Gluten free, vegetarian formulation.

 

Cineraria Eye Drops...Cineraria Eye Drops for Cataract by Natural Ophthalmics: This homeopathic formula provides ingredients successfully utilized for over a century for cataract care. Broad spectrum professional strength drops may improve symptoms of dry eyes, reduced visual acuity, dim colors and bothersome glare. Preservative free.

References:
Facts About Cataracts. https://nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts
What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?  https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-diabetic-retinopathy
Aging and Your Eyes. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/aging-and-your-eyes
Best Way to Age-Proof Your Vision. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/healthy_aging/healthy_body/best-way-to-age-proof-your-vision

 

Eye Health Support

EyeHealthJacquie Eubanks RN BSNDesigned as an adjunct to a healthy diet, researched backed nutritional supplements have been shown to be beneficial for the maintenance of vision and eye health. Ongoing research continues to explore health protective nutrition in prevention of age-related eye changes that can cause visual disturbances and the loss of visual acuity. Beginning around age 40, adults may start to notice vision changes, such as an inability to focus on near objects, the need for brighter lights in reading or work areas, and changes in color perception, as well as reduced tear production, resulting in dry, irritated eyes. As we continue to age, the risk for developing eye and vision problems increases. Early warning signs of eye health problems can include:

Vision fluctuation – Vision that fluctuates throughout the day can be attributed to several causes, including general fatigue, eye muscle spasms resulting from intense focusing for an extended period, or progressing presbyopia, a common age-related inability to focus on near items, such as a newspaper or menu, especially in dim light.

Eye floaters and flashes of bright light – Specks or thread-like images that appear in the field of vision are generally harmless and may become less noticeable with time. Floaters indicate that the vitreous humor, a gel-like substance that makes up a large majority of the eye behind the lens, is slowly shrinking with age, creating strands that cast their shadows on the retina. Flashing occurs when the vitreous gel tugs or bumps the retina. Although floaters and flashers can be annoying, they are generally considered harmless. However, a new onset of floaters or increased flashes can signal more serious vision problems, such as retinal detachment or a retinal tear, requiring a visit to your ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

Loss of peripheral vision – Peripheral or side vision is the ability to see movement and objects located outside your central or direct line of vision. Also known as tunnel vision, loss of wide angle vison is commonly the result of optic nerve damage, resulting from glaucoma, a detached retina, brain or neurological damage or a head injury.

Distorted images – Wavy or blurred images or loss of central vision may be signs of age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss among adults aged 50 and older. Although there are exceptions, macular degeneration generally progresses slowly. The greatest risk factor is aging, making regular comprehensive eye exams crucial for seniors. Additional risk factors include diabetes, genetics, and side effects of medications taken for chronic conditions.

A colorful and varied diet, rich in omega-3 fats, whole fruits and dark green leafy vegetables is emphasized for eye, vision and overall health. As well, protecting your eyes from ultraviolet light, avoiding smoking, reducing screen related eye strain, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight along with normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels, may help to prevent macular degeneration or slow its progression. Age Related Eye Disease (ARED) studies revealed that antioxidant multivitamins can help to protect against progression to advanced stages of macular degeneration in those who have been diagnosed with the condition.

Poor diet resulting in inadequate nutrition is associated with many serious health conditions including vision loss. Research shows that vitamins and nutrients that help reduce inflammation and control oxidative stress are beneficial for maintaining eye and vision health and may offer protection from degenerative diseases, including macular degeneration and cataracts.

Vitamin A promotes good vision, especially in low light. Well known for its supportive role in healthy vision and prevention of night blindness, vitamin A helps to protect the cornea and mucous membranes of the eye surface, helping to reduce the risk of eye infections.

B Complex vitamins help to reduce chronic inflammation and elevated homocysteine levels associated with retinal vascular problems. B vitamins may also help reduce the risk of macular degeneration.

Vitamin C has powerful antioxidant properties that help protect the eye lens by preventing oxidation, which can result in a clouded lens associated with cataract formation.

Vitamin D sufficiency is associated with a lower risk of macular degeneration, while a deficiency is strongly associated with dry eye and its level of severity.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids that are found in the eyes. Many studies have shown that lutein and zeaxanthin support eye health and reduce the risk of chronic eye diseases, including cataracts and macular degeneration.

Omega-3 essential fatty acids, DHA and EPA, are among the most important nutrients for proper visual development, retinal function, and life-long eye maintenance. DHA is found in the highest concentration in the retina. Omega-3 deficiency is linked to dry eye syndrome, diabetic retinopathy and age related macular degeneration. Essential fatty acids help to restore and maintain tear formation and eye lubrication.

Bioflavonoids are pigments responsible for giving plants, fruits and vegetables their vibrant colors. These biologically active antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds aid the absorption of vitamin C, help increase antioxidant efficiency, and support capillary health, including eye capillaries.

Professional Supplement Center carries these and other high quality supplements and nutraceuticals in support of eye and overall health:

Vision ProtectVision Protect™ by LuxVite Naturals – Ophthalmologist formulated with ingredients based on the ARED2 study, Vision Protect™ contains antioxidant vitamins, B vitamins, lutein, and zeaxanthin, providing eye health support for macular degeneration. Gluten free, vegetarian formulation.

 

Doctor's Choice™ Eye...Doctor’s Choice™ Eye Formula by Enzymatic Therapy – This vitamin, mineral and botanical formula provides comprehensive nutritional support for eye health and healthy vision. Gluten and dairy free formulation.

 

ProDHA Eye 1000 mgON SALE ProDHA Eye® by Nordic Naturals – This synergistic blend of purified pharmaceutical-grade fish oil provides a high concentration of DHA, plus antioxidant vitamin E, lutein, and zeaxanthin in support of healthy vision and moisture levels, as well as age-related oxidative damage protection. Gluten and dairy free, Non-GMO formulation.

 

Eye & Body Complete ...Eye and Body Complete™ by BioSyntrx – This full-spectrum, balanced, whole body nutritional formula provides superior active ingredients to support vision function, macular and retinal health, and address vascular-related inflammatory diseases of the body and retina.

 

Lutein/ZeaxanthinLutein/Zeaxanthin by Pure Encapsulations – This formula provides a high strength carotenoid blend of lutein and zeaxanthin to specifically support the macula and overall vision health and function. Gluten and soy free, Non-GMO vegetarian formulation.

 

References:
What you can do about floaters and flashes in the eye. http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-you-can-do-about-floaters-and-flashes-in-the-eye-201306106336
Facts About Age-Related Macular Degeneration. https://nei.nih.gov/health/maculardegen/armd_facts
Facts About Presbyopia. https://nei.nih.gov/health/errors/presbyopia
What is Macular Degeneration? https://www.macular.org/what-macular-degeneration
Adult Vision: 41 to 60 Years of Age. http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/good-vision-throughout-life/adult-vision-19-to-40-years-of-age/adult-vision-41-to-60-years-of-age?sso=y
Essential Fatty Acids, Omega 3. http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/diet-and-nutrition/essential-fatty-acids?sso=y