We tend to take our eyes and our vision for granted. Sure, when we find out we need glasses or have to change to a stronger prescription, we think about our eyes – but other than that, how often do we pay attention to the wonderful gift of sight that most of us have?
Although not all types of vision loss are preventable, many either are preventable or they could be caught early enough to slow down the deterioration. But it’s never too late to start taking care of your eyes.

April is Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month. If you’ve never had an eye infection or injury, you certainly want to keep it that way!
Even just a tiny corneal scratch can cause really severe pain. Unfortunately, I experienced one after a tumble, but it healed quickly. However, I still describe it as the worst pain I’ve experienced. That injury didn’t have anything to do with makeup, but there are several ways you can injure or infect your eyes when applying cosmetics.

The Prevent Blindness America group has some safety tips for you to keep in mind when applying cosmetics:
• Never use …read more

In the past, I have written about reports on the benefits of zeaxanthin and lutein supplements on eye health such as reducing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration risks. But to date, it has remained unclear how these compounds confer their protective benefits.
A new study published in the Journal of Lipid Research, however, provides clues as to how the compounds move from the blood stream to the eye. Apparently, a protein called SR-B1, or scavenger receptor class B, type 1, is responsible for transporting nutrients to the eye.
These study provides supporting evidence on the potential of zeaxanthin and lutein in preventing …read more

What is DHA, aka Omega 3? Why is it important? Who needs it? What foods are naturally rich in it? Are there alternative sources?
Here’s an excellent reading material about Omega 3s from the WebMD. The website is sponsored by lifesdha, a manufacturer of DHA supplements sourced from algae instead of fish, so expect a lot of promotional blurbs. Still, the information about the health benefits of DHA Omega 3 remain true.

According to a prospective study published this month in Archives of Ophthalmology, higher dietary intakes of lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin E from food and supplements were found to be associated with significantly decreased risks of cataract among women. A cataract is an age-related condition characterized by clouding of the lens in the eye, thus affecting vision.
According to this related article in WebMD:
Foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin include leafy green vegetables (such as spinach, kale, turnip greens, collards, and mustard greens), squash, green peas, broccoli, pumpkin, and corn.
Foods rich in vitamin E include vegetable oils, almonds, sunflower seeds, leafy green …read more

Two reports in the May issue of Archives of Ophthalmology points to two dietary interventions that may reduce the risk of macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness among the elderly:
Higher intake of {omega}-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (DHA), as well as fish consumption, was associated with decreased likelihood of having neovascular AMD (advanced age-related macular degeneration).
Omega-3 fatty acids may influence processes involved in the development of blood vessel– and nerve-related diseases of the retina, the authors write. For instance, DHA may protect the retina by influencing which genes turn on and off, while fatty acids overall may eventually form …read more

A recent study indicates that Cognis’ Xangold lutein and zeaxanthin supplement (12 mg lutein for six months) is effective at boosting eye health among those with early-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is the number one cause of severe vision loss and legal blindness in adults over 60 in the U.S.
“A significant augmentation of macular pigment density was found in a majority of study subjects, including those afflicted with AMD. The importance of these findings rests on the fact that the beneficial effects of these antioxidants can also be extended to subjects with established disease.”
It seems that supplemental lutein and/or …read more