The eye is a small sphere with a diameter of about 1 inch.  Only one sixth of the eye is visible, the rest is protected in the orbital socket.  There are many accessory structures of the eye including the eyebrows, eyelids, conjunctiva, lacrimal apparatus and eye muscles.  Only a small part of the eye is dedicated to photoreception.  This area is on the posterior wall on the inside the eyeball and is called the retina.  It contains rods, for dim light and peripheral vision, and cones, for bright light and colour vision.  The lens is situated at the front of the eyeball and its job is to focus light on the retina.  Glasses are used to help focus light through the lens when the accommodation of the lens is inadequate or overcompensating.  As we age, the muscles that move the lens decrease functioning making the use of glasses or contacts more common among older individuals.

There two main causes of degenerative eye conditions:

• Free radical damage

• Decreased blood flow to the eye

Free radicals are unstable molecules that in their bid to become more stable must bump into healthy cells and cause damage.  This can cause cell death, alterations in genetic material and autoimmune reactions to damaged cells.  Food, water and ultraviolet radiation from the sun are the major contributors of free radicals that build up in the eye.

The eyes reflect the overall health of the body.  The vessels on the back of the eyeball are very small and fragile.  Changes in them are often the first sign of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis.  These conditions lead to decreased blood flow to the retina.  Lack of oxygen and an accumulation of waste products eventually compromises vision.

Poor diet, environmental toxins, medications and stress all decrease the body’s ability to neutralize free radicals and maintain healthy vessels.  This can result in eye degeneration, occurring in the following conditions:

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens.  It is the most common cause of blindness worldwide.  Factors that predispose one to the development of cataracts are old age, diabetes, exposure to radiation or heavy metals, eye injury, the use of medications, like steroids, and heredity.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in North America.  It is characterized by a rise in the pressure inside the eyeball.  The pressure causes compression of the optic nerve and permanent vision changes result.  Acute glaucoma attacks can be triggered by stress or dilation of the pupil for long periods of time.  The cause of acute glaucoma is a build up of fluid in the eye.  Fluid build up occurs because of poor drainage or an increase in production. 

Chronic glaucoma results from waste accumulation in the eye, damage from previous eye problems, like cataracts, or the use of medications for high blood pressure and depression.  Cortisone use can also lead to glaucoma.

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of visual loss in North America. It is caused by free radical damage to the macula, the area of the retina responsible for central vision.   Other contributors to macular degeneration are hypertension and arteriosclerosis.

You can optimize your eye health and protect against eye disease in many ways, including:

• Have regular vision screenings and medical exams

• Follow a healthy dietary plan.

• Reduce the accumulation of toxins and waste products with regular organ detoxification.

• Have a balanced lifestyle with time for exercise and relaxation.

• Minimize exposure to the sun when your eyes are unprotected and do not smoke.

• Use appropriate nutritional and herbal supplements.

Vision screenings are an important part of maintaining eye health because vision changes can be gradual and may not be noticeable to an individual in normal daily activities.  General physical exams, by your health care provider, include fundoscopy, an examination of the retina.  This inspection may reveal precursors to eye disease, such as small changes in the retinal vessels.

A diet high in antioxidants including whole grains, raw fruits and raw vegetables decreases free radical damage.  Eat foods containing lutein and zeaxanthin like broccoli, collards, kale, mustard greens, spinach and turnip greens.   Eat foods rich in flavinoids and vitamins C and E like blueberries, blackberries, cherries, and other fruits and vegetables.  Yellow fruits and vegetables should be consumed for their vitamin A content.

Support the cardiovascular system to decrease arteriosclerosis, prevent hypertension and maximize eye health. Avoid salt, sugar and animal fats.  Consume foods that are high in vitamin E, like avocados and wheat germ, to protect the vessels.  Essential fatty acids decrease cholesterol levels.  Try using flax seed, walnut or pumpkin seed oil.

Detoxification promotes eye health by reducing the build-up of toxins and waste products throughout the body.  To help detoxify the body avoid packaged or fast foods, coffee, black tea, chocolate, alcohol, white sugar, salt, condiments, tobacco, dairy products, fried food, preservatives or artificial sweeteners.  Consume 2L of filtered water daily, herbal teas and 100% pure fruit juices.  Eat fresh or steamed fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, fish, soy products, nuts, seeds, cold pressed vegetable oils and spices.  Drink a glass of warm water with the juice of half a lemon each morning to regulate bowel and liver function.  Use supplementation to focus the detoxification on one or more organs.

Lifestyle factors, like emotional stress and inactivity, negatively affect eye health. Stress increases the production of free radicals.  When an individual is under stress their diet tends to suffer, which can also compromise eye health.  Inactivity decreases circulation to the whole body including the eye.

To prevent free radical damage to the eyes avoid direct sunlight.  Use sunglasses, with full UV protection, to protect your eyes.  Smoking generates large amounts of free radicals and is thought to be a risk factor for degenerative eye conditions.

Listed below are some of nutrients and supplements for improving eye health.  Adult doses are given.  (CLICK SUPPLEMENT NAME FOR PRODUCTS).