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Eye Health

Please click to view WARNINGS and NOTES listed for some supplements.

Healthy Eyes

Cataracts, have a look at Carotenoids and Lutein, Grape Seed, Vit. C, Vit. B2, Alpha Lipoic, Antioxidant Complex, Zinc, Selenium, Trace Minerals, Bilberry, Turmeric

Macular Degeneration, consider Carotenoids and Lutein, Grape Seed, Alpha Lipoic, Vit. C, Vit. B2, Antioxidant Complex, Bilberry, Ginkgo, Turmeric

Glaucoma, you may try Vit. C, Vit. B2, Alpha Lipoic, Antioxidant Complex, Selenium, Magnesium, Trace Minerals, Bilberry, Coleus, Ginkgo, Turmeric

Diabetic Retinopathy, these may be useful: Carotenoids and Lutein, Vit. C, Vit. B2, Alpha Lipoic, Antioxidant Complex, Chromium, Zinc, Selenium, Trace Minerals, Turmeric.

Dry or sore eyes, please read Eyebright, Re-Vital Eyes Drops

Short Sight, evidence for Chromium, Trace Minerals.

 

ANTI-OXIDANTS

Carotenoids including Lutein

new Focus Lutein Spray

Carotenoids are substances found in highly-coloured fruits and vegetables like carrots, peppers and tomatoes. They and include alpha- and beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, zeaxanthin, and cryptoxanthin. Beta-carotene is a precursor for vitamin A. They protect the eye from damage by free radicals,  helping reduce the risk of macular degeneration and cataract. They are needed to form the visual pigments called rhodopsins. Carotenoids also benefit  circulation, the immune system, and skin health including acne.

LUTEIN is known as ‘nature’s sunglasses’. It shields the eye from the damaging blue wavelengths of light that increase the risk of macular degeneration. Blue light occurs not only in sunlight but also fluorescent light, computer screens, and welding equipment. Considerable research shows lutein benefits macular degeneration. It also protects the inner eye from ultra-violet light, which contributes to cataracts.

Smokers and diabetics tend to have low levels of carotenoids. Smokers are NOT advised to take beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is safe in pregnancy, although vitamin A is not.

Viridian Red Food Blend

Warnings: K2. Smokers should not take beta-carotene.

 

Grape Seed Extract / Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol)

ures Aid Pycnogenol

These very similar extracts are rich sources of flavonoids (compounds found in plants) called Proanthocyanidins or OPCs. Like carotenoids, they are powerful anti-oxidants, protecting blood vessels, and eye tissue, heart, brain, and all connective tissue from damage. They have the additional advantage of reinforcing the strength of blood vessels. In studies, these extracts produced significant improvement, in healthyeyes, in visual performance in both glare, and darkness. They can benefit macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and capillary fragility.
 Pycnogenol is a patented form of Pine bark extract.

Warnings:  B1

 

Vitamin C

In parts of Europe and Asia, vitamin C is considered part of routine treatment for glaucoma. It lowers eye pressure through a combination of decreasing fluid production and improving the outflow of aqueous humor. It also improves collagen metabolism, which may be one of the underlying reasons for the development of glaucoma. In one study, a single dose of Vitamin C improved intra-ocular pressure for up to 8 hours.

The normal healthy lens of the eye contains a higher level of vitamin C that any other organ of the body except the adrenal glands. Studies have shown a decreased level of vitamin C in the aqueous humour as well as in the overall body when cataracts are forming. Vitamin C has also been shown to control sugar imbalances that often play a role in cataract formation.

Vitamin C reduces the risk of diabetic retinopathy by inhibiting the accumulation of sorbitol. 500mg Vit. C has been shown to raise Glutathione levels by 50% - Glutathione is a particularly important protective anti-oxidant for the eye. Glutathione levels are important in cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and many ageing processes.

Vitamin C helps maintain and repair a healthy cornea.
Vitamin C is of course necessary for many other processes in the body.

 

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)

A vitamin-like substance that is gaining popularity in anti-ageing supplements. It is a potent anti-oxidant and also enhances the effect of other anti-oxidants. ALA helps maintain levels of Glutathione, an  important anti-oxidant in the eye. Glutathione levels are important in cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and many ageing processes. In one glaucoma study, eyesight and fluid release improved after just 1 month taking 150mg ALA.

ALA helps all conditions due to increased insulin or abnormal sugar metabolism, including diabetes. It is beneficial for the heart, arteries and brain, and helps remove toxic heavy metals from the body.
ALA works well with selenium and other trace minerals.

Warnings: D2

 

Vitamin B2 - Riboflavin

Riboflavin, ie. vitamin B2, helps the eyes by boosting Glutathione levels. Glutathione is an important antioxidant for the eye and is made in our bodies when the right nutrients are present. Glutathione levels are important in cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy,  and many ageing processes.
 Vitamin B2 is also helpful for migraines, brain health and energy production. It should be taken as part of a B complex. B vitamins are generally involved in nerve health and energy production, and are essential to reduce our levels of homocysteine, a toxic amino acid implicated in heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Some B vitamins are depleted by alcohol, the drug metformin, or oral contraceptives, and all are deficient in processed and refined foods, so supplements can be useful.

Warnings: D1 B2 C2

 

Anti-Oxidant Formula

This contains all the above anti-oxidants in one capsule, plus trace minerals and more. A very convenient way to boost your daily anti-oxidant protection.

  • Vitamin C as magnesium ascorbate - 150mg
  • Grape Seed Extract - 30mg
  • Mixed carotenoids including Lutein - 5mg
  • Zinc - 5mg
  • Selenium - 100microg.
  • L-Glutathione - 15mg
  • Alpha-Lipoic Acid - 10mg
    Also contains Copper, L-Cysteine, B2, B6, and Manganese.

Warnings: none at maintenance dose of one capsule per day, but see individual ingredients.

 

MINERALS

Chromium

This metal is an essential mineral for eye health. Chromium is necessary for the development of the ciliary muscles of the eye, which control focussing.  A deficiency may contribute to short-sightedness. Chromium is also essential for the manufacture of Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF), which helps regulate blood sugar. Chromium deficiency may be involved in weight problems and type 2 diabetes, and diabetic retinopathy is a major cause of blindness. Chromium can help regulate sugar cravings, and is lacking in refined foods. It works best with adequate levels of vitamin C and Folic Acid.

Warnings: T1

 

Zinc

Zinc is an antioxidant and helps protect cells and blood vessels. A deficiency of zinc is associated with increased incidence of diabetes, and the associated diabetic retinopathy. Zinc is necessary, along with manganese and copper, for the production of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) an enzyme that protects the lens from cataracts.

Zinc is often depleted in vegetables due to modern farming methods. Older people and those with rheumatoid arthritis often have a lack of zinc, and this may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. Zinc is also essential for the immune system and male reproductive system.

Copper is included in zinc supplements because zinc alone may lower your copper levels.

Warnings: F1 E2

 

Selenium

A mineral essential for the production of Glutathione, an important anti-oxidant for eye health. Glutathione levels are important in cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and many ageing processes. Cataract sufferers tend to have low levels of selenium. Helps to boost immunity, increase white blood cells and combat ageing effects. Works well with vitamin E.
Safe at levels of 100-200 micrograms.

Warnings: none

 

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that relaxes smooth muscle, which regulates the outflow of aqueous humour from the eye. Problems with this outflow are one of the causes of glaucoma.
Magnesium benefits heart health, Magnesium is also used for migraines, cramps, PMS with irritability or anxiety, and can help mood swings. Magnesium is essential for bone health.
Vitamin B6 may be included. B6  reduces homocysteine, for more info please see Heart Health pages. B6 also raises cellular magnesium levels and help lift depression.

Warnings: S1

 

Trace Minerals

This combo would top you up on all the minerals with special uses in the eye, with the exception of zinc and magnesium, which are major minerals sold separately.

  • Selenium - 200 microg. - For Glutathione production
  • Chromium - 200 microg. - For eye muscles and blood sugar regulation
  • Vanadium - 50 microg. - involved in blood sugar control
  • Manganese 15mg and Copper 1mg for Superoxide Dismutase to protect the lens (along with Zinc)
    Also contains Boron 1mg and Molybdenum 200 microg.

Warnings: V1

 

HERBS

Bilberry and Eyebright

Bilberry is a source of LUTEIN, and of the OPC flavonoids (plant compounds) described under Grape Seed Extract. It is beneficial in cataract and macular degeneration, and through protecting the collagen in the eye, it can help prevent and treat glaucoma. It improves circulation to the eye and protects the blood vessels.

Eyebright is traditionally used for eye fatigue, sensitivity to light, problems of eye muscles, and conjunctivitis. It contains flavonoids, plant sterols and vitamin C. It is also a useful catarrh herb. Eyebright Tincture is only for internal use and not suitable for eye-baths.

Warnings: none

 

Coleus Forskolii

This Indian herb in the mint family is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for eye health. We now know it increases the amount of an important regulating substance called ‘Cyclic AMP’. This substance is involved in regulating pressure, such as blood pressure and the pressure within the eye. Anecdotally, Coleus is capable of lowering intraocular pressure by relaxing smooth muscle in the eye, and relieving glaucoma, much like magnesium. We are not aware of any research yet. Coleus is also useful in regulating allergies.

Warnings: B1 W1 X1

 

Ginkgo Biloba

An anti-oxidant herb that protects the tone and lining of blood vessels, improving blood flow. In doses from 60mg, studies show Ginkgo leads to marked improvement in symptoms of age-related macular degeneration, after 4 weeks of supplementation. Higher doses lead to greater improvement. It is useful for macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic neuropathy, as it also helps stabilise brain and nerve cells.
Ginkgo can successfully treat glaucoma, and may even improve damage to the visual field. It works by reducing the spasms of blood vessels associated with glaucoma.

Warnings: A1 R1 D2

 

Turmeric

This herb has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for eye health. We now know it helps protect the lens from cataract by boosting Glutathione, an important anti-oxidant for the eye. Glutathione prevents a particular kind of cell damage called glycolysation. Glutathione levels are important in cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and many ageing processes.
Turmeric also protects the liver, aids the excretion of cholesterol and is an anti-inflammatory.

Warnings: B1 U1

 

EYE CARE COMBINATIONS

Visionace

A very convenient nutrient and anti-oxidant combination to protect your eyes. Visionace has very healthy levels of vitamins and minerals, unusual in a multi-supplement. It contains small amounts of carotenoids, flavonoids and lutein. Thyroid patients should note the iodine levels.

Vitabiotics - Visionace

Visionace contains the following:

  • Vitamin A - 1000iu = 300mcg - Iron - 6mg
  • Vitamin D - 100iu = 2.5mcg - Magnesium - 50mg
  • Vitamin E - 60mg - Iodine - 100mcg
  • Vitamin C - 150mg - Zinc - 15mg
  • Vitamin B1 - 12mg - Copper - 1mg
  • Vitamin B2 - 48mg - Manganese - 4mg
  • Vitamin B3 - 18mg - Selenium - 150mcg
  • Vitamin B5 - 20mg - Chromium - 50mcg
  • Vitamin B6 - 10mg - Carotenoid mix - 3mg     
  • Vitamin B12 - 9mcg - Flavonoid mix - 15mg
  • Folic acid - 400mcg - Bilberry extract - 60mg
  • Lutein - 4mg

Warnings: B1 A2 B2

  • Vitabiotics Visionace - 30 tablets - £6.95
    Buy Now

 

Higher Nature VisualEyes

A super-potency anti-oxidant combo to protect your eyes. Although VisualEyes contains many fewer ingredients than Visionace (above), the amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin are very much higher, and a capsule formulation ensures better absorption.

Higher nature - VisualEyes

VisualEyes contains:

  • Vitamin A - 250mcg - Lutein Complex (5%) - 30mg
  • Vitamin C - 30 mg - Zeaxanthin Complex (5%) - 30mg
  • Vitamin E - 5mg - Bilberry  extract - 18mg
  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) - 2mg - Tomato powder
  • Selenium - 75mcg
  • Zinc - 3mg

Warnings: B1 A2 B2

 

* Viridian herbal products contain a mixture of standardised extract and whole herb. The measure in milligrams combines these.

All supplements are taken at your own risk. Supplement information is not intended in any way as a prescription or diagnosis, and is not a substitute for the advice of a doctor or other suitably qualified health professional. If you have a medical condition, or think you may have, please seek medical advice.

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