Vision problems
By Andrew Gaeddert
As the population ages, the number of Americans with eye disease is increasing. Blindness, or poor vision that cannot be corrected with glasses, affects 3.4 million Americans over forty years of age; age related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy are the most common eye diseases.
AMD occurs when the cells of the macula become damaged and stop functioning. The chief symptoms are blurred vision, colors appearing dim and difficulty reading.
Cataracts are the leading cause of low vision. A cataract forms when the eye’s lens becomes cloudy and blocks light from reaching the retina. Blurred vision, difficulty reading, and poor night vision are common symptoms.
Glaucoma is associated with eye pressure that leads to irreversible loss of vision. There may be blind spots in the vision, eye pain, headache, redness, blurred vision, halos around lights, or sudden loss of vision.
High levels of glucose make the walls small vessels, including those in the retina, weaker and therefore more prone to damage, thus producing diabetic retinopathy. Blind spots, blurring, reduced color perception, may precede blindness.
Several botanical supplements have been useful in the treatment of these progressive eye diseases. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids that have antioxidant effects. Observational studies indicate that these two nutrients are associated with reduced risk of AMD and cataracts. Lutein and zeaxanthin protect the eye against oxidative damage and low plasma lutein and zeaxanthin that are associated with low macular pigment density. Clinical studies support the use of lutein in the treatment of AMD and cataracts. Bilberry is a traditional herb which improves nighttime visual acuity, faster adjustment to darkness, and faster restoration of visual acuity after exposure to glare. Other nutrients that are helpful include taurine, ginkgo and essential fatty acid containing products such as EPAQ. Bil Lutein is a formula which contains lutein and zeaxanthin from marigold flowers, bilberry, and high potency taurine which protects the eyes, and is also useful at supporting normal glucose levels.
Regarding blindness, currently the FDA is investigating reports of blindness in regards to impotence drugs. This type of blindness is called NAION, non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. It can occur in men who are diabetic or have heart disease, the same conditions that can cause impotence and thus lead to Viagra use.
The FDA has 43 reports of the blindness: 38 among users of Viagra, four among users of Cialis, and one among Levitra users. Viagra is known to cause blurred vision, and being sensitive to light. It also should not be used with men with heart conditions, who have been advised by their doctors not to have sex. Safer options include herbal formulas with kidney yang tonics such as Astra Essence and Virility Caps. Typically I combine these formulas with Flavonex containing ginkgo.
Studies show that taking Ginkgo biloba herbal extract at 240 mg daily (usually a 24% extract) can produce improvement in 6 months or fewer, even if previous medications have failed. In a study of 20 patients who had received this conventional therapy, 100 percent regained the ability to have a spontaneous and sustained erection within 6 months of supplementation. Blood flow into the penis improved within 3 months1.
Notes
- 1. Journal of Sex Education Therapy, Vol. 17, 1991, pp.53-61