Ocular Support Archive - Natural Eye Care

Eye Herpes

staging_nec — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 12:49:56 +0000

If a herpes virus appears in the eyes it is called ocular herpes or eye herpes. It is the most common infectious cause of corneal blindness in the U.S. One virus that might appear is the simplex 1 virus which is associated with cold sores and herpes, and the other is varicella zoster , associated with chicken pox and shingles.

Many people become infected with one of these viruses during childhood; and the viruses never leave the body which can result in periodic flare-ups through one’s life.

Causes

Ocular herpes (HSV) is caused by infection from others or self-infection from a cold sore. Because the virus can lie dormant for years, it may be inactive and become active in times of stress, sunburn, trauma, etc.

An imbalance of the amino acids argine and lysine in the body makes us more vulnerable. Arginine is necessary for HSV to grow, suggesting supplementation with lysine.
Stress causes the immune system to be less effective
Excess sugar increases the risk and severity of outbreaks
People who have had ocular herpes previously should avoid arginine supplementation.
Dry eye may be a stressor contributing to outbreaks of the condition.
Certain medications have been linked to ocular HSV reactivation, including beta-blockers, immunosuppressing drugs, particularly those with topical ocular corticosteroids, epinephrine, and prostaglandins. There is also a possible link to excimer laser treatment.

Conventional Treatment (HSV)

Treatment depends on the form of the condition. Initial treatment is with either topical eyedrops or oral antiviral medication which is the cornerstone of topical treatment for herpes simplex keratitis. Treatments typically last 1–2 weeks, depending on healing time. However, resistence to antiviral medications (such as Acyclovir1) is an increasing problem. In mouse models there is promised of a vaccine for herpes simplex virus.2

Eyedrops called corticosteroids can help control the disease, but they can also raise the pressure in the eyes for some people, in which case additional eyedrops may be prescribed along with the corticosteroids to keep the pupil dilated that helps prevent the eye pressure from increasing due to corticosteroids.

In certain less-common cases, intravenous medication may be necessary, using antiviral drugs such as Acyclovir, and more recently Valacyclovir, to suppress the reproduction of the virus. Multiple treatments with steroids may be required if the middle layer of the cornea (herpetic stromal keratitis), back layer of the cornea (herpetic endotheliitis), and/or the iris (herpetic iritis) are affected.

Herpetic iritis is also treated with aggressive steroid use, including hourly prednisolone acetate and cycloplegia as cornerstone therapies.

Conventional Treatment (HZ)

Childhood vaccinations against chicken pox and adult vaccinations against shingles both protect against herpes zoster.

Self Help (HSV)

In addition to your eye doctor’s recommendations some natural solutions such as l-lysine may be helpful in milder versions of an outbreak or lessen the risk of recurrence. Targeted antioxidants may help neutralize free radicals that result from inflammation, and certain natural eyedrops can help reduce the symptoms.

Eye drops may help reduce discomfort.
Allergens Identify and avoid foods and/or chemicals you may be allergic to.
Garlic has antiviral potential. Garlic extract helps support the immune system generally by protecting cells from viral entry, inhibiting viral RNA polymerase, DNA synthesis and gene 1(IEG1) transcription.³
Lysine reduces recurrence. Lysine reduces viral protein synthesis. Oral L-lysine monohydrochloride trials showed fewer HSV outbreaks, with markedly diminished symptoms and shorter healing times than a placebo.⁴ Check with your doctor about dosage, since high dosages may cause problems.
Avoid L-Arginine. Avoid foods (especially during times of stress) that contain L-arginine, because this amino acid may facilitate outbreaks. Foods high in arginine include cashews, chocolate, peanuts, almonds, legumes, white meat like turkey, chicken, and pork. Arginine fosters HSV viral growth, and acts as a medium for essential HSV growth for viral replication.⁶
Vitamins. Vitamins C and D may have limited effectiveness, but vitamin E shows promise.⁷
Zinc reduces outbreaks, duration. In a pilot study researchers found that oral zinc reduced the number and duration of lesions.⁸ while topical zinc hortened lesion outbreaks and decreased complications.⁹
Propolis has potential for symptoms. Phenolic acid is the most important complex chemical compound that makes propolis an effective antiviral agent in lab cells cultures. The mechanism may be that it inhibits HVS replication in host cells.¹⁰ Clinical testing readily displays the antiviral properties. Patients treated with a 3% propolis ointment had faster healing time and pain relief.¹¹
Lemon balm. Lemon balm is helpful, but the research does not extend to ocular herpes; it is used as a cream on herpes on the skin.¹²
Anti-inflammatory. For general reduction of inflammation in the body turmeric capsules, or turmeric in your cooking may be helpful.
Ocular Herpes Juicing Recipe Favor these juicing ingredients to supplement your diet if you have ocular herpes.
Reduce or eliminate refined, white foods from your diet including white sugar, flour, pasta and white rice from your diet. These foods reduce your immune system’s ability to fight outbreaks and new infections and aggrevate HSV.⁵

Self Help (HZ)

We could find no published research about natural complementary care for eye herpes of the zoster type. Some of the recommendations such as eyedrops may help to reduce discomfort during an outbreak. The condition is now somewhat rare since about 80% of adults are vaccinated against either shingles or against chicken pox when they were children. All adults who have had chicken pox as children carry the zoster virus, and should consider shingles vaccination.

Related Conditions

Research

Although the underlying physiological cause is unique, there may be similarities in terms of nutritional, diet and lifestyle recommendations that may help to moderate the severity of viral eye infections.

Blepharitis – inflammation and/or infection of the eyelids.
Conjunctivitis (pink eye) – inflammation and/or infection of the conjunctiva, the moist membrane lining the eye and eyelid.
Uveitis – inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, the uvea, a contributing factor to more serious conditions.
Blepharoconjunctivitis – combining a severe case of blepharitis and conjunctivitis.

Ocular Herpes News

Want to learn more? See our blog news on ocular-herpes.

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Footnotes

1. Chang JY, Balch C, Puccio J, Oh HS. (2023). A Narrative Review of Alternative Symptomatic Treatments for Herpes Simplex Virus. Viruses. Jun 2;15(6):1314.
2. Valerio GS, Lin CC. (2019). Ocular manifestations of herpes simplex virus. Curr Opin Ophthalmol. Nov;30(6):525-531.
3. Rouf R, Uddin SJ, Sarker DK, Islam MT, Ali ES,et al. (2020). Antiviral potential of garlic (Allium sativum) and its organosulfur compounds: A systematic update of pre-clinical and clinical data. Trends Food Sci Technol. Oct;104:219-234.
4. Ibid. Chang. (2023).
5. Hassan STS, Sudomova M, Masarcikova R. (2017). Herpes simplex virus infection: An overview of the problem, pharmacologic therapy and dietary measures. Ceska Slov Farm. 2017;66:95–102.
6. Becker Y., Olshevsky U., Levitt J. (1967). The role of arginine in the replication of herpes simplex virus. J Gen Virol. 1967;1:471–478.
7. Ibid. Chang. (2023).
8. Femiano F., Gombos F., Scully C. (2005). Recurrent herpes labialis: A pilot study of the efficacy of zinc therapy. J Oral Pathol Med. 2005;34:423–425.
9. Godfrey H.R., Godfrey N.J., Godfrey J.C., Riley D. (2001). A randomized clinical trial on the treatment of oral herpes with topical zinc oxide/glycine. Altern Health Med. 2001;7:49–56.
10. Schnitzler P, Neuner A, Nolkemper S, Zundel C, Nowack H, et al. (2010). Antiviral activity and mode of action of propolis extracts and selected compounds. Phytother Res. 2010;24((Suppl. 1)):S20–S28.
11. Rocha MP, Amorim JM, Lima WG, Brito JCM, da Cruz Nizer .S. (2022). Effect of honey and propolis, compared to acyclovir, against Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)-induced lesions: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2022;287:114939.
12. Ibid. Chang. (2023).

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Poor Night Vision

staging_nec — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 12:42:21 +0000

Causes

Poor night vision is most directly related to dysfunction of the photoreceptors, although it can be a side effect of some vision conditions.

The Photoreceptors

Photoreceptors in the retina are unique types of nerve cells that convert light into electrical signals, which pass through the optic nerve to be interpreted by the brain. The rods and cones work both by themselves, and together, to allow you to adjust to changes in brightness and darkness. There are actually three types of photoreceptor cells that process light and give us vision.

Cone cells are responsible for the absorption of light and color vision in bright light. They are located in the central portion of the retina for fine visual color and detail. Cones adjust to changes in brightness very quickly and in very bright light.
Rod cells predominate in the periphery of the retina, away from the central macula. They permit dim and dark light vision and also detect motion. They are responsible for night vision. Rods are more sensitive to light than cones; they can detect single photons of light and isolate that information from other fluctuations. Rods transmit their information to rod bipolar cells that interpret these single photons, in summary, to generate usable information.
The third group is photosensitive retinal ganglion cells, which were first identified in rod-less and cone-less lab animals and later in rod-less and cone-less humans who could still perceive light. They do not record pattern or image, but instead interpret ambient light intensity. They are modulated by melatonin and contain melanopsin, which affects pupil dilation and dark adaption, so they may be involved in poor night vision, to some extent. Additionally, they appear to be resistant to photoreceptor loss in retinal degeneration conditions.

At night, melatonin is secreted by rod and cone photoreceptors, functioning as a dark-adaptive signal. In turn, melatonin modulates these ganglion-cell photoreceptors. The photoreceptors transmit messages to bipolar cells that, in turn, transmit the messages to ganglion cells, which send the information to the brain.

Types of Poor Night Vision

Presently, medical professionals categorize poor night vision in two different ways: as genetically based or as a symptom of several different diseases or conditions. Congenital Stationary Night Blindness (CSNB) is the genetic form of night blindness and there are two types: the complete form and the incomplete form. Some types of genetic night blindness are X-linked (associated with myopia), but others arise due to dominant and recessive gene mutations.

The complete form (CSNB1) is characterized by total absence of rod pathway function, which means that the rods in the retina do not respond to light, making it impossible to see in dim light conditions. This form of X-linked CSNB is linked to mutations in the NYX gene that encodes a protein with an unknown function.
The incomplete form (CSNB2) is due to an impaired rod and cone pathway function, which tends to allow for some vision in dim conditions. This form is caused by CACNA1F gene mutations. This gene allows a slow rate of deactivation that is important in light adaption. To summarize, everyone with the complete form has night blindness, while not all people with the incomplete form have night blindness.

Treatment

Although there is no current cure for poor night vision or night blindness, treating the underlying cause, if there is a health condition identified such as diabetes or glaucoma, is essential.

Nutrient discussion

Vitamin A

An early indicator of a deficiency in vitamin A may be night blindness. A primary source of vitamin A is from animal sources, so diets such as a vegan diet without eggs, dairy, some fish, and/or organ meats may result in deficiency of vitamin A. The body makes vitamin A from beta-carotene found in yellow/orange vegetables and fruits, so if those are also not part of the diet, the risk is greater. Health care providers may recommend vitamin A (10,000 – 25,000 IU) daily in order to overcome deficiency. Beta-carotene can also be taken to reverse a deficiency, but it is not as effective as taking vitamin A directly. This is because beta-carotene is absorbed slowly by the body and slowly converted to vitamin A.

Vitamin A palmitate is the best form of supplemental vitamin A. 15,000 IU is often the recommended daily dosage (check with your doctor or nutritionist). Note that vitamin A is contra-indicated for those suffering from Stargardt’s disease.

Zinc

Night blindness may also be the result of a zinc deficiency¹ that reduces the activity of an enzyme that helps the body produce vitamin A (retinol dehydrogenase). Research has shown that taking a zinc supplement is helpful. Healthcare providers often recommend 15 – 30 mg of zinc daily for vision. At the same time long-term supplementation with zinc may lower copper levels, so 1 – 2 mg of copper daily is recommended to be taken with zinc for extended use. In general, the recommended supplement ratio is 15:1 zinc to copper. Consult your medical professional for correct dosage if you are supplementing with zinc.

Bilberry

Bilberry (a blueberry relative) grows in northern Europe and North America in the wild. It is rich in flavonoids, specifically bilberry which is rich in anthocyanosides, the elements in plants that provide color. These natural chemicals are potent antioxidants that, among other benefits, enhance the creation of the purple pigment (rhodopsin) that is used by the rods in the back of the eye to assist with night vision. Early research has shown that bilberry supplementation improves the speed of adapting to darkness for people who have poor night vision.

Taurine

Taurine supports the integrity of photoreceptors necessary for night vision^{2, 3, 7}, in a process known as rhodopsin regeneration. Rhodopsin is the primary pigment in photoreceptor rods and so vision in low-light conditions is supported. It also helps to protect cell membranes from free radical damage and helps to remove toxins and debris.⁴ Taurine is found in the photoreceptors at levels ten times greater than other amino acids.⁵

Night Blindness News

Learn more about night blindness and poor night vision in our blog articles.

Diet & Nutrition

Vitamin A is the most clearly researched deficiency associated with night blindness. Certain other nutrients such as bilberry, lutein, ginkgo biloba, taurine, zeaxanthin, and other vitamins and minerals may help night blindness and preserve vision. During pregnancy, vitamin A deficiency increases the risk of night blindness in the mother.⁸
Zinc if you have a zinc deficiency, then zinc combined with vitamin A is more helpful than vitamin A alone.¹
See our recommendations for diet / lifestyle.
Vegetables. Vitamin A rich vegetables such as dark green vegetables like spinach, collards, and orange and yellow vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes.

Lifestyle

Increase your visibility – clean your headlights
Slow down. That way, you give yourself more time to react to any unexpected hazards.
Always wear sunglasses outside, especially on bright days. Blue and green eyed people are particularly sensitive to potential sun-induced damage, so the use of eye protection is paramount. Amber and grey lenses are the most effective protection against UVA/UVB and blue light.
Get prescription glasses for driving at night if needed (see your eye doctor to determine if they would be helpful).
Non-glare glasses. You can get non-glare glasses with an anti-reflective coating.
Look to the right. Look at the roadway’s edge to the right to help you avoid the glare of oncoming headlights.
Leave the driving till tomorrow. Drive only during the day. Even good lighting conditions at night such as found in a big city can be troublesome to someone with night blindness.

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Footnotes:

1. Zinc supplementation might potentiate the effect of vitamin A in restoring night vision in pregnant Nepalese women
2. The role of taurine in osmotic, mechanical, and chemical protection of the retinal rod outer segments, Petrosian AM, Haroutounian JE, Advances in Experimental Medicine & Biology 1998
3. Taurine interactions with chick retinal membranes., Lopez-Colome AM et al, Journal of Neurochemistry, May, 1980
4. American Biologics, Research Institute, Mexico; Tijuana, B.C. Mexico, 1991
5. Taurine: Biological Update, Wright CE et al, Annual Review of Biochemistry, 1986
6. Trace Elements & Night Blindness (2011)
7. The Biology of Taurine: Methods and Mechanisms
8. A. Canete, E. Cano, Role of Vitamin A/Retinoic Acid in Regulation of Embryonic and Adult Hematopoiesis, Nutrients, February, 2017
9. A.A. Nair, M.F. Marmore, ERG and other discriminators between advanced hydroxychloroquine retinopathy and retinitis pigmentosa, Documenta Ophthalmologica, April, 2017.
10. M.N. Hove, K.Z. Kilic-Biyik, et al, Clinical Characteristics, Mutation Spectrum, and Prevalence of Aland Eye Disease/Incomplete Congenital Stationary Night Blindness in Denmark, Investigations in Ophthalmology and Visual Science, December, 2016.

Also see research on night blindness.

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The Retina

staging_nec — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 07:03:13 +0000

Photoreceptors Connective Hole / Wrinkle in the macula Sugar balance Vitamin A

The retina is structured of several layers of nerve cells, photoreceptors, pigmentation and blood vessels which line the inside of the eyeball. The retina spreads around the inside of the entire back of the eye. The central portion of the retina is called the macula, which is responsible for central vision.

How light is converted to nerve impulses

Light passing through the flexible lens, striking the retina and being converted to nerve impulses involves an interesting process. Light has to pass through layers of nerve cells, photoreceptors, pigmentation cells, and blood capillaries before it reaches the retina. Muller cells are living optic fibers that support the nerve cells. They lie outside the retina in long cylindrical tubes that transmit light to the retina.¹

The photoreceptors (rods and cones) in the retina cones absorb photons of light, changing shape as they do so. The change in shape initiates chemical and electrical impulses which in turn stimulate nerve impulses sending the message of what is being seen through the optic nerve to the brain.

Retinal layers

The retina’s² layers provide for the transmission of light from outside to the brain. A variety of retina conditions arise from malformations in the different layers.

The outer layer contains nerve cells called ganglions contain axons that transmit optic messages to the brain. This layer of nerve cells and the main optic nerve they connect to are actually brain tissue and are considered part of the central nervous system.
The photoreceptor layer contains light sensing rods and cones. These photoreceptors are large molecule chemicals that change size when they are energized. This energization is a greater than normal state of energy, and when it ‘relaxes’ it passes that energy on to nerve endings. In the rods (for dim light and black/white vision), these molecules are called rhodopsin, and in the cones (for color vision), they are known as iodpisin.
The next pigmented layer is called retinal epithelium or RPE. These cells are a single layer of hexagonal cells of pigment bits tightly packed together. The important pigment of these cells is what protects the retina from the damaging effects of sunlight. The body builds up omega-3 fatty acids in the RPE to maintain the photoreceptor structure, and glucose to provide energy to the retina and other needed components to the choroid and retina. In addition, this thin layer helps drain excess fluid, maintain pH balance and get rid of damaged or dead old, outer photoreceptor cells.
The Bruch’s membrane is a barrier and filter between the RPE and the choroid layer, separating blood from neurons. It includes connective tissue and tiny choriocapillaries that carry nutrients and oxygen to the cells. It is an elastic layer that gets thicker with age, limiting the capacity of capillaries to deliver nourishment and oxygen to the other parts of the retina. The photoreceptor cells require a lot of oxygen for energy and need a constant supply of oxygen-carrying blood, but the neurons require space between the neurons/axons without intrusion of fluid or other wastes. Bruch’s membrane supplies this need.
The choroid layer contains connective tissue with many blood vessels. It delivers nourishment and oxygen to the outer layers of the retina. It consists of Haller’s layer, with larger blood vessels, Sattler’s layer, with medium sized veins and arteries, and choriocapillaries, a layer of very fine capillaries. Then the Bruch’s membrane separates this section from the RPE and the inner portions of the retina.

Retina damage

Retina damage can take a variety of forms:

Footnotes & Sources:

1. Franze, et al. 2007. Muller cells are living optical fibers in the vertebrate retina. PNAS 104: 8287-8292.
2. Wikipedia sections on retina, retinal epithelium, photoreceptors, bruch’s, choroid, etc.,

The post The Retina appeared first on Natural Eye Care.

Eye Pain Support

staging_nec — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 14:03:42 +0000

Detailed description

Inflammation of the iris can be uncomfortable or even painful. It includes cyclitis, inflammation of the ciliary body located behind the iris. The eye may appear red. Choroiditis, or posterior uveitis is a related condition in which the inflammation extends to the retina and choroid.

Acute, traumatic iritis occurs suddenly and is sometimes caused by trauma or injury to the eye. It can be quite painful, but it generally heals on its own within several weeks. This is the most common form of iritis.

Chronic, non-traumatic, and recurring iritis can last for months or years. It responds less readily to treatment than acute iritis and increases the risk of damage to vision. Complications of chronic iritis can include glaucoma, cataracts, cystoid macular edema, corneal calcification, posterior calcification, and possibly blindness. It can be related to a systemic disease or other ocular condition.

Conventional Treatment

Since the cause of iritis is not known, a very careful medical history needs to be taken. Your doctor may recommend chest X-rays, blood tests, stool evaluation, skin tests or even a spinal tap.

The first line of treatment is usually steroid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory eyedrops. If the inflammation persists or comes back, your doctor may also inject steroids around your eye or prescribe additional oral steroids, antibiotics, antifungals, or antivirals.

There are arguments for corticosteroid implants for chronic non-infectious uveitis, especially in the case of patients with recurring problems. However, these implants increase the risk of cataract development (but not progression), increased intraocular pressure and the need for IOP-lowering medication, and/or other surgical or medical interventions.¹

A case of iritis usually lasts six to eight weeks. Make sure your eye doctor monitors your progress carefully. The effects of the medication can be cataracts, glaucoma, corneal changes and possibly more inflammation.

Complementary Approach

Since traumatic iritis can lead to other problems, it’s always could to have any eye injury checked by your eye doctor.

We believe that eye problems such as chronic iritis reflect the health of the whole body. Where there is inflammation in one part of the body, there is often inflammation in another. Therefore diet, nutrition, and lifestyle choices can play a major role in having and maintaining good vision.

Since non-traumatic iritis is typically a symptom of underlying health conditions involving inflammation, augmenting conventional treatments with targeted antioxidants can be essential in helping preserve vision while managing the symptoms of iritis.

Uveitis, (including anterior uveitis or iritis) has been linked to oxidative stress and researchers have identified natural products as well as various medications that may be helpful.² These include vitamins A, C, and E³ as well as aronia extract,³ curcumin,^{4, 5} resveratrol,⁶ astaxanthin,^{7, 8} and lutein.⁹

Antioxidants are available through a healthy anti-inflammatory and alkalinizing diet as well as through nutritional supplements. They help in a number of ways, including:

Neutralizing the potentially damaging effects of free radicals that are a by-product of inflammation (particularly chronic inflammation)
Delivering essential nutrients to all parts of the eyes, which are vital for healthy eyes
Reducing inflammation (through specific supplements that have natural anti-inflammatory properties)

Related Conditions

Iritis may occur along with a number of other conditions:

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune problem wherein tissues surrounding the joints are swollen and inflammed.
Uveal tract inflammations of other areas of the uvea such as cyclitis and choroiditis
Behcet’s disease – a possible autoimmune disorder in which there is blood artery and/or vein inflammation throughout the body, including the eye.
Crohn’s disease and Colitis are common types of inflammatory bowel disease.
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition causing hyperactivity of the thyroid.
Lupis – another chronic autoimmune condition causing inflammation because immune system becomes over-active and attacks healthy systems.
Chronic psoriasis – immune system abnormalities or stress-related flare-ups cause severe inflammation and scaly skin cell tissue.
Gout – painful inflammation resulting from too much uric acid which crystallizes and gathers in joints.
Lyme disease – a bacteria-caused infection that causes inflammation and pain in joints and can spread to the heart and nervous system.
Tuberculosis – another bacteria-caused infection that attacks the lungs, especially impacting people with a weak immune system.
Venereal disease, including syphilis and herpes – sexually transmitted diseases involving a variety of bacteria, viruses, and yeasts.
Some cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma and melanoma

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Footnotes

1. Reddy A, Liu SH, Brady CJ, Sieving PC, Palestine AG. (2023). Corticosteroid implants for chronic non-infectious uveitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Aug 29;8(8):CD010469.
2. Yadav UC, Kalariya NM, Ramana KV. Emerging role of antioxidants in the protection of uveitis complications. Curr Med Chem. 2011;18(6):931-42.
3. Ohgami K, Ilieva I, Shiratori K, Koyama Y, Jin XH, et al. (2005). Anti-inflammatory effects of aronia extract on rat endotoxin-induced uveitis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2005;46:275–281.
4. Lal B, Kapoor AK, Asthana OP, Agrawal PK, Prasad R, et al. (1999). Efficacy of curcumin in the management of chronic anterior uveitis. Phytother Res 1999;13:318–322.
5. Liu XF, Hao JL, Xie T, Mukhtar NJ, Zhang W, et al. (2017). Curcumin, A Potential Therapeutic Candidate for Anterior Segment Eye Diseases: A Review. Front Pharmacol. Feb 14;8:66.
6. Kubota S, Kurihara T, Mochimaru H, Satofuka S, Noda K, et al. (2009). Prevention of ocular inflammation in endotoxin-induced uveitis with resveratrol by inhibiting oxidative damage and nuclear factor-kappaB activation. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2009;50:3512–3519.
7. Galano A, Vargas R, Martínez A. (2010). Carotenoids can act as antioxidants by oxidizing the superoxide radical anion. Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2010;12:193–200.
8. Giannaccare G, Pellegrini M, Senni C, Bernabei F, Scorcia V, et al. (2020). Clinical Applications of Astaxanthin in the Treatment of Ocular Diseases: Emerging Insights. Mar Drugs. May 1;18(5):239.
9. Jin XH, Ohgami K, Shiratori K, Suzuki Y, Hirano T, et al. (2006). Inhibitory effects of lutein on endotoxin-induced uveitis in Lewis rats. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci.

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Optic Nerve Inflammation

staging_nec — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 14:47:51 +0000

About optic neuritis Optic nerve atrophy

Optic nerve damage impacts vision at the most fundamental level causing severe vision loss. The optic nerve is like a cable of more than a million tiny electrical wires, or nerve fibers each carrying a part of the visual information to the visual cortex in the brain. If these nerve fibers become damaged, the brain doesn’t get all the vision information and our sight becomes blurred.

Complementary Treatment

Free radical activity and oxidative stress are contributing factors to optic neurological conditions. Researchers report that although steroids are commonly used in treatment, reducing oxidative stress has proven effective in preclinical studies.

In addition, environmental factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, medications, stress, and toxins may be linked to your risk of developing optic neuritis, as well as the recovery prognosis. Living a healthy lifestyle, therefore, is highly recommended for those with optic neuritis, or for those at risk for developing it. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking targeted antioxidants for eye health may slow down the progression of the disease and promote healthy vision.

In acute optic neuritis, the outer layer nerve synapses in the retina (known as the outer plexiform layer), as well as photoreceptors, can also become swollen. Therefore, the recommendations listed below include nutrients to support the health of the retina nerve cells, myelin sheath, and the photoreceptors, with the goal of limiting further damage to vision.

Nutritional Support

Nutritional deficiencies. Because one type of optic neuritis – nutritional optic neuropathy – results from nutritional deficiencies, good nutrition is critical for healthy optic nerves. Nutritional optic neuropathy arises especially due to vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies. Certain nutrients such as lutein, vinpocetine, l-lysine, bilberry, alpha lipoic acid, magnesium and a number of other vitamins & enzymes and omega-3s support optic nerve health.
Daily Juicing is a good way to maximize the nutritional value of your diet. For the optic nerve we especially recommend a combination of some of these: ginger, parsley, beets, cabbage, carrots, endive, chlorophyll, wheat grasses, berries (all organic preferably). See more on juicing.
Antioxidants. There have been a number of studies indicating the oxidative stress is a factor in optic neuritis incidence and antioxidants may play an important role in treating the condition. For example, one study found that reducing oxidative stress on mitochondria in lab animals reduced myelin fiber injury by 51% and loss of retinal nerve ganglion cells four-fold.⁵ For example, in lab animal models, injections of lipoic acid were found to significantly improve both early and developed optic neuritis inflammation.⁴ Bilberry extracts also have good antioxidant properties.

Blueberry. A condition known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis is one of the autoimmune conditions where optic neuritis may accompany the condition. Researchers found that adding blueberry juice to a drug, etanercept, produced better results in reducing inflammation than the drug alone.¹
Gypenosides. Researchers have determined that gypenosides, from a Chinese medicinal plant might help protect the optic nerve.³
Other nutrients. Other nutrients such as aminoguarnadine, omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids such as taurine⁶, ginkgo biloba⁷, trans-resveratrol⁸, grapeseed extract, vitamins B12,⁹ C, and E may be helpful depending on the type of optic neuritis experienced.

Lifestyle

Because damage to the optic nerve can result from toxins and some medications, we recommend avoiding smoking which exposes the body and optic nerve to cyanide. In general consult carefully with your doctor about your medications and possible side-effects. This includes large-dose vitamin A, some heart medications, and some medications for malaria, diabetes, tuberculosis, some antibiotics, and oral contraceptives.

As with all other eye conditions, exercise is an important factor in your vision health protocol.

Conventional Treatment

One third of patients have a mildly swollen optic disc, and 95% of those cases resolve naturally. If diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica or neuroretinitis, a less favorable outcome, a high-dosed methylprednisolone (a corticosteroid) will be administered that can decrease swelling but does not reverse all damage. A swollen optic nerve usually improves over several days to weeks, but may take months for complete restoration of normal vision.

Because optic neuritis is often a first sign or precursor of MS, doctors can evaluate MS risk with an MRI scan of the brain. If MS is diagnosed, medications like beta-interferon or glatiramer acetate are prescribed. These drugs are intended to balance or influence anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory biochemicals in the brain and reduce inflammatory cell ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.

After the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial in 1992, doctors determined that treatment with intravenous steroid drugs (not the oral steroids) reduces the risk of later developing MS – an important connection because about half of people who suffer an an initial episode of optic neuritis will develop MS. While this process has little effect on vision, it appears to be very important for health overall.

If you must take steroids, we suggest that you also take a good wholistic eye vitamin to help protect your vision. See more information about the effect of steroids on vision.

By using a special kind of MRI for the brain, doctors are now able to pinpoint exactly where the inflammation lesions are located – in the eye cavity, in the optic nerve canal, where the optic nerves cross each other, or further out toward the skull. This ability makes prognosis more accurate. Swelling and inflammation that is not located in or close to the cavity of the eye socket is less serious and more likely to result in recovery in a relatively short period of time.

Return to nutritional support

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Footnotes

1. Blueberry Improves the Therapeutic Effect of Etanercept on Patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, 2015.
2. Blood plasma levels of microelements in patients with history of optic neuritis, 2014
3. Gypenosides might have neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects on optic neuritis, 2014
4. Lipoic acid decreases inflammation and confers neuroprotection in experimental autoimmune optic neuritis, 2001
5. X. Qi, Suppression of mitochondrial oxidative stress provides long-term neuroprotection in experimental optic neuritis, Investitations in Ophthalmology and Visual Science, February, 2007.
6. Froger N, Cadetti L, Lorach H, Bemelmans, A.P., Degardin, D.E., et al. (2012). Taurine provides neuroprotection against retinal ganglion cell degeneration. PLoS One, 7(10):e42017.
7. Feng, X., Zhang, L., Zhu, H. (2009). Comparative anticancer and antioxidant activities of different ingredients of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761). Planta Med. Jun;75(8):792-6.
8. Bastianetto, S., Menard, C., Quirion, R. (2015). Neuroprotective action of resveratrol. Biochem Biophys Acta, Jun;1852(6):1195-201.
9. Chavala, S.H., Kosmorsky, G.S., Lee, M.K., Lee, M.S. (2005). Optic neuropathy in vitamin B12 deficiency. Eur J Inter Med, Oct; 16(6):447-8.

Other Sources

Langer-Gould A, Brara SM, Beaber BE, Zhang JL (2014). The incidence of clinically isolated syndrome in a multi-ethnic cohort. J Neurol, Jul; 261(7):1349-55.
Memon, V., Saxena, R., Misra, R., Phuljhele, S. (2011). Management of optic neuritis. Indian J Ophthalmol, Mar-Apr; 59(2):117-122.
Dahl, A.A. Optic Neuritis. Retrieved Feb 25 2018 from https://www.medicinenet.com/ optic_neuritis/article.htm#optic_neuritis_facts Ibid. Menon. (2011).
Rodriguez M, Siva A, Cross SA, O’Brien PC, Kurland LT. (1995). Optic neuritis: A population-based study in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Neurology, 45:244–50
Jin YP, de Pedro-Cuesta J, Söderström M, Stawiarz L, Link H. (1998). Incidence of optic neuritis in Stockholm, Sweden 1990-1995: I. Age, sex, birth and ethnic-group related patterns. J Neurol Sci, 159:107–14
MacDonald BK, Cockerell OC, Sander JW, Shorvon SD. (2000). The incidence and lifetime prevalence of neurological disorders in a prospective community-based study in the UK. Brain, 123:665–76
National Organization for Rare Disorders. Papillitis. Retrieved Feb 26 2018 from https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/papillitis/
Wilhelm, H., Schabet, M. (2015). The Diagnosis and Treatment of Optic Neuritis. Dtsch Arztebl Int, Sep; 112(37): 616–626
Kimura, A., Namekata, K., Guo, X., Noro, T., Harada, C. et al. (2017). Targeting Oxidative Stress for Treatment of Glaucoma and Optic Neuritis. Oxid Med Cell Longev, 2017:2817252
Al-Louzi, O.A., Bhargava, P, Newsome, S.D., Balcer, L.J., Frohman, E.M., et al. (2016). Outer retinal changes following acute optic neuritis. Mult Scler, Mar; 22(3):362-372.

The post Optic Nerve Inflammation appeared first on Natural Eye Care.

Hereditary Damage to the Optic Nerve

staging_nec — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 13:55:24 +0000

Damage overview IOP Damage

Types of Hereditary Damage

The optic nerve is subject to not only physical or pressure-induced damage, but to damage which arises from hereditary factors. The most common condition is Leber’s which results in painless loss of vision, usually beginning at a relatively young age. Other vision conditions that result from hereditary damage include retinitis pigmentosa, mitochondrial encephalopathy, myoclonic epilepsy, Kearns-Sayre syndrome, lactic acidosis stroke, and ragged red fiber myopathy², and dry eye conditions such as Sjogren’s syndrome¹.

Mitochondrial Function

Mitochondria structures, located in every cell in the body, described by wikipedia as the “power plants” of the cell, convert nutrients into energy for the use of the cell and each part of the body. Mitochondria generate the cellular supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)¹ the source of energy within the cell. The optic nerve is especially dependent upon the healthy functioning of mitochondria since vision is largely an energy interpretation process.

Mitochondria control cellar division (ie, initial development and repair of damaged tissue, and their disfunction signals cell death with severe consequences. They control oxidation within the cell; they convert amino acids, essential fatty acids and steroids to ATP, food for the cell, and they control functions to provide oxygen to the eye (the ‘respiratory chain’).

Mitochondrial Structure

Mitochondria contain their own DNA-like components used to synthesize RNA and thus are vulnerable to hereditary damage. Their structure includes an outer membrane space, an inner membrane space, an intermediary membrane and the lamella which contains the matrix.^{2, 3} The matrix is the part of the mitochondria containing DNA (which carries the genetic code) and ribosomes (which connect amino acids together as specified by RNA.)⁴ When mutations are carried in the DNA, genetically, then the various mitochondrial disorders such as Leber’s result.

Symptoms of Mitochndrial Damage

According to mitoaction.org, mitochondrial damage can result in:

progressive or permanent eye disease
temporary fatigue, seizures, migraine, stroke-like symptoms, often triggered by specific health conditions, toxin exposure, etc.
muscle weakness, either permanent or temporary

More Self Help

Certain nutrients such as lutein, zeaxanthin, vinpocetine, l-lysine, a number of vitamins & enzymes, and fish oil may help Leber’s.
See recommended nutrients
Some research indicates that daily use of Microcurrent
Stimulation may help preserve vision as well.
See all optic nerve support vitamins
and supplements

Studies

Research on Leber’s.

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Microcurrent Stimulation 100ile Purchase Option

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References

1. Campbell, Neil A.; et al., Book: Biology: Exploring Life. Published by Pearson Prentice Hall, 2006
2. Mitochondrial Disorders with Significant Ophthalmic Manifestations, Mona Al-Enezi, MD, et al, Middle East African Journal of Ophthalmololy. Apr-Jun, 2008, pp.81-86.
3. Wikipedia: mitochondria matrix
4. Wikipedia: Ribosomes, DNA

The post Hereditary Damage to the Optic Nerve appeared first on Natural Eye Care.

Eye Pressure can cause Optic Nerve Damage

staging_nec — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 13:37:17 +0000

About glaucoma

Elevated eye pressure (intraocular pressure) can cause damage to the optic nerve and is one of the risk factors for glaucoma and other vision conditions. In general ophthalmologists consider 10 mmHg to 20 mmHg to be normal pressure.

Note: Narrow angle glaucoma, characterized by sudden red eye(s) with visual halos and headache, sometimes nausea, is an ocular emergency. If you have these symptoms you should go immediately to the emergency room and call your eye doctor.

Treatment

Medications

People with glaucoma are typically put on medications that lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eyes. Sometimes surgery is appropriate to address structural issues. There are basically two categories of glaucoma eyedrops prescribed by eye doctors:

Beta-blockers that lower eye pressure by reducing the amount of aqueous fluid in the eye, and
alpha-agonists and prostaglandin analogs that improve the outflow of the aqueous fluid. These modern eyedrops tend to have fewer side effects than the beta-blockers.

There are both preservative and preservative-free options. Preservative-free eyedrops are recommended for glaucoma because patients notice less discomfort compared to eyedrops with preservatives, and because they lower the risk of ocular surface disease.¹⁹

Surgical options

In addition to traditional glaucoma surgery, there are a number of surgical options for specific areas of concern: argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT), selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), laser peripheral iridotomy (LIP), or cycloablation. Traditional surgery includes trabeculectomy, drainage implant surgery, and nonpenetrating surgery. Caution. Note that acute angle-closure glaucoma must be monitored closely by your eye doctor as it can result in an eye stroke. If you’re diagnosed with this condition, you’ll need urgent treatment to reduce the pressure in your eye. This generally will require both medication and laser or other surgical procedures.

Optogenetics

Brain and vision researchers have been looking into optogenetics to regulate intraocular pressure. Optogenetics is the use of light plus genetic engineering to regulate IOP. Researchers have found that in this way they can regulate biochemicals called phosphoinositides which are critical for aqueous humor balance.²⁵

High eye pressure increases cardiovascular risk

Not only is death from cardiovascular problems more likely in glaucoma patients, but drugs used to treat glaucoma may damage the cardiovascular system. Read more about how glaucoma increases cardiovascular risk.

Complementary approach

There are a number of life style choices you can make to help protect the optic nerve and overall vision, and even lower intraocular pressure to complement what your eye doctor recommends.

Nutrients

I have glaucoma in my right eye. The pressure in that eye started at 19. Because I take Dr. Grossman’s supplements the pressure is now 10 and has been that low for at least 2 years. My eyes are stable. My visual perception test is the best it has ever been. I take Optic nerve support, vision support and pressure formula. THEY WORK! I do not need surgery! –V.M., 2024

Oxidative stress and free radicals may play an important role in the onset of glaucoma by causing damage to the trabecular meshwork responsible for effective outflow of the aqueous fluid, and the retinal ganglion cells.^20,21 The optic nerve requires healthy circulation to the eyes and essential nutrients to maintain cell integrity and good vision. Research has shown that circulation to the optic nerve is poorer for those with glaucoma, particularly for normal or low-tension glaucoma. Glaucoma is not just a matter of normal IOP but also of keeping the optic nerve properly nourished. Antioxidants play many roles to help reduce oxidative stress and damage due to free radicals, protect the trabecular meshwork, and support healthy circulation to the optic nerve.

Green leafy vegetables. A diet rich in green leafy vegetables is one of the most important prevention methods for glaucoma. Researchers evaluating the diets of over 100,000 health professionals over a 26 to 28 year period found that those people who included the highest levels of green leafy vegetables in their diets had a 30% lowered risk of primary open angle glaucoma than subjects with lowest levels of leafy greens in their diets. These subjects also had a 40 to 50% lower risk of developing early paracentral visual field loss.¹⁴
Regular Exercise is tied to a lower risk of glaucoma. Exercise such as a regular brisk walk is about as helpful as using beta-blockers medication for glaucoma. A brisk 40 minute walk 5 days a week is a good target.¹ Research has shown that glaucoma patients who take a brisk, 40-minute walk five days a week for three months can reduce the pressure in their eyes by approximately 2.5 millimeters – similar to the reduction seen when using beta-blockers.²
Coleus forskohlii. Researchers find that the active ingredient in coleus, forskolin, can help lower intraocular pressure and support the health of the retinal nerve ganglions and the optic nerve.^{16, 17}.
Antioxidants protect cells and membranes in the eye from free-radical damage. Free radicals are atoms that are lacking an electron. This makes them very unstable. In their attempt to become stable, they attack other cells and try to “steal” an electron. This attack harms the cells’ delicate membranes, thereby making them a target for disease. Important antioxidants and antioxidant-like nutrients include vitamins: C and E and carotenoids, and nutrients alpha lipoic acid, CoQ10, and glutathione (preferably taken in a sublingual formulation). Vitamin C helps keep the trabecular meshwork from being blocked.¹⁰
Amino acids. Important amino acids include taurine (concentrated in the eye and found in the optic nerve), glutathione (one of the most important antioxidants in the eye) and cysteine (taken as N-acetyl-cysteine). These nutrients assist the Liver in producing glutathione.
Flavonols. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid which supports vision and the optic nerve.
Vitamins C & E give antioxidant support. Vitamin B12 supports the nervous system and nerve health. Vitamin B3 (niacin) may have a protective effect.¹⁸ A combination of B6, B9 and B12 helps to lower homocysteine levels that are linked to higher risk of developing glaucoma.²²
Herbs such as gingko biloba,²³ and a combination of bilberry and maritime pine bark²⁴ have been demonstrated to be helpful.
Minerals such as magnesium may be helpful. Magnesium improves microcirculation in glaucoma patients and may protect the retinal ganglion cell against oxidative stress and cell death.
Essential fatty acids can help reduce the chronic inflammatory processes associated with glaucoma.
Digestion & vitamins Make sure to follow these tips for taking vitamins and maintaining good digestion. Always take vitamins with food. Digestive enzymes are stimulated when eating and aid in nutrient absorption.
If you must take glaucoma medication, note that alpha lipoic acid has been found to help prevent the conjunctiva scarring caused by some glaucoma medications. See the research.
Note that these drugs have been associated with causing or aggravating glaucoma.
Pay attention to these critical prevention measures for glaucoma and other vision conditions.

What causes intraocular pressure to fluctuate?

Exercise

Exercise decreasing pressure. Researchers have found that some forms of exercise reduce intraocular pressure – both mild forms of exercise such as tai chi, walking, dancing, yoga, and pilates and more obviously vigorous exercise such as jogging and aerobics. One study looking at student runners found that eye pressure was reduced by 4 mmHg after running.¹ Another concluded that including aerobic exercise in one’s routine decreases intraocular pressure.² And a third study looked at exercise under several controlled circumstances and found that the amount of pressure decrease was associated with the degree of intensity of exercise.³
Some yoga increases pressure Some yoga postures with a head down position increase intraocular pressure. One study looked specifically at four specific postures which were held for two minutes. Adho Mukha Svanasana (down dog), Uttanasana (forward bend), Halasana (plow), and Viparita Karani (legs-up-the-wall) all increased intraocular pressure measured at two minutes. Down dog yielded the highest increase in glaucoma patients (~11 mmHg) with a slighter greater increase in patients without glaucoma (~12mmHg). For glaucoma patients/non-glaucoma patients forward bend resulted in ~10mmHg/~8mmHg; plow resulted in ~6mmHg/~4mmHg; and legs-up-the-wall resulted in ~3mmHg/~3mmHg. The IOPs returned to the baseline measurement within sitting for two minutes.¹⁵ Our recommendation is that if you do yoga and have a history of open-angle glaucoma where the eye pressure tends to be above normal (IOP), you either avoid these postures or do them for a shorter period of time such as 10-15 seconds. Of course always check with your eye doctor as well.
Exercise increasing pressure. Researchers also found that eye pressure may increase due to some forms of exercise, such as doing bench presses (heavy weights), even more so if the subject inadvertantly held their breath while lifting.⁴
Exercise in sedentary people. Even for people who do not get sufficient exercise, walking and jogging both decrease intraocular pressure.⁵

Other variants

Normal variation. When researchers monitored eye pressure over 24 hour periods, noting the high eye pressure often occurs outside doctors’ office hours, they found pressure to be higher in 2/3rds of the patients when they were sleeping at night.^{6, 7}
Heart rate. Although pressure has been found to decrease after exercise, it is not necessarily correlated with heart rate.⁸
Respiration. Interestingly, one researcher found that after subject breathed through only the right nostril, eye pressure statistically significantly decreased.⁹ Not surprisingly, different forms of artificial respiration used during surgery brought about changes in eye pressure. As with heart rate, respiration rate alone may not necessarily correlate with changes in eye pressure.
Drinking water. There is a water drinking test used for glaucoma patients, and it is true that drinking a large amount of water may temporarily raise intraocular pressure. But it is not true that drinking large amounts of water is dangerous because it raises eye pressure and restrictions are not necessary.
Medications, drugs. Some medications and drugs do raise intraocular pressure and cause increased risk for glaucoma. See this article on harmful drugs

Related Conditions

Glaucoma

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Footnotes

1. Acute Dynamic Exercise Reduces Intraocular Pressure, Medicine Faculty, Ataturk U., Turkey. July 1999
2. Exercise training reduces intraocular pressure among subjects suspected of having glaucoma., Passo MS, et al, Dept. Opthalmology, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, Archives of Ophthalmology. 1991 Aug;109(8):1096-8
3. Correlates of acute exercise-induced ocular hypotension, Harris, et al, Indiana University School of Medicine, Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1994 Oct;35(11):3852-7.
4. Intraocular Pressure Variation During Weight Lifting, Viera GM, et al, Archives of Ophthalmology. 124 (9): 1251-54, 2006
5. Effects of mild, moderate and severe exercise on intraocular pressure of sedentary subjects, I.A. Qureshi, Rawalpindi Medical College Journal, Pakistan, Vol. 22, No. 6 , Pages 545-553, 1995
6. Monitoring intraocular pressure for 24 h, Liu, John H.K., MD, et al, U. California, British Journal Opthalmology, 2011, 95P 599-60.
7. Analysis of continuous 24-hour intraocular pressure patterns in glaucoma., Mansouri, et al, University of California, Invest. Ophthalmology Vision Science, Dec., 2012, 8050-6
8. Intraocular pressure measure on normal eyes, Pardianto G, et al, Mimbar Ilmiah Ofalmologi, Indonesia, 2005.
9. Effect of unilateral forced nostril breathing on tonic accommodation and intraocular pressure, Chen, JC, et al, Centre for Health Research, Queensland University of Technology, Australia, Clinical Autonic Research, Dec, 2004, 396-400.
10. P.Xu, et al, Ascorbic acid modulation of iron homeostasis and lysosomal function in trabecular meshwork cells, Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, March-April, 2014.
12 The Eye Diseases Prevalence Research Group, Arch Ophthalmol. 2004; Prevent Blindness. Passo, M.S. et. al., Regular exercise lowers intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients. Investigative Ophthalmology 35. In ARVO Abstracts, March 15, 1994.
13. Physical Activity (2009) & Glaucoma, National Runners’ Health Study
14. J. H. Kang, W. C. Willett, et al, Association of Dietary Nitrate Intake With Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: A Prospective Analysis From the Nurses’ Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-up Study, JAMA Opthamology, January 2016.
15. Jessica V. Jasien, et al, Intraocular Pressure Rise in Subjects with and without Glaucoma during Four Common Yoga Positions, PLOS, December, 2015.
16. M. Majeed, et al, Efficacy and safety of 1% forskolin eye drops in open angle glaucoma – An open label study, Saudi Journal of Ophthalmology, July 2015.
17. BH Meyer, AA Stulting, FO Muller, HG Luus, M Badian,The effects of forskolin eye drops on intra-ocular pressure, South African medical journal, June, 1987.
18. P.A. Williams, et al, Vitamin B3 modulates mitochondrial vulnerability and prevents glaucoma in aged mice, Science, February, 2017
19. Stamlans, I., Sunairic, M.G., Cordeiro, M.F., Hommer, A., Rossetti, L., et al. (2013). Preservative-free treatment in glaucoma: who, when, and why. Eur J Ophthalmol, Jul-Aug;23(4):518-25.
20. Kumar, D.M., Agarwal. N. (2007). Oxidative stress in glaucoma: a burden of evidence. J Glaucom, May; 16(3):334-43.
21. Rokicki, W., Zalejska-Fiolka, J., Pojda-Wilczek, D., Kabiesz, A., Majewski, W. (2016). Oxidative stress in the red blood cells of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. Clin Hemmorheol and Microcir, Jan 27;62(4):369-78.
22. Christen, W.G., Glynn, R.J., Chew, E.Y., Manson, J.E. (2007). Folic acid plus B-vitamins and age-related macular degeneration in a randomized trial in women. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci, 48:1152.
23. Studies on ginkgo biloba.
24. Studies on combinations of bilberry and maritime pine bark.
25. Prosseda PP, Alvarado JA, Wang B, Kowal TJ, Ning K, et al. (2020). Optogenetic Stiulation of Phosphoinositides Reveals a Critical Role of Primary Cilia in Eye Pressure Regulation. Sci Adv. Apr 29;6(18):eaay8699.

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Optic Nerve Damage (non-hereditary)

staging_nec — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 13:25:48 +0000

Optic nerve & nervous system Types Hereditary causes (Leber’s, Sjogren’s, retinitis pigmentosa) IOP causes (glaucoma)

Conventional Treatment

Unlike optic neuritis, where swollen optic nerves can be repaired, there is, unfortunately, there is no effective treatment for optic atrophy. Recent trials of gene therapy for Leber’s appears to be effective. Gene therapy may hold promise for other types of optic atrophies in the future.

However, limiting further optic nerve damage, if possible, is the goal. One possible way to reduce vision loss is through the reduction of increased fluid pressure around the brain and spinal cord (a condition called hydrocephalus). Once the nerve fibers in the optic nerve are lost, they never heal or grow back. If the cause can be found, corrected, or managed, sometimes further damage can be reduced or prevented. This is especially true for identified causes such as system inflammation, glaucoma, and multiple sclerosis.

Complementary Approach

Because some types of optic nerve damage may result from nutritional deficiencies, good nutrition is critical for maintaining healthy optic nerves. Daily juicing is a very good way to maximize the nutritional value of your diet and to stave off deficiencies. Nutrients from juices are easier to absorb, which is helpful for anyone with digestive difficulties.

Additionally, since a number of studies indicate that oxidative stress is a crucial factor in optic nerve problems, antioxidants may play an important role in preventing and treating the condition.

Nutritional support

Vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies are at the foundation of nutritional optic neuropathy. Certain nutrients such as ginkgo biloba, bilberry, alpha-lipoic acid, taurine, magnesium, a number of other vitamins and enzymes, and omega-3 fatty acids in the form of fish oil or algae-based supplements (for vegetarians), support optic nerve health.
Daily Juicing is a good way to maximize the nutritional value of your diet. For the optic nerve we especially recommend a combination of some of these: ginger, parsley, beets, cabbage, carrots, endive, chlorophyll, wheat grasses, berries (all organic preferably). See more on juicing.
Gypenosides Researchers have determined that gypenosides, from a Chinese medicinal plant might help protect the optic nerve.³
Antioxidants There have been a number of studies indicating the oxidative stress is an important part of optic nerve problems and antioxidants may play an important role in treating the condition.

Lifestyle

As with all other eye conditions, exercise is an important factor in your vision health protocol.

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Footnote

1. Y. Zong, et al, Blueberry Improves the Therapeutic Effect of Etanercept on Patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Phase III Study, Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine, October, 2015.
2. K. Kazmierczak, et al, Blood plasma levels of microelements in patients with history of optic neuritis, Current Eye Research, January, 2014, Vol 39.
3. K. Li, et al, Gypenosides might have neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects on optic neuritis, Medical Hypotheses, May, 2014

Optic nerve atrophy Hereditary causes (Leber’s, Sjogren’s, retinitis pigmentosa) IOP causes (glaucoma)

The post Optic Nerve Damage (non-hereditary) appeared first on Natural Eye Care.

Retinal Circulatory System

staging_nec — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 13:01:53 +0000

Capillaries contained within the choroid in the eye are responsible for the circulation of blood within the eye. If any of these tiny arteries or veins become blocked by blood clots or lipids (the same fats that eventually harden and form plaque in your main blood veins), then problems arise. The arterial capillaries deliver oxygen to the eye and the retina, and the venous capillaries take the de-oxygenated blood back to your lungs and heart where oxygen is again added. These capillaries also deliver nutrients to the eye and bring waste material back to the elimination system to be removed.

Circulatory Structure of the Eye

Choroid

This rather amazing and multi-purpose structure lies between the sclera, which we perceive as the white of the eye, and the retina. Its primary function is that of supplying the outer layer of the retina with blood rich with oxygen and nutrients and removing de-oxygenated blood and waste from the eye. It also plays a role in maintaining the eye’s lymphatic drainage. The blood vessels walls are made up of smooth muscles stimulated by fine neuron complexes that control the thickness of the vessels, and consequently, the choroid itself. The choroid also contains non-vascular muscle cells, especially right behind the macula that move the retina frontward and backward to remain within the plane of focus. Researchers have noted that the choroid thickens and thins depending on the kind of eyeglasses that are worn. Additionally it has been found that the choroid contains cells that secrete regulating enzymes, helps to maintain optimal retinal temperature, and plays a role in modulating intraocular pressure.¹

The choroid is divided into five layers.

The outer layer, the suprachoroidea is a transition area which contains components of both the choroid and the outer sclera, such as fibers of collagen, fibroblasts (connective tissue) and pigmented cells. The suprachoroidal space also contains lacunae, spaces that contain lymph that act as part of a lymphatic drainage system within the choroid. These lacunae also expand and contract, contributing significantly to the capacity of the choroid to rapidly thicken and thin in changing visual and environmental conditions.^1,2,3
The next layers, Haller’s layer and Sattler’s layer contain the large and medium sized arteries/veins, respectively. While there are prominent veins and arteries in the eye, these layers are the primary source of blood to the retina and during darkness, provide over 90% of the retinal supply of oxygen.
A layer of capillaries, choriocapillaris contains the tiniest arteries and veins and forms a thin sheet highly interconnected. The layer is thickest at the fovea, the focal point of the retina.³
Bruch’s membrane lines the inside of the choroid. It is a filter between the retinal pigment layer and the tiny capillaries.³

Consequences of Choroidal Damage

Thinning of the choroid occurs as we age and patients with age-related macular degeneration are found to have thinner choroids.^1,2

Choroidal blood flow is automatically regulated depending on the amount of oxygen present; if this function fails, new blood vessels form (neovascularization) distorting the position of photoreceptors and other critical retinal cells, as is exhibited in diabetic retinopathy and wet macular degeneration, which in turn can lead to bleeding in the eye and detached retina.¹

Another result of AMD is the thickening of the Bruch’s membrane lining the inside of the choroid which impairs its filtration capacity.¹

For additional information on this fascinating part of the eye, read The Multifunctional Choroid.

Vorticose Veins

We have four or five vorticose, or vortex veins, which drain blood from the outer layer of the choroid, the suprachoroidea, and the cilary bodies at the front of the eye and deliver it to the retinal vein.

Central Retinal Vein & Artery

Outside the choroid, the central retinal vein passes through the same channel as the optic nerve. It is the sole mover of blood from the capillaries into larger veins to carry de-oxygenated blood back to the lungs and heart for re-oxygenation. If it becomes blocked or occluded severe swelling and damage occur.

The central retinal artery is the sole provider of blood to retina. Like the retinal vein, if blocked or occluded several damage to the retina can occur from lack of oxygen.

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Footnotes

1. The Multifunctional Choroid, Debora Nickla & Josh Wallman, Progress in Retinal and Eye Research, March 2010, 144-168.
2. Choroid, Haller’s, and Sattler’s layer thickness in intermediate age-related macular degeneration with and without fellow neovascular eyes, Esmaeelpour M., et al, Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science., July, 2014, 55(8) 5074-80. 3. Wikipedia.com

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The Macula and Severe Myopia

staging_nec — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 12:48:31 +0000

Myopia Macular Degeneration Macular Degeneration Myopia

Severe myopia with increasing elongation of the eyeball as we age is a degenerative condition resulting in damage to the macula, cornea, walls of the eye, possible detachment and other complications.

Complementary Treatment

Complementary treatment for macular degeneration may be helpful for slowing or reducing the development of this condition.

MMD most closely resembles advanced macular degeneration. Researchers have found that treating macular degeneration with essential fatty acids, amino acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory nutrients have been helpful in slowing or preventing development from dry to the wet form of macular degeneration.Some of the nutrients that will be important for patients with myopic macular degeneration are:
- Vitamin D3 – Vitamin D has been found to be especially helpful in cases of macular degeneration where the risk factor due to genetics is large. Vitamin D reduces inflammation and reduces creation of extra blood vessels; both are associated causative factors in MMD.¹
- Carotenoids – Lutein, zeaxanthin and astaxanthin are essential antioxidants for the health of the retina and macula; their value has been established by extensive research.^{2, 3, 4}
- Omega -3 fatty acids – Like the carotenoids, extensive research has demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acids support the health of the macula and are able to regulate the formation of blood vessels.⁵
- Bilberry and gingko biloba are also recommended as they also help support the health of the eye by strengthening circulation and supporting night vision.
- Resveratrol helps strengthen blood vessels and reduces inflammation.
- Hyaluronic acid helps strengthen connective tissue.
Diet:
- Daily juicing is a great way to get the nutrients you need to support the health of your retina and macula. See our juice recipe for AMD.
- Dark leafy greens contain important nutrients to support vision. Have them every day. See our Mediterranean diet food pyramid.
Lifestyle: As in macular degeneration these lifestyle considerations are essential.
- Stop smoking – Smoking significantly increases the risk of severe development of MMD.
- Exercise is the single-most important thing you can do for most health conditions including virtually all vision conditions.
- Drugs: Drugs can increase the risk of macular degeneration and MMD.

Conventional Treatment

Surgical treatments have evolved through pioneer grafting with donor tissue, to surgical reinforcement⁶ and buckling surgery (partially effective)⁷ to a modified version of reinforcement.⁸

Many of the same drugs used for macular degeneration are used with varying degrees of success and, based on the AREDS I and II research, nutritional support is helpful. Laser treatment and photodynamic therapy (limited effectiveness) are also used.

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Footnotes

1. Association between Vitamin D status and Age-Related Macular Degeneration by Genetic Risk, 2015.
2. Dietary Antioxidants and the Long-term Incidence of Age-Related Macular Degeneration, 2008.
3. Zeaxanthin and Visual Function Study.
4. Astaxanthin Helps Prevent Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Eye Fatigue and More
5. Cytochrome P450-generated metabolites derived from omega-3 fatty acids attenuate neovascularization, 2014.
6. A.A. Synder, et al, A simplified technique for surgical treatment of degenerative myopia, American Journal of Opthalmology, August, 1972.
7. Brian Ward, PhD, MD, Degenerative Myopia: a Review of its Nature and Current Treatment, mvrf.org, 2011.
8. M. Chen, et al., The efficacy and safety of modified Snyder-Thompson posterior scleral reinforcement in extensive high myopia of Chinese children, Graefes Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, November, 2013.

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