Introduction: Eyes form an intricate part of the body and they reveal a lot about our physical and emotional well-being. In comparison to a car, the engine being the heart, the gas tank being the stomach, the eye would be all the windows and gauges. Imagine having all the windows and not being able to see. Without eyes and the ability to see one would be left in darkness. Bright and shiny eyes are a precious gift and a sign of optimal ocular nutrition. To understand ocular nutrition, we need to familiarize ourselves with the anatomy of the eyes and the visual process.
Anatomy of the eye:
The eyes are complex organs and comprise the following structures:
⌂ Cornea: The outer covering of the eye focuses light into the deeper sections of the eye. The cornea also plays an important role in the protection of the eye.
⌂ Sclera: Is the outer white part of the eye. It gives structure to the eye ball and plays an important role in protection of the delicate eye.
⌂ Pupil and Iris: The pupil is the black circle in the middle of the eye. It regulates the amount of light entering the eye. It contracts in bright light and expands in low light conditions. The iris is the coloured part surrounding the pupil.
⌂ Lens: The lens is a clear structure behind the pupil. It is attached to the muscles of the ciliary body. The lens can change its shape to better focus light to the retina.
⌂ Retina: This is the inner lining of the eye and consists of many layers. Contains rods and cones to assist with vision in different light intensity conditions. Damage to the retina may affect vision.
⌂ Lacrimal glands or tear glands: Lacrimal glands are found on the outer part of each eye and produces tears. The glands also keep the surface of the eye moistened. A lack of tears may result in the dry eye syndrome. Many local and systemic eye conditions may affect the tear film or alter the ocular surface and change the tear composition.
⌂ Blood and nerve supply: The optic nerve connects the eye with the nervous system and with the brain. The eyes have their own blood supply to provide oxygen and nutrients and to remove waste materials from the eye.
⌂ Optic nerve: The optic nerve is the second cranial nerve and is responsible for vision. Each nerve contains approximately one million fibres transmitting information from the rod and cone cells of the retina.
These structures form the eye and demand special nutrition to work optimally.
Visual Process: The eye works by refracting light rays through the cornea. The light rays are adjusted through the lens and ocular muscles to create the right amount of light refracted to the retina. When light arrives at the retina it is converted to both chemical and electrical energy before being sent through optic nerves to the brain. In the retina, millions of rods containing rhodopsin that are responsible for night vision and convert the light into electrical impulses are sent to the brain. The retina also contains millions of cones that contain iodopsin that are used for bright light vision, visual perception and colour perception. Light is transformed here and sent to the brain through optic nerves. The brain translates what it receives through optic nerves so that we understand what we see.
Conditions and ocular nutrition: The following conditions can be linked to nutritional deficiencies:
- Night blindness: Photoreception is accomplished by two types of specialized cells called rods and cones. Rods are more sensitive to light of low intensity where cones act as receptors of high-intensity light. Night blindness is caused by vitamin A deficiency and interferes with vision in dim light. Humans deficient in vitamin A lose their ability for dark adaptation. Rod vision is affected more than cone vision. Dark vision can be restored to normal by the addition of retinol to the diet. Beta carotene (pro-vitamin A) occurs in nature primarily in leafy green and root vegetables. Vital Cod Liver Oil TM capsules contains cod liver oil, which is a rich source of vitamins A and D, as well as omega 3 unsaturated fatty acid. Vital Beta Carotene TM contains beta carotene equal to 3330 IU of vitamin A. It is important to remember that vision will only return to normal several weeks after adequate amounts of retinol (vitamin A) have been supplied. During the Second World War British air force pilots would eat bilberry jam to help improve their vision during evening and night flights. Eyes Rx Plus TM contains 25% bilberry extract to aid in improvement of night vision, as well as the prevention of macular degeneration.
- Xerophthalmia and dry eyes: These conditions are reversible with vitamin A supplementation. Similasan Eye Drops #1 TM is a sting-free formula. This unique homeopathic product stimulates the body’s natural ability to relieve dryness and clear redness of the eyes due to smog, stress, age and contact lens wear. As homeopathic remedies work without causing rebound reactions or drug-interactions, one can recommend it with confidence.
AREDS (Age Related Eye Disease Study): This Internationally conducted study found a reduction in the risk of progression of some types of age related macular degenerative diseases. The study recommends the following daily supplements:
- Vitamin C 500mg
- Vitamin E 400IU
- Beta carotene 15mg
- Capric oxide 2mg
- Zinc 80mg
Ocuvite TM contains these essential vitamins and minerals. Ocuvite Lutein TM reduces the risk of degenerative eye disorders and also contains lutein, and zeaxanthin. They are important nutrients found in green leafy vegetables, as well as other foods, such as eggs. Many studies have shown that lutein and zeaxanthin reduce the risk of chronic eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Eyes Rx Plus TM contains an advanced and potent formulation to provide appropriate micro-nutrients and anti-oxidants relevant in combating age related macular degeneration.
Conclusion: Optimum ocular nutrition is not a luxury, it is a necessity! We need to supplement appropriately to minimize the risk of age related diseases and other conditions associated with lack of nutrients.
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