Does diabetes may lead to cataract and glaucoma?
Yes, people with diabetes are 2 times more likely to develop cataracts and glaucoma as compared to non-diabetics.
How lutein and zeaxanthin helps on eye diseases?
Lutein and zeaxanthin are known as natural eye protectors. They have the highest concentration in the eyes especially the macula. Consuming sufficient lutein and zeaxanthin can help on eye disease prevention. According to studies, these can reduce risk of cataract (22%)1 and age-related macular disease (43%)2 by absorbing harmful light rays (blue light and ultraviolet light), reducing oxidative damage and inflammation of eyes.
Reference:
1. Chasan-Taber L, Willett WC, Seddon JM et al. 1999. A prospective study of carotenoid and vitamin A intakes and risk of cataract extraction in US women. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 70(4): 509-516.
2. Seddon JM, Ajani UA, Sperduto RD et al. 1994. Dietary carotenoids, vitamins A, C, and E, and advanced age-related macular degeneration. Eye Disease Case-Control Study Group. JAMA. 272(18):1413-20.
How do I relieve fatigue eye?
Any activity that requires intense eye usage, such as reading, driving and facing long hours at a computer screen can cause fatigue. Ways to help relieve fatigue eye symptoms include:
- Performing eye soothing exercises
- Adjust the display setting on the screen
- Increase the amount of light in the room when reading
- Get enough of sleep
- Get sufficient nutrients which needed by the eye
How eyebright helps in relieving conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis or known as pink eye is an inflammation or swelling of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin clear tissue that lies over the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelid. Conjunctivitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, and irritants.
Folk medicine commonly uses eyebright to treat eye disorders like conjunctivitis. Eyebright exhibits numerous biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, antifungal, and antiviral activities.
Eyebright helps to dry the excess fluid produced due to inflammation in the eye and prevents the occurrence of edema in epithelium and thus relieving conjunctivitis.
What are the tips to maintain eye health?
- Good nutrition – nutrients like lutein, zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C and vitamin E are important for keeping our eyes healthy
- Quit smoking – smoking has been linked to an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), cataract and optic nerve damage, which can lead to blindness
- Wear sunglasses – sunglasses helps to protect our eyes from sun’s ultraviolet rays
- Use protective eyewear – protective eyewear includes safety glasses or goggles specially designed to provide the correct protection for certain activity
- Rest your eyes – spending long hours on computer or phone screen can make our eyes fatigued, try to rest your eyes for every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Regular eye exam – a comprehensive eye exam helps to protect our eyesight and diagnose the early signs of eye diseases
Are you at risk of Computer vision syndrome?
March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month. We usually perceive that working outdoor is more prone to eye injuries. Ironically, working in an office can be just as hazardous to your eyesight!
The most common eye problem is Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)! Learn more on CVS and how natural herbs like bilberry, eyebright and lycium helps in nourishing your eye at “http://www.biolife.com.my/health-tips/eye-health/computer-vision-syndrome”
Bio-Vizion, a nutritional supplement with lutein and zeaxanthin
With the natural lutein and zeaxanthin from Marigold flower extract, Bio-Vizion can help to protect eyes against oxidative damage caused by blue and near-UV light radiation in the macula.
Besides, it contains natural beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, zinc and selenium which can help to protect cell membrane and retina against photochemical change.
With these, Bio-Vizion can be one of the options for patients with glaucoma. Read more at http://www.biolife.com.my/productcategory/eye-health/bio-vizion to know more about Bio-Vizion.
Lutein & Zeaxanthin, Natural Sunglasses for Glaucoma Patients
The pressure inside the eye among glaucoma patients increase gradually and thus damaging the blood vessels that feed the retina and optic nerve.
Lutein and zeaxanthin act as our eyes’ internal sunglasses by absorbing harmful blue light that will damage our eye. Besides, it helps to scavenge free radicals and protect retina and optic nerve from oxidative damage.
Bio-Vizion with natural lutein and zeaxanthin from Marigold flower extract helps improve the vision and protect the eyes.
Read more at http://www.biolife.com.my/productcategory/eye-health/bio-vizion to know more about Bio-Vizion.
My father has type 2 diabetes and he is complaining that he has a vision problem. Why does this occur? Is this problem related to his diabetes problem? What should he do?
All patients with diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is the only eye condition caused by diabetes. Chronic high blood glucose level can cause damage to the retinal capillaries, leading to capillary leakage and capillary blockage. Diabetic retinopathy may lead to loss of vision and eventually blindness. Besides, diabetes might aggravate other eye complications such as cataract, double vision, glaucoma, and loss of focusing ability.
Although diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness, most blindness is preventable. Diabetic retinopathy is usually asymptomatic in its early stages. The only way to prevent diabetes retinopathy is through taking a regular eye examination to determine the condition of the retina and take the appropriate action. Diabetic patients should have a comprehensive eye examination at least once a year.Patients with diabetic retinopathy may need to take eye examination more frequently.
Treatment of diabetic retinopathy varies based on the stage of the disease.The treatment includes laser treatment (photocoagulation), injections of medication into the eyes, and operation to remove blood or scar tissue from the eyes (vitrectomy). Diabetes management can help to avoid or slow the development of diabetic retinopathy. It is important for diabetes patients to take good control of their blood glucose level, blood pressure, and cholesterol. This diabetes management can be attained by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and undergo medication as required.
Another alternative way to manage diabetic complications is by supplementing with potent antioxidant known as Pycnogenol®. Pycnogenol® is a natural plant extract originating from the bark of the maritime pine that grows along the coast of southwest France and is found to contain a unique blend of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and phenolic acids that offer extensive health benefits, especially for diabetics.
I have been experiencing eye soreness and itchiness for about 3 months. I sleep for about 8 hours everyday but the tiredness and redness never subside. Please help.
From your description, you might be having dry eyes. Dry eyes are caused by lack of tears which are necessary for the normal lubrication of your eyes. This is the reason why you are experiencing soreness, irritation and redness. There may be also difficulty reading for long periods of time, burning and excessive tearing.
Factors contributing to this condition include aging, cigarette smoking, sun exposure as well as certain illnesses and medications. Students, drivers and working executives are usually involved in long hours of eye-straining activities which in turn cause the eye health to deteriorate. Studies have found that the majority of computer users experience some eye or vision problems.
Vitamin A is great for your eyes and will help you maintain healthy vision. Foods rich in vitamin A include carrots, yams and dark leafy greens. Take short breaks after long hours of reading or working in front of the computer. Try rubbing the palms of your hands together and place it over your closed eyes. This will help to relax the eye muscles.
On top of diet and lifestyle, you can consider taking bilberry, eyebright and lycium. Bilberry extract has been shown to improve visual acuity in dim light while eyebright helps relieve itchy and irritated eyes. Those with poor night vision and blurred vision can benefit from lycium which is rich in carotenoids. Lastly, get your eyes checked regularly by an optometrist.
I have been wearing contact lens for a couple of months and recently, I experience eye discomfort and dryness. Almost every 30 minutes I will need to apply eye drops to keep my eye moist. How can I put an end to this or at least reduce the frequency?
Eye discomfort and dryness are common complaints among contact lens users. Individuals wearing contact lens may suffer from dryness because the lens absorbs the tears and cause protein deposition on the lens surface. The eye normally needs tears for lubrication and with contact lens wear, this lubrication is even more essential. Furthermore, factors such as humidity, temperature and infrequent blinking (while reading or using the computer) can exacerbate signs and symptoms of dryness among contact lens users. The long span of contact lens is also a possible cause of eye discomfort and dryness.
Bilberry, eyebright and lycium are traditional herbs beneficial for nourishing and strengthening the eye. Bilberry improves capillary blood flow in the eyes and increases the generation of enzymes responsible for energy production in eyes. Meanwhile, eyebright helps relieve itchy and irritated eyes. Lycium is rich in carotenoids and may help to prevent free radical damage to the cells due to its antioxidants actions.
Eat plenty of fresh, raw, green and leafy vegetables. Apricots, mangoes and carrots are elixirs for the eyes. Apart from that, contact lens users with dry eyes may use daily disposable lenses to decrease deposit build-up which in turn leads to a decrease in the symptoms.
My 63-year-old mother in law has just undergone cataract surgery on her left eye. Now, I am worried about the vision in her right eye. What would you advise?
Cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision and it is most often related to aging. Structurally, the lens of our eye is made of water and protein, which is arranged in a precise way that allows light to pass through. However, as we age, some of the protein may clump together and begin to cloud a small area of the lens and this may grow larger over time. Apart from that, diabetes, cigarette smoking and prolonged exposure to sunlight have also been linked to cataract development.
One may reduce the risk of developing age-related cataracts by incorporating lutein and zeaxanthin into his/her daily diet. Lutein and zeaxanthin have the ability to prevent protein oxidation in the retina, thus protect against the increase in lens density and cataract formation.
In addition to these powerful carotenoids, beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, zinc and selenium also play important roles in protecting against free radical damage to the lens which in turn, slows down the progression of cataracts. A well-balanced combination of antioxidants works better than just one antioxidant due to its synergistic action.
Below are some simple tips to care for your eyes:
- Wear ultraviolet protective sunglasses when you are outdoors.
- Individuals with diabetes should keep their blood sugar level under control as they are more likely to develop a cataract.
- Increase consumption of green leafy vegetables, legumes and berries.
