Thursday, December 31, 2015

Eyes Naturally Healing

Experts will tell you that healthy eyes are a good indication of total body health. They are one of the most important organs of the body, and vision is one of the most precious gifts.

If you feel concerned that the state of your eyes is not as healthy as it should be, there is a strong possibility that the cause of that problem stems from simply not caring for them. Often malnourished diets, neglect, and lifestyle habits are primary reasons for poor eye health.

Physicians will also tell you that the single most import step to caring for your eyes is having your eyes tested regularly every two years, or every year if you wear eye glasses or contact lenses.

While these recommendations are extremely valuable and important to eye care, how you take care of your eyes daily with home care, using natural remedies, is priceless.

Sometimes all it takes is a little effort to get started on a programme to enhance eye health, and while not all eye problems can be prevented, you can invest the time and effort weekly to pamper your eyes for optimal results.

Practice the habits of eye health and you will be pleased knowing that you kept at bay many of the common incidences of vision problems that occur with earnest as we get older.

Natural Remedies

The human eye is a complex sense organ and we use it to interact with and interpret our world. We receive light and images from the environment, which is then transmitted to the brain for understanding. Its role as part of a larger internal communication network is unmistakeable. We use our eyes to perceive our world to observe nuances, assess dangers, and provide us with insights. Taking care of them begins with learning how, applying a few tips and supplementing with some home remedies.

1: 10 Foods for eye health

• Avocadoes-- contain lutein, important in the prevention of macular degeneration associated with aging and cataracts. They are also great sources of eye nutrition including: vitamins A, E, and B6.
• Carrots - contain ample amounts of beta carotene, pro-vitamin A.
• Broccoli - is a good source of vitamin C, calcium, and lutein.
• Kale - is a good source of vitamin A, lutein and other eye nutrients.
• Spinach - is a valuable source of vitamin A and zeaxanthin.
• Tomatoes -are high in vitamin C and lycopene, important eye nutrients
• Garlic - contains a wealth of ingredients for eye health including: selenium, vitamin C, and quercetin.
• Sunflower seeds - contain selenium and other eye nutrients that prevent cataracts.
• Papayas - are rich sources of pro-vitamin A.
• Brazil Nuts - high in selenium.

2: 3 Easy natural remedies

1: Swollen, irritated eyes - cut a fresh piece of aloe vera plant with the yellow/green sap oozing, Pat the sap over the eye and leave on for half an hour or longer. Rinse off. The irritation usually eases quickly and can be repeated as often as you need to. Note: rinse the skin of the aloe before applying to the eyes.

2: Puffy Eyes - Place wet tea bags in the freezer to chill and while chilling apply olive oil or coconut oil to your eyelids with a cotton ball. Remove tea bags from freezer, recline, placing the tea bags over the eyes for approximately 10 minutes. Remove, wash face and moisturise.

3: Eye strain from computer use - after 20 minutes, look at a distant object and blink several times, this helps with accommodation and frequent blinking will prevent dry, sore eyes. Exercise your eyes by rolling them gently side to side, up and down, and diagonally; this builds eyes muscles and reduces fatigue.

3: Supplements for eye health:
• Eyebright
• Fennel
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin B6
• Zinc and copper
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Lutein and Zeaxanthin
• Bilberry

4: Eye health tips

There are several pieces of advice that we can use to enhance our eye health.
• Wearing sunglasses in dazzling sunlight and reflections, particularly sea and snow.
• Placing a filter screen on lap top/computer monitors.
• Pursuing a healthy diet and exercise.
• Cutting back on smoking.
• Giving your eyes regular breaks from contact lenses.
• Closing your eyes for brief moments to give them a rest and prevent strains
• Use colloidal silver as a safe remedy for eye infections.

Although we use our eyes everyday, it's one of those organs that we simply forget about, like our lungs and breathing, its invaluable function is only noticed when something goes wrong.

Be protected by natural remedies and tips provided for eye health. Daily care plus once a week more intensive pampering should be done to nurture your precious asset.



Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Choose Foods For Good Eye

In many ways the saying by Hippocrates is true today: "Let thy food be thy medicine and let thy medicine be thy food."This principle can be applied to your eye health. No vision improvement program is complete without the proper nutritional foundation to support better eye health. So, if your taste buds are craving a break from traditional foods good for eyes, here are some foods you never knew that can improve and promote better eyesight.

Beets: When it comes to eye health foods, Beets are good for your eyes as they consist of Lutein and Zeaxanthin, beneficial nutrients that promote the health of the macular and the retina of the eyes. Due to its content in Nitrates, Beets can open up the blood vessels in the eyes and also increase the blood flow to the brain, a good way to prevent cognitive disorders. More importantly, this vegetable is popular for its blood pressure lowering properties. This is significant due to the fact that there is a connection between normal blood pressure and better eyesight, as high blood pressure has a negative impact on eye health.

According to Troy Bedinghaus, O.D of about.com, "Hypertensive Retinopathy is a disease of the retina and the retinal blood vessels that occurs because of uncontrolled blood pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure makes the retinal blood vessels become narrow and leak fluid. The retina can be starved for Oxygen or the retina can begin to take on fluid. These changes can reduce vision."

According to a study published by both the British Heart Foundation and the Journal of the American Heart Association, participants that drank a cup of Beet Juice a day saw a 7 percent reduction in their blood pressure. Therefore, Beet Juice can lower blood pressure while simultaneously promoting better eyesight. Beets also consist of Vitamin A, B 1, B 2, B 6, and C in addition to Lutein and Zeaxanthin, important vitamins and antioxidants that aid in the prevention of Macular Degeneration and Cataracts.

Tuna: Another food for eye health is Tuna. According to Web MD, eating Tuna may reduce the risk of developing Dry eye Syndrome particularly in women. A woman's health study involving 40,000 female professionals from ages 45-84, conducted by a woman's hospital researcher, revealed that women who ate Tuna had a lower incidence of Dry Eye Syndrome. Scientific data suggests also that the Omega- 3 Fatty acid content in Tuna may have been a contributing factor. The study revealed that the women who consumed 2-4 servings of tuna per week had a 19% lower risk of Dry Eye Syndrome while those who ate 5-6 servings of Tuna reported a 68% lower risk of dry eye syndrome.

Pomegranates: Among the foods good for eye health Pomegranates is an example of such a food.This fruit is essential for eye health due to its Vitamin A content which is a form of Beta- Carotene. Pomegranates are also a cure for night blindness. It's highly beneficial to eye health due to the fact that is consists of a substance called Rhodopsin in the eyes that improves eyesight. Pomegranates have a high concentration of Polyphenols, powerful antioxidants good for eyes such as Vitamin A, C, E and K. These antioxidants help fight free radicals in the body and clinical research suggests that they increase blood flow to the heart and thin the blood which contributes to reduced blood pressure and plaque in the arteries. You can have Pomegranate fruit as a morning treat, afternoon snack, and late night treat, or you can buy the Pomegranate juice available at your neighborhood supermarket.

Nutrition is an integral part of promoting eye health. Super foods such as Pomegranates, Beets and Tuna supply the eyes with a wide variety of essential antioxidants and vitamins. These foods are important nutritional allies. They help us build a better foundation for healthier eyesight and also prevent vision disorders. Therefore, when it comes to protecting eyesight, take care of your eyes with the right nutrition, and according to Hippocrates, let your food be powerful nutritional medicine for your eyes.


Tuesday, December 29, 2015

The Risk Of Cigarette Smoke To The Eyes

The smoking ban in public places in England starts on the 1st July and is part of a government initiative to reduce smoking related diseases. These include respiratory, vascular and malignant conditions.

As optometrists, will we see any clinical effect from the ban?

Smoking has clearly been linked to cataracts. Studies have shown that smokers have up to a three-fold increase of developing nuclear sclerosis. Although potentially devastating to patients in developing countries where medical treatment is not so readily available, due to the advances in cataract surgery, many people in the western world with nuclear sclerosis undergo surgery and any degradation to the vision is eliminated.

Macular degeneration, affecting 700,000 people in the UK in 2004, has many fewer treatment options and so prevention of the condition is more important. Its prevalence is expected to increase by 31% by the year 2020. Studies have linked smoking to advanced macular degeneration, classified as choroidal neovascularization (formation of blood vessels in the sub retinal space) and geographic atrophy (extensive loss of the retinal pigment epithelium and choriocapillaris). Drusen are signs of early macular degeneration but there is no certainty that the presence of drusen leads to the formation of the more advanced stages of macular degeneration.

Three theories can describe the aetiology of macular degeneration:

1. Vascular theory

2. Oxidative Stress theory

3. Degradation of Bruch's Membrane

Smoking is believed to cause macular degeneration by the oxidative stress theory, where normal metabolic processes in the retina produce free radicals by oxidation. These can be molecules such as superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals and single oxygen radicals.

Lipid peroxidation can be initiated by these free radicals leading to intercellular damage of proteins carbohydrates and DNA. The retina is especially susceptible due to an abundance of fatty acids in the macular region, the retina being subjected to high levels of light exposure causing the formation, phagocytosis produces free radicals (during the renewal of the photoreceptors at the level of Bruch's membrane) and also due to the high metabolic activity found in the retina.

Recent research agrees that smoking increases the risk of advanced macular degeneration, however no evidence liking smoking to an increase in early AMD drusen) was seen. The EUREYE study shows a five-fold increase in geographic atrophy and 2.5-fold increase in neovascular AMD in current smokers compared to non-smokers however other studies show these figures to be slightly lower, but the association still significant. Giving up smoking shows a reduction in the risk factor, with patients who have given up smoking for at least twenty years having nearly the same probability as non-smokers to developing AMD. If cessation has been for less than twenty years then they are approximately twice as likely to develop advanced AMD.

As clinicians I believe we should give nutritional advice to patients on keeping their eyes as healthy as possible. The smoking ban will hopefully help to encourage people to stop smoking. However, we should not expect to see any immediate changes but hopefully the incidence of advanced AMD in future generations will be reduced.

References

1. Eyecare Steering Group (2004). First Report of the National Eyecare Services.

2. Khan J et al (2006). Smoking and age related macular degeneration: the number of pack years of cigarette smoking is a major determinant of risk for both geographic atrophy and choroidal neovascularisation. Br. J. Ophthalmology 2006;90;75-80

3. Chakrawarthy et al ( 2007). Cigarette Smoking and Age-Related Macular Degeneration in the EUREYE Study.
Ophthalmology 2007;114:1157-1163


Avoid All Sorts of Eye Problems

There is a natural healthy solution to glaucoma, cataracts and all eye problems, Keep your eyes healthy and fit with natural health eye care. Vision can be obtained naturally. Learn the cause of glaucoma, cataracts, astigmatism and all other eye problems. Learn how you can restore your vision to normal using a completely natural process of physical therapy for the eyes.

There is a way to keep your eyes healthy and fit, even if you have glaucoma, or cataracts along with whatever reason you originally went into glasses for, such as myopia (near sightedness), presbyopia (farsightedness), astigmatism or any other eye problem.

If your vision is 20/20 and the demands on your eyes are not causing you physical strain and discomfort in your eyes, head, neck and back, then you have healthy eyes. If you are not seeing clearly and experience getting stronger and stronger lenses every year or two then you need to consider a healthier alternative.

If you look around you and in care homes, you will find that the "Golden Years" are not so "Golden". So many older people have glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, ptosis (drooping eyelid), etc. Most all of these conditions are a result of stress which causes lack of functioning and circulation over time. This condition over a period of time causes deterioration.

Dr. Wm. H. Bates, ophthalmologist, pioneered vision therapy in the early 1900's. He discovered the cause and the cure of vision problems. He discovered that tension in the mind interfered with the involuntary focusing muscles of the eye. In the normal eye whether you look near or far, the eye automatically focuses where you put your attention. This is called eye-mind coordination. We see with our mind first directing our attention. Vision is 9/10 mental and 1/10 physical. The eyes are tools of the mind.

Just as ulcers and heart attacks are caused by prolonged stress (psycho somatic illness), so is the vision affected by stress. These stresses are always accompanied by changes:people moving, changing schools, a divorce, a death, career changes, a difficult relationship. These changes create stress and an element of the unknown which evokes fear. This fear is usually repressed as a survival mechanism and never dealt with again.

As opposed to a medical or mechanical approach, This all natural physical therapy eye training is based on the principle of relaxation. It teaches specific techniques and skills for relaxing mental stress, releasing muscle tension and restoring muscle flexibility. It releases the strain that keeps you from seeing clearly and re-educates the mind and body in good seeing habits. It is easy, safe, fun and it's for everyone, regardless of age or strength of glasses (prescription).

This physical therapy for the eyes is a process that allows the muscles to return to functioning and therefore a healthy state allowing good circulation. The benefits are tremendous stress reduction on the autonomic nervous system. Dr. Bates says, "All vision problems are nerve problems". So the solution to glaucoma, cataracts and all eye problems is dealing with the cause and restoring eyes to a healthy condition. Healthy eyes do not have eye problems or in the golden years eye diseases. This all natural physical therapy teaches you how to have fit and normal vision again and to keep your eyes healthy and fit for the rest of your life. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Jerriann Taber Ph.D. has been the owner/director of the Vision Training Institute Inc since 1973 (over 36 years). Dr. Taber is a pioneer in the natural vision field. She wore glasses for ten years before learning the Dr. Bates Method. She has dedicated her life to assisting others to learn how they too can achieve normal healthy vision.

Because of this she has developed the Eye-Robics home program in order for many more people to experience what she has, normal vision. The program works with all vision problems.


Monday, December 28, 2015

Nutrition For Eye Health

Eye disease is on the rise among the general population of the United States. Diabetes, being over weight, hypertension, unfit physical condition and poor dietary habits add additional stress to your eyes.

Researchers agree that one of the most destructive bio-chemical actions within the body are free radical molecules. A "free radical" is an unstable double oxygen molecule that disrupt the structure of other molecules and result in cellular damage, especially to the interior of the eye. The symptoms from this continual damage may result in cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma and may add to premature degradation of sight vision performance or dry-eye. Generally, this is a condition which affects people later in life, usually after the age of 50. Since many physiologic functions are slowing with aging, anti-oxidant production by ocular cells slows, as well. A study done late in 1999 indicates that by monitoring the blood levels for glutathione peroxidase, they may soon be able to predict physiologic disorders of the eye by a simple blood test, well in advance of pathologic damage.

Glutathione peroxidase is an antioxidant enzyme which protects cells and tissue, of the eye and other systems of the body. As the levels of glutathione peroxidase increase there is a correlation; that free radical activity has also increased and a potential for damage to eye tissue may result.

There are dietary steps that may reduce free radical activity. First, increase the amount of raw fresh fruits and vegetables you eat, which are the primary providers for the natural co-factors of antioxidants. If you don't like or buy frozen fruits and vegetables during winter time, there are supplements specifically formulated to provide all of these special antioxidants. One is Visitein Complex, a high quality eye product manufactured by Molecular Biologics for Life.

There are other health care supplements i.e. Oxyguard which can also help to increase the essential vitamins and minerals which must be available for antioxidant protection. Because this is a disorder associated with aging, individuals may have problems of digestion and absorption, which can deter assimilation of these nutrients for the protection of the body and specifically, the eye. If that's the case I recommend Bromelain-Papain, Biogest and/or Panex-8 to help complete digestion processes.

VISITEIN COMPLEX
Ocular health nutritives and antioxidant protection.

Ingredients: Lutene 10mg, L-Carnosine 200mg, L Taurine 200mg, Bilberry ext. 50mg, Vitamin A 3,500iu, Vitamin E 30iu, Zinc 2mg, Manganese 2mg. Lutene is a carotenoid pigment found in plants. Carotenoids are also in vitamin A and Beta carotene. Carnosine is a nitrogen base from Alanine and Histadine is needed for the repair of tissue and maintenance of the myelin sheath. L Taurine an amino acid peptide which promotes antioxidant protection for the eye. Zinc amino acid chelate, is a metal-cofactor necessary for production of specific ocular antioxidant enzymes, Manganese a metal-cofactor necessary in antioxidant ocular protection, Vitamins A & E are direct antioxidants, in the blood circulation which assist in ocular protection from the oxidative process of some types of free radicals, and Bilberry extract, an herb, it's common name is huckleberry which contains specific antioxidants compounds found to be beneficial for the eye. It also is effective as an anti-inflammatory, and anti-septic.



Sunday, December 27, 2015

Eyes Must Be Healthy

With age, more and eye problems can occur. You would have to bring that printed page closer to your face to read the text to decrease the blurring. As we struggled with this dilemma for the longest time, we finally realized that glasses may be the answer and a trip to the ophthalmologist may be in order. The responsibility therefore lies with the individual to monitor their eye health. Yearly eye examinations should be a part of every-ones list to do. As we age, there are many types of conditions that can occur. Early intervention can usually nip these conditions in the bud.

With age, more and eye problems can occur. The responsibility therefore lies with the individual to monitor their eye health. Yearly eye examinations should be a part of every-ones list to do. As we age, there are many types of conditions that can occur. Early intervention can usually nip these conditions in the bud.

The usual eye problems that you need to check for are:

Cataracts. These usually come on gradually placing a film over the lens of the eye, reducing the sharpness of the vision. As this film becomes more opaque, the vision becomes lessened and night driving may be severely impaired. The individual will usually ascertain that it is time for surgery to remove the cataracts.

Glaucoma. A more serious condition that if left untreated can lead to partial blindness. This condition impairs the central vision, interfering with reading, watching television, using a computer, etc. Lateral vision is still maintained. In glaucoma there is a build-up of fluid, causing pressure within the eye (intraocular). The sooner this condition is detected; the sooner treatment can be started. The ophthalmologist will prescribe eye drops that will help prevent and possibly reduce the fluid build-up. Some glaucoma's can be hereditary, so, if someone in your family has glaucoma, that would make it imperative that you get checked.

Excessive tearing of the eye or eyes. This is usually caused by a blockage of the draining tubes. In many instances the ophthalmologist can open these tubes to restore a proper drainage.

Dry eye. In this instance the tear glands have lost their ability to produce a sufficient amount of fluid (tears). It causes several symptoms, such as grittiness, itching and a burning sensation. It can result in reduced vision as well. The ophthalmologist can recommend using artificial teardrops to lubricate the eyes.
Macular degeneration. A hole in the macular causing a loss of peripheral vision. A very serious condition that necessitates intervention by an ophthalmologist who specializes in this condition. If not treated can cause blindness.
Low vision. The vision present only allows the individual to make out shadows and light. There usually is no way to improve this condition, either with glasses, contact lenses, medicine or surgery. These individuals are usually considered to be legally blind.
Type 2 diabetes can have a serious affect on the eyes. Everyone should be checked to see if they have diabetes. This condition may not cause any symptoms in the early stages. As the condition advances it can affect the eyes and can possibly lead to impaired vision or even blindness.
Prevention and intervention of any of the above disorders is the best way to protect your eyes so that your eyesight will be clear and as sharp as humanly possible throughout the golden years. How best to achieve this is addressed in the Health Hints below.

Health Hints***

Initially you need to safeguard your eyes against any and all environmental hazards, such as the following:

Sunlight and its injurious ultraviolet rays. These rays not only cause injury to the eyes, but to the skin as well. Sunglasses that afford protection against ultraviolet rays should always be worn during daylight hours, even if the sun is behind clouds or there is snow on the ground. Wearing a hat will afford additional protection against the glare.
Those that work in jobs that deal with chemicals, around machinery that cuts, grinds or blows dust must wear protective goggles at all times.
Check your family history to see if there have been eye problems with other family members.
And most importantly see your healthcare provider to check for diabetes.
Have your eyes examined by a competent ophthalmologist at least once yearly. Should there be any symptoms beforehand, such as pain in the eyes, redness and swelling, fluid coming from the yes, double vision, or any impairment of vision, do not wait. Seek immediate advice from your healthcare provider.
The preceding precautions will protect your eyes from external injuries and other impairments. Now you have to give consideration to the internal forces that protect the eyes. Your diet will greatly impact your visual health. A healthy diet that includes generous portions of fruits and vegetables are extremely important. However, one should not rely on their diet alone for the necessary vitamins and minerals. Supplementation with the necessary vitamins and minerals are extremely important. The antioxidant vitamins A, C, E and beta-carotene are most important, and zinc should be included as well. Lutein is a must and is now included in many multivitamins. The vitamin E and Lutein are particularly necessary for the protection of the blood vessels of the eyes and helps in the prevention of macular degeneration.

Another nutrient called Zeaxthin protects the rods and cones of the eye from Sun damage and can reduce the risk of macular degeneration. It is found in romaine lettuce, spinach and collard greens. Bilberry Extract is another important herb that will help in maintaining good eye health.

Eye problems do occur as a result of aging, however, we can take steps to maintain good vision by following the protective steps and dietary steps as outlined above.

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Natural Eye Care

In the modern world, both at work and at play, your eyes are bombarded with artificial light. Therefore, it is a good idea to consider natural health eye care, to offset the considerable eyestrain, that can result from the effects of batteries of fluorescent lights.

So, in your lunch break, and on your way to and from work, give yourself a natural eye care break, simply by staying outdoors away from artificial lighting. Of course there are many people who compound eye strain from fluorescent lighting, by spending large amounts of their leisure time watching TV.

Television has its place, but if it becomes habitual, eyestrain will result. Parents in particular, should protect their children, and in the interests of natural health eye care limit TV viewing to sensible proportions.

So, what can natural health eye care offer tired eyes, to reduce the consequences of artificial light? There are herbs, which are thought to be beneficial. For instance, you could lie down for a short period, and cover each eye with a warm chamomile, elderflower, or fennel teabag.

It might not be a good idea to do this in the office, as colleagues might consider such behaviour rather odd, if not downright indulgent, if carried out in the staff room or rest area. You never know though, it could catch on because sometimes, if you think about it, accepted behaviour is the oddest! Your eyes are just about the best double act there is, and will serve you well with your due consideration to natural health eye care.

There are other herbs that you might find useful in administering natural health eye care. They include, decoctions of marigold and marshmallow, for bathing your eyes. Your herbalist or natural health supplier will be able to advise you about suitable preparations. There is nothing more precious to you than your eyes, and it is always advisable to seek qualified advice, and to make regular appointments to see your optician. However, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the effect of artificial lighting, that come under the umbrella of natural health eye care.

Some foods are thought to be useful for natural health eye care, possibly because of their antioxidant qualities. Carrots spring to mind, but may have been devalued by the old joke about never seeing a rabbit wearing glasses!

Never the less there are some very interesting observations about other antioxidants. For instance:

Royal Air Force bomber pilots reinforced the reputation of the bilberry, as a healing herb for natural health eye care, during the Second World War. They found that their night vision was improved if the food they ate, prior to their night bombing raid contained bilberries. Afterward tests seemed to show that bilberry is a good antioxidant that can protect cells in the eyes and elsewhere, from free radicals.Researchers, encouraged by the RAF pilots claim, investigated further. They found compounds known as anthocyanosides, which are though to improve blood flow to blood vessels in the eyes. Such compounds found in bilberries also help with collagen that aids connective tissue.

There is no reason to believe that the bilberry's American cousin, the blueberry, would be any less effective

It will be always be as well to remember that you cannot say, "I care about natural health", without seriously considering natural health eye care!

Richard Wise writes articles about natural health, aromatherapy, herbal remedies, antioxidants, allergies and vegetarianism.

Friday, December 25, 2015

Best Food For Healthy Eyes

Eye human senses is a very important / essential. If we can limit the damage to the eye or blindness, we can not enjoy the taste and how beautifully the universe. The reality we often forget to make eye care, as well as in other parts of the body, the eyes may be affected by interference or health problems. interference may be caused by air that is not clean or terpolusi, sun radiation, radiation due to too long in front of the computer, and other interferences.

Studies conducted by the Eye Disease Prevalence Research Group (2004) estimates that by 2020 the number of eye disease and blindness in the world will reach 55 million people. This study also mentioned that the eye disease and blindness will increase, especially for those over the age of 65 years. Someone who is 80 years old and above, which is 8% of the total population, have as many as 69% of blindness.

Interference in the health of the public eye is the function of the decline of vision, red eye symptoms without any decrease in the function of vision, and eyes red with the function of vision down. Until now, the eye disease that many suffer is cataracts, gloucomae, and infection.

Along with the increased attention and knowledge of the effects of nutrition on health, eye health, especially the rapid growth caused the market to products, eye health. Most of the products for the health of the eye-shaped supplements are marketed now. In addition compound antioxidants (vitamins A, C, and E), which has been previously known to improve the health of the eye, compound, such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin, recently known as a compound that can improve the health of the eye.

Lutein a group karotenoid yellow compound that are on the green. Lutein found in the macula and can be trusted to protect the eyes from damage by oxidative ray ultraviolet radiation (UV).

Macula is in the midst of Retina and neighboring directly with the lens. Macula is a small area that contains millions of cells that help produce the sharp vision to read or see objects clearly.

Karotenoid another compound found in the macula is a zeaxanthin, which are known to provide health benefits to the eye.

Research conducted by Chitchumroonchokchai and colleagues in 2004 from Ohio State University, shows that the lutein and zeaxanthin can protect cells from human lens UV display, which is the main cause of the occurrence of cataracts. In addition, they compare the antioxidant activities of lutein and zeaxanthin with vitamin E. The results indicate that lutein and zeaxanthin showed activity 10 times higher than vitamin E in protecting cells from damage due to lens ultraviolet rays.

In the same year was also conducted research by Neuringer and colleagues, fully ability lutein and zeaxanthin in the eye to improve health. While testing in animals sponsored by DSM Nutritional Products of Switzerland, showed that suplementasi or adding lutein and zeaxanthin increase the antioxidant activity in the blood.

Group karotenoid other compound that has the ability to protect the macula from UV display is astaxanthin. Guerin, et al. (2003) mentioned that the ability of antioxidant and anti-inflammation compound effect of astaxanthin can provide eye protection from UV rays.

Until this antioxidant activity of the compound lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin mechanism to give answers that the increase in eye health. Free radical derived from UV macroscopic Water content, or air, into the eye cause oxidation reactions molecule-molecule vulnerable on the lens.

Molecule is protein and fat to a lens. The effects of oxidation damage to the cause of fat or protein in the lens. Along with increasing age and increasing pressure accumulations free radicals, protein and fat that are damaged will be greater in number. That's what makes blurred vision and the long run become blind.

Lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin nab free radicals (serious scavenger activity) by berikatan before the radical-radical damage to the protein, fat or lens. Or, in other words, lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin can be called as a lens protector against free radical attack.

Karotenoid found in many vegetables yellow-orange such as carrots, green vegetables such as broccoli, and fruits red and yellow-orange, such as tomatoes, strawberry, melon and mango. So with consuming vegetables and fruits regularly can meet the needs of lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin every day. In addition, other effects consume vegetables and fruits is to increase the fiber Feed food that is good for the health body.