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FAQs:
Q: What is a cataract?
A: Any clouding of the lens is called a cataract. A cataract may be central
(called nuclear); peripheral (on younger fibers near the outer edge of the lens);
or sub-capsular (at the very front or very back of the lens.)
Q: How can I stop my cataracts?
A: First and foremost you can wear sunglasses whenever you are outside (even
on a cloudy day since UV light is still present). If you wear corrective glasses,
you can ask to have them be coated with UV blockers. Quitting smoking and moderating
alcohol use are also protective factors. Of course slaying hydrated will help,
it is recommended that you take half of your weight in pounds and drink that many
ounces of water eacli day. Remember that hundreds of medications are photosensitizers,
which will enhance the protein breakdown of UV-light (sunlight in the lens). If
you are not sure of your medication, ask your pharmacist.
Q: I have a family history of cataracts, what can I do?
A: Sunglasses, sunglasses, and sunglasses. Blocking UV light is the #1 protective
factor against developing cataracts. Also, you can try to protect yourself from
injuries since they can lead to cataracts by wearing the appropriate safety gear
when playing sports and at work. Also take Vitamin C 1000-2000 mg, MSM 1000 mg
or NXC 60 mg three times daily.
Q; Are there any natural alternatives to aid in the treatment of glaucoma?
A: Yes, the key with glaucoma treatment is to increase circulation in
and around the eye. Ginkgo biloba 120 mg twice a day should help increase
overall circulation and Magnesium 500 mg, which I recommend taking at bedtime
when the eye is in repair and the IOP is highest. Also recommended is the
trifola formula made by my colleague, Alan Tillotson, Ph.D. (302-994-0565,
alant3@aol.com) which works in numerous
ways to support eye health and reduce your stress in general. The B vitamins,
especially B 12, DHA, Vitamin E and alpha lipoic acid all support nerve
and photo receptor cell function.
Q: One of my parents has glaucoma, what can I do so that I don't get glaucoma too?
A: Since genetic and environmental factors have been identified as risk factors
for glaucoma, you can take Magnesium and B vitamins as protective factors. Also
be sure that you have routine eye exams and inform your ophthalmologist about
your family history of glaucoma. Early detection is the best way to provide treatment
to prevent further damage. Also, you should have your thyroid levels checked,
reduce stress (exercise, stretching, deep breathing, meditation, etc.) and improve
cardiovascular health.
Q: I have the dry (slow) form of macular degeneration, what can I do?
A: Well, there are a few things that you can do. First, you can cut out
antacids; they have been shown to decrease digestion. Then you can try to
add a regimen of vitamins including 500mg DHA and Able Eyes. For more information
of AMD please check out the AMD portion
of my website or chapter 8 of my book, The Eye Care Revolution (Kensington
1999).
Q: One or both of my parents suffers from macular degeneration, is there anything I can do so that I do not get AMD?
A: A good way to protect yourself from many anomalies is to regularly wear
sunglasses even on cloudy days. Also, you can take DHA 500 mg and Able Eyes along
with a multivitamin and Flora-GLO® Lutein 6 mg maintains general nutrition
and eye health.
Q: I routinely suffer from dry eyes, are there any supplements I can take to relieve the symptoms?
A: Yes, you can- Your tears that coat me surface of your eye evaporate easily,
so blinking may help to recoat your eyes with a tear film. Also, to make the tear
film thicker you can take DHA 500 mg. Another way to provide minor relief is to
wear sunglasses and place an air humidifier in your bedroom. Keep in mind that
staying hydrated is always important for overall good health, but it also helps
with dry eye syndrome, therefore, drink lots of water- Be sure to check to see
if your medications dehydrate you. Also get my book The Eye Care Revolution and
see chapter 11 on Dry Eye.
Q: My eyes are often sensitive to cold weather, is there anything I can do about the sensitivity?
A: Yes, there is. A 500mg DHA supplement will help to thicken your tear film.
Also wearing goggles also helps create a buffer of warm air between your eyes
and the cold weather.
Q: I often get eye floaters, and they can be quite annoying, is there anything I can do to diminish the symptoms?
A: Usually Vitamin C 2000 mg in individual doses and wearing tinted glasses
should help you minimize the effects of floaters. Since floaters can be caused
by focusing problem, it is important to get a good checkup and wear the most appropriate
glasses. People have given me many anecdotal treatments but none are consistent.
Time and learning to ignore them will help.
Q: I have retinitis
pigmentosa, are there any nutritional remedies that I can use?
A: Yes there are, first you can take 500mg DHA along with either 400IU
Vitamin E or a Multivitamin twice daily. 10,000IU Vitamin A should be taken
daily separately from the Vitamin E. These should help maintain and rebuild
retinal cell membranes. 10mg FLORA-GLO® Lutein slows the progress of
RP. For more information on RP,
visit the archived tips section of this
website.
Q: What can I do to prevent
and stop calcium deposits on the retina?
A: First, Taking 500mg Magnesium per day will help balance calcium uptake along
cell membranes. Second. 500mg to 1000mg DHA along with 400IU Vitamin E and a Multivitamin
will help to support up new cell membranes. However, on top of all of this, there
may be an underlying disorder that needs to be addressed by a complete medical
history and physical examination.
Q: My ophthalmologists
have always warned me to watch out for retinal detachment as a consequence of
my eye structure. Is there something one can do specific to preventing this
eye disaster?
A: Great question. Take Vitamin C 2000 mg daily in divided doses and avoid
injury; wear protective glasses with sports, carpentry, etc to prevent further
damage. An ocular multivitamin is also supportive. Wearing sunglasses will also
help block the damaging effects of the sun's rays. Have no fear of using your
eyes. Keep up the preventive thinking and get an annual complete eye exam.
Q: Does bilberry really
reverse night vision loss? Have you actually seen results?
A: The blueberry and northern European myrtle berry are related species.
Therefore, they are roughly equivalent. Frozen blueberries are great because
the cell walls are partially broken down. Diabetics are wise to take the
sugar-free supplement. However, I have seen more immediate and more sustained
results using my vitamin, Able Eyes, which is a combination of all items
that enhance your vision. See the archived tip
on Night Vision.
Give it a try.
Q: What is
Able Eyes?
A: Able Eyes, formulated by Robert Abel, Jr., M.D. is a unique supplement for
eye health and vision. Able Eyes contains DHA, Lutein, Magnesium, Quercetin, Silymarin,
Vitamins A, C & E, and Zinc among others. It can be taken as a stand alone
for sight and night vision or in conjunction with other vitamins.
Q: How can Able
Eyes help me?
A: Able Eyes once or twice daily is safe and should be taken with meals. I
have found this combination has improved night vision, visual acuity in cataract
and macular degeneration patients, and provides improved tear film for people
who suffer from dry eyes and computer vision syndrome.
Q: What can magnesium
do for me?
A: While 500mg Magnesium has long been associated with improving sleep, it
may also help subside light cramps and provide stress relief and not to mention
stabilize a heart function. Magnesium and potassium are the major intra cellular
anions (positive charged chemicals).
Q: What is lutein
and why is it good for me?
A: Lutein is an essential member of the carotenoid family. It is essential
because the human body does not produce it and we rely on our food supply to get
it. Lutein is found in high concentrations in the macula. It acts primarily in
two ways: one to filter light to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of
the sun; two, it acts as an antioxidant to protecl the eyes from the damaging
effects of free radicals and of aging. It is the most abundant carotenoid in all
ocular tissues. Most people think that carrots with beta-carotene are important
to vision, but actually lutein is critical to the protection of macular function.
Perhaps Popeye knew better than Bugs Bunny!
Q: How much should
I take?
A: It is recommended that the average person have 6mg of Lutein. For those
patients with macular degeneration 10mg Lutein is recommended. Lutein supplements
should be taken with a meal. So far, no toxicity has been recorded with the most
natural form of Lutein, FLORA-GLO® brand.
For more information on lutein check out the Lutein Information Bureau on their
website at http://www.luteininfo.com
Q: My spouse says that I do too much paperwork?
A: Your brain works on the "use it or lose it"
premise, those who keep themselves mentally stimulated are likely to have better
memory longer. A related question is whether or not to use glasses while doing
close work. There is no correct response without knowing your situation, but
in general you should just do what comes naturally.
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