Holistic Review V: vision & eye support with natural health supplements. Last revised May 1, 2008. (Minor changes Sunday, May 18, 2008.)

    1. Always check for eye-related side effects from any prescribed medications. 

A drug that reduces cholesterol, but causes some people to go blind, might medically be viewed as a "success". However we suggest to ask your doctor for alternatives. Most side effects can be reduced over time. However glaucoma is not among them.

Note: the same precaution applies to any chemical exposure at your home or workplace.

    2. Take lutein, bilberry and NAC. 

Lutein is the best defense against macular degeneration, which causes irreversible blindness, and of which the number of victims is rapidly increasing. Bilberry replaces the important "blue pigment" that is used up by computers and modern lighting. There is a small and convenient "Lutein-Bilberry" pill, which when added to a good multivitamin, meets the standards of the best eye support formulas. However, take separate pills for best quality and absorption.

NAC and glutathione should be mixed together in one bottle. NAC works better inside the cells and glutathione works better outside the cells. They both provide the same antioxidant that stengthens the eyes and is a primary defense against glaucoma, the major cause of irreversible blindness.

Also consider "Cysteine Pep" capsules or powder by Nutricology. Cysteine Pep is a top quality version of whey protein, which is important for athletes and hospital patients, but equally important for anyone to maintain strength while aging. In addition, Cysteine Pep is modified to supply the most natural and possibly the most efficient alternative to NAC.

    3. Avoid tired eyes and blood sugar imbalances. 

If you work in an office, please use sunlight or full-spectrum lights, and situate yourself so as to glance out the window often, or into a mirror with a distant view. Do eye exercises. Move your eyes around, massage around them, and open and close them tightly. They feel refreshed. This is not "just a feeling". This is the all-important blood supply carrying oxygen and nutrients. Make it a habit. If your eyes are still tired, try Chinese Vision Aid by Ridgecrest Herbals.

However no eye supplement can work well if your sugar intake is high, including natural sugars. This overstimulates insulin, leading to fluctuations between high and low blood sugar, to which the eyes and brain are equally sensitive. For more information see chapters N and F.

Note: please never directly rub the eyes! The tissues and vessels are delicate.

Product guide v1: the most basic natural eye support supplements.

We do not recommend any all-inclusive eye support formulas. It is better simply to take a lutein-bilberry pill, along with a multivitamin from chapter A. Good multivitamins have more B complex than eye formulas, which is essential for blood sugar regulation. Also if you take a multivitamin, then all-inclusive eye formulas add too much beta carotene. Long-term use of excessive beta carotene may trigger an allergic response, and competes for receptors with other carotenes such as lutein. As for eye formulas claiming miracle herbs--take a look at Chinese Vision Aid at the bottom of this section.

    *   Lutein-Bilberry softgels by Doctor's A-Z. 

This small pill boosts any multivitamin into an eye support formula. However it would be even better to take bilberry and lutein separately, as below.

    *   European Bilberry and Super Zeaxanthin Lutein by Life Extension. 

Life Extension has made a special effort to update their lutein and bilberry supplements according to the latest research. Ideally, take bilberry between meals, or with meals that do not include vegetables. Take lutein with meals that do not include fruit. However simply having these in separate capsules may be good enough.

    *   NAC by Now Foods and Reduced Glutathione by Now Foods. 

Two top quality forms of "cysteine" for the eyes. It is best to take both daily, or to mix both in one bottle, and each day take one of whichever comes out first. However it is sufficient to finish one bottle, then the other.

    *   Cysteine Pep whey protein by Nutricology. 

An ideal form of cysteine and also an ideal protein, in either a powder or medium-sized capsule. Whey protein is univerally recognized as the most digestible protein. This is basic for energy and anti-aging. In addition, Nutricology has maximized the cysteine content. This does not replace glutathione or NAC supplements. However it is a sound idea to take one Cysteine Pep capsule daily, or every other day, and to add the powder to cereals and drinks when convenient.

    *   Chinese Vision Aid by Ridgecrest Herbals. 

We have tested numerous versions of this ancient Chinese formula, as well as Western eyebright formulas. This one stands above them. Firstly the eyes stop from ever being tired. Secondly the vision can improve. Some people claim no longer to use glasses. Doctors might say this is impossible but see for yourself. We believe almost anyone can benefit from one pill daily or every other day. However optimum dosage for fast results is 3-6 daily. There are no harsh effects.

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