Natural Eye Care with Dr. Marc Grossman, Holistic Optometrist

The body's leading defense mechanism is the immune system, which defends against intrusive substances or microbes. Homeopathic medicine utilizes natural ingredients to trigger this immune response to heal the body. A substance that would cause disease and damage in large doses is introduced to the body in micro doses. The diluted substance is designed to trigger your body to defend or repair itself. Manipulative, replacement, and regulatory are the three types of treatment available that directly impose change on tissue function via drugs or surgery. The first two are traditionally used by modern medicine, while the third option is used by homeopathy.For example, eye drops typically help artificially lubricate the eye, but homeopathic eye drops help to stimulate the body’s tear production. ORTHO K Thin and Thick eye drops help stimulate tear film production, counteract irritation from allergies, and reduce foreign body sensation. Homeopathic calendula is known to support corneal health, specifically abrasions and erosions. The clarifying thin drop (contact safe) is preservative free and can be used as often as needed to alleviate dry, itchy, and irritated eyes. The clarifying thick drop is especially good before bed. These drops are great because they don't attempt to replace your tears but encourage your eyes to create their own. There are homeopathic eye drops for many eye problems: dry eyes, cataracts, etc. Listen to the podcast and check out our website for more information - www.naturaleyecare.com

Patients with glaucoma are usually only given medicated eye drops by optometrists to lower their eye pressure. However, there are certain nutrients that can help reduce and mitigate the effects of glaucoma. Fresh maritime pine bark and bilberry are powerful antioxidants that work on the underlying symptoms of glaucoma. They neutralize harmful free radicals and promote cardiovascular health. A research study found that using pine bark and bilberry along with eye drops like Latanoprost promotes aqueous drainage. Pine bark and bilberry act on a molecular level to decrease the production of aqueous humor, improve blood vessel structure and function, and decrease resistance to fluid drainage. Every patient who is currently taking glaucoma medication should consider adding maritime pine bark and bilberry to get the best results. Other antioxidants that are good for glaucoma are alpha-lipoic acid, glutathione, lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin C. Laboratory studies show that antioxidants, along with regular glaucoma medication, reduce the risk factors from glaucoma. Learn more on www.NaturalEyeCare.com

Angiogenesis is the unwanted growth of blood vessels in the retina that leads to vision loss. These excess blood vessels can obscure or distort vision, which damages the eye and may result in permanent damage. Eye doctors may give you injections of Eylea or Lucentis to inhibit the growth of these blood vessels, but some may want a more natural approach. Macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy are prevalent in seniors over the age of 60. Wet macular degeneration, which is worse than dry macular degeneration, affects 10-15% of macular degeneration patients. Those with wet macular degeneration can lose their vision quickly if not taking precautions. Diabetic retinopathy affects about half of diabetic patients, in which new, fragile capillaries form in your eyes, distort your vision, and may even leak. Studies from Canadian and American researchers suggested that taking natural, herbal antioxidant supplements can halt the growth of these blood vessels. Researchers compiled a list of herbs that inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor, which is a signal protein cells make that tell the body to make new blood vessels. We recommend taking the Blood Vessel Control support formula that can be found on our website naturaleyecare.com 

Over 40 million people complain about dry eyes, and it is the #1 reason why people go to the eye doctor. All age groups experience varying degrees of symptoms: dryness, grittiness, irritation, burning, and excessive watering. There are many different causes behind dry eyes, varying from old age, autoimmune diseases, and excessive screen time. Dr. Marc Grossman's podcast offers natural approaches to dry eye care that can help increase tear production and the overall health of the eye. 

Zeaxanthin and lutein are nutrients crucial for eye health. However, senior citizens are at highest risk for eye diseases such as macular degeneration. Part of the reason is that they absorb nutrients less efficiently. Their caloric needs are lower. And, the Standard American Diet tends to be low in zeaxanthin and lutein. Therefore, seniors often need supplements. Find out about the research behind these statements. Dr. Marc Grossman's podcast explains how these antioxidants help not only the eye, but also the brain.For references, see our website.

Did you know that blue light interferes with the body's production of sleep hormones? It's true! Light from TVs, smartphones, computer screens, tablets, backlit e-readers, and digital clocks directly affects the brain. What does the scientific research show?Dr. Marc Grossman explains how blue light can enter the eyes even through closed lids. Our favorite evening activities may be setting us up for a restless night. Dr. Grossman offers many techniques for reducing blue light in the evening. He also explains how to eliminate sources of blue light in the bedroom.

Why is the amino acid glutathione called a superantioxidant and "The Mother of All Antioxidants"? The liver naturally produces this chemical. However, as we age, we produce less. What has research shown about the role of glutathione in proper body functioning? Is it helpful to eat certain foods? Is it better to take glutathione pills, or is an oral spray superior, and why? Even exercise plays a role in the body's production of glutathione. Find out how this antioxidant works and what seniors can do to keep high levels of glutathione.

Cataracts is a very common eye conditions, especially among seniors. The vision becomes cloudy. What is cataract surgery? Can it correct refraction errors? But what if you want to delay or avoid the surgery? Are there nutrients or other options for cataracts? Some people may have personal or medical reasons for avoiding cataract surgery when they have an advanced case of this eye condition. For example, they may have other health conditions, complications with a prior cataract surgery in one eye, problems with their health insurance, or just want to try a natural approach first.Oxidization is an important contributor to cataracts. Free radical damage causes cataracts to form. This has been studied in the laboratory. Dr. Marc Grossman discusses a variety of nutrients that have been shown to affect cataracts. He has referred many patients for cataract surgery when necessary. However, his review of the literature has revealed many peer-reviewed studies on nutrients for cataracts. And patients who wanted to delay cataract surgery have found success with the natural solutions he has recommended.

Having an eye exam is far more than just reading letters on an eye chart. Ask your optometrist or ophthalmologist for the specific tests and exams that Dr. Marc Grossman describes in this podcast. These exams could help head off serious eye disease in the future through early detection. High-tech tests are important.The doctor should take your history. Also, do you use electronics excessively? How can electronics use be mitigated?Several sensitive tests for glaucoma include tests for eye pressure and tests on the cornea. The retinal exam should go beyond a basic slit lamp exam. A digital retinal scanner and OCT are newer technologies produce very detailed images. These machines are important for detection and tracking of eye disease. Everyone over age 50 could benefit from these test as a baseline. Research shows that supplements and lifestyle changes can affect the course of eye disease.Special tests of the front of the eye look for dry eye and tear duct problems.Visual field testing helps detect certain eye diseases. Low-tech visual field testing might mean the patient counting fingers at the edges of their visual field. High-tech testing would require the patient to look into a machine and respond to visual cues.Call around and ask about the new tests. They may cost more, but they are an investment in your vision health.

When your parents told you to eat your carrots, they were right! Carrots contain beta carotene, which converts to Vitamin A, a crucial nutrient for your eye health. The eye is the most nutrient-hungry organ in the body for its size. The food you eat contains nutrients important to the eyes. Fruits and vegetables are especially rich in these compounds. Which foods should be in a healthy "Vision Diet"? How can your daily food intake help prevent eye disease?This episode is Part 2 of 2. Season 1 Episode 13 is Part 1.