You are what you eat and what you put in your body has a major effect on the health of your eyes.
Glaucoma is a condition where increased pressure within the eyeball, causes a gradual loss of sight. Eye pressure plays a role in damaging the delicate nerve fibers of the optic nerve. When a significant number of nerve fibers are damaged, blind spots develop in the field of vision. Once nerve damage and visual loss occur, it is permanent.
There are two types of Glaucoma: Open-angle glaucoma and Angle-closure glaucoma
- Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma. This happens when the “open” drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked which leads to a gradual increase in eye pressure which results in optic nerve damage. Optic nerve damage and vision loss occur gradually and painlessly and most people are not aware of the trouble until the optic nerve is badly damaged. More and more of peripheral vision is lost, and if it is left untreated, tunnel vision may occur and eventually loss of all sight. Open-angle glaucoma usually affects both eyes, although at first vision loss may occur in just one eye.
- Angle-closure glaucoma happens when the drainage angle of the eye narrows and becomes completely blocked and increase the eye pressure abruptly. If untreated, permanent vision loss can occur within a day of the attack. An attack often happens in the evening or in a darkened room when the light is dim and the pupils have become relatively dilated. Pain may be severe. Signs and symptoms include blurred vision, halos around lights, reddening of the eye, severe eye pain, and nausea and vomiting.
Glaucoma is the third leading cause of blindness throughout the world. Without treatment, the loss of vision usually gets worse over the course of many months or several years. Loss of vision in glaucoma is permanent, but with early treatment, the damage to vision can be minimized. Early treatment can help protect the eyes against vision loss.
What Causes Glaucoma?
- Liver and kidneys congestion caused by years of reckless and poor eating. Although, research may point to a family history of glaucoma, more than likely, this condition is due to the family having the same poor eating habits and lifestyles.
- Toxins in the blood caused by the consumption of processed foods and drugs. The acidity in the blood reduces oxygen and nutrients supply to the eye cells, thus creating eye problems.
- Damage to the eye(s) caused by infection, inflammation, tumor, advanced cataracts or eye surgeries
- Deficiencies in vitamins A, B1 (thiamine) and C.
People at risk for glaucoma are usually those who are near-sighted or far-sighted, those who have had previous eye surgery, diabetics, people who suffer from hypertension, to name a few, tend to have a higher risk for glaucoma. If you are in the high-risk group, be aware of the symptoms so that you know when to get help before it is too late; because, once vision is lost, it cannot be reversed. But if it is detected in time, proper nutrition and care can prevent further vision loss.
If you are susceptible to glaucoma or already have it, do take all precautions to prevent or reduce the progression of the eye pressure. Immediately reduce your consumption of:
- Fried/barbecued foods as these are very high in oxidants that cause eye damage
- Caffeinated beverages/foods such as coffee, chocolate, and soft drinks
- Avoid trans fatty acids (cooking by heating in high-temperature oil)
- High protein diet (e.g. red meats, organ meats, and egg yolk)
- Table sugar
Increase your intake of foods that are high in vitamins A, B, C and E, beta-carotene and anti-oxidants and phytonutrients that protect the eyes against degeneration. Other foods to consume would be oily fish, fish oils, nuts, bilberries, goji berries, and sweet potatoes. These foods all help to improve circulation, prevent infection and prevent further damage caused by oxidation in the eyes.
Try these two recipes below to start improving your eye health now.
The Eye Opener – Makes 32 oz (Juicerecipes.com/recipes)
Ingredients
- Apples – 2 medium
- Carrots – 14 medium
- Oranges (peeled) – 2 small
Directions: Process all ingredients in a juicer, shake or stir and serve.
No juicer? Then try this smoothie recipe
Powerful Carrot Smoothie for Eye Health (healingsmoothies.com)
Ingredients
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/2 banana
- 1/2 tsp ginger
- 1 cup of ice cubes
Directions: Combine ingredients, in a powerful blender, and blend until smooth. Add more orange juice if necessary to reach desired consistency. Strain in a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove pulp. Serve immediately.
Sources:
www.kellogg.umich.edu
www.naturaleyecare.com
Related Article(s):
Juicing to Improve Eyesight
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