How to Improve Eyesight Naturally

One major contributor to eye trouble is poor diet, specifically the denatured, chemical- and preservative-laden foods that most people consume daily. A deficiency of just one vitamin can lead to various eye problems. Supplementation with the correct vitamins and minerals can help prevent or correct eye trouble.

Eye Problems

Two of the most complex organs of the body, the eyes, provide us with instantaneous visual feedback of the world around us.

Eye disturbances can be a symptom of disease elsewhere in the body. Watery eyes, for example, can be a symptom of the common cold. A thyroid problem may be indicated by protruding or bulging eyes and reading difficulties. Dark circles under the eyes and eyes that are red, swollen and/or watery may indicate allergies. Yellowing of the eyes from jaundice can be a sign of hepatitis, gallbladder disease or gallstone blockage. Droopy eyes are often an early sign of myasthenia gravis, a disorder in which the eye muscles weaken. A drastic difference in the sizes of the pupils can indicate a tumour somewhere in the body, whereas high blood pressure and diabetes may manifest themselves in periodic blurring of vision.

Recommendations

• Drink fresh carrot juice. This can help to prevent or alleviate some eye problems.
• Eliminate refined/white sugar and white flour from your diet.
• Herbs such as bilberry extract has been shown to improve both normal and night vision. Bayberry bark, cayenne (capsicum), and red raspberry leaves, taken by mouth, are beneficial.
• If you wear glasses, wear clear spectacles that have been treated to keep out ultraviolet rays. This will help protect against damage from ultraviolet exposure. Avoid wearing tinted eyeglasses for this purpose, especially on a regular basis as dark glasses prevent needed light from entering the eyes. The functioning of the pineal gland, which plays an important role in the regulation of metabolism, behaviour, and physiological functions, is largely governed by sunlight.
• Be careful when using drugs, whether prescription or over the counter. Some may cause eye problems. Drugs that can cause damage to the optic nerve, retina, or other vital parts of the eye include the following: Aspirin, Corticosteroids, Marihuana, Nicotinic acid (niacin) if used for long periods, Diuretics, Antihistamines, and digitals preparations can cause disturbances in colour distinction.

Considerations

• The combination of nicotine, sugar, and caffeine may temporarily affect vision.
• According to ophthalmologist (medical doctor, eye specialist) and author Dr Gary Price Todd use of margarine and vegetable shortening is dangerous for those with certain eye disorders.
• People who work at computers every day are at risk for eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, dry or irritated eyes, sensitivity to light, double vision and after images.
• Zinc may help reduce vision loss because it is a factor in the metabolic functioning of several enzymes in the chorioretinal complex. Never take more than 100 milligrams daily.
• People who wear contact lenses need to take precautions against eye damage because of the increased risk of injury and infection associated with them.

Many cases of eye damage and vision loss are linked to underlying diseases of one type or another. High blood pressure produces a gradual thickening of the blood vessels inside the eyes that can result in visual impairment and even blindness. Early cataracts may be related to diabetes. Other factors linked to declining eyesight include too much sun exposure, poor nutrition, exposure to tobacco smoke or other pollutants, and dehydration.

Eyestrain

Eyestrain causes a dull, aching sensation around and behind the eyes that can expand into a generalized headache. It may feel painful or fatiguing to focus your eyes. Eyestrain is commonly a result of overuse of the eyes for activities requiring close, precise focus, such as reading or computer work.

Recommendations

• Lie down, close your eyes, and place a cold compress over your eyes. Relax for 10 minutes or longer, replacing the compress with a fresh one as necessary. This often helps to alleviate discomfort. You can also try using a wet tea bag or cold cucumber slices. The cold shrinks the swollen blood vessels.
• Take measures to avoid eyestrain. Try to vary your tasks so that your eyes change focusing distance every so often. When doing close work for prolonged periods take periodic focus breaks. Every 20 minutes or so, look away from your work and focus your eyes on something in the distance for a minute or two.
• If you work with computers for long periods of time, take a 5- or 10-minute break every hour. Focus on distant objects as often as possible.
• Get sufficient sleep. Fatigue promotes eyestrain.
• Take quality supplements vitamin A and lutein (needed for all eye disorders) and vitamin B complex (helps to alleviate eye fatigue).

Like all other parts of the body, the eyes need to be nourished properly. Proper eye care includes a healthy diet containing the proper amounts of vitamins A, B, C, E and the minerals selenium and zinc. Fresh fruits and vegetables are good sources of these vitamins and minerals, especially yellow and yellow-orange foods such as carrots, yams, sweet potatoes, squash, pumpkin, cantaloupe and also cauliflower, broccoli, raw cabbage, sunflower seeds, and watercress. A well-balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables can help keep your eyes healthy.

Source: Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC