Envisioning a Brighter Tomorrow: Best Herbs and Supplements for Improving Vision & Reversing Vision Loss in Women

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What’s up, lovely ladies! It's Caroline back again, your resident pharmacist and holistic health enthusiast. This time, we’re going to shine a light on a topic that's of high importance yet is often overlooked: how to naturally improve and even reverse vision loss. Like fingerprints, our eyes are unique to us and hold major keys to our overall well-being. Therefore, understanding how to take care of them is an essential part of our holistic health journey.

Common Causes of Vision Loss in Women

In a world increasingly dependent on visual stimuli, eye health is more critical than ever. However, several factors can lead to vision loss in women. Firstly, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), largely prevalent in individuals over the age of 60. Essentially, this ailment is characterized by damage to the macula, the region responsible for sharp, central vision.

The second major cause is glaucoma, often termed the "sneak thief of sight," as it tends to creep up unnoticed affecting the optic nerve. Uncontrolled, it can lead to irreversible vision loss. 

Another concern is cataracts, characterized by clouding of the eye's lens, culminating in blurred vision. It's a widespread condition as women age, though it can successfully be addressed through surgery.

Diabetic retinopathy, a diabetes complication, is another key culprit. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels in the retina, potentially leading to complete blindness if ignored.

Lastly, we cannot overlook the growing issue of digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome, as a result of prolonged screen usage. Although not as severe as the other mentioned ailments, it can lead to substantial discomfort and insidiously impact vision over time.

While these are the more common causes, numerous other conditions can contribute to vision loss in women, including ocular migraines, retinal detachment, or genetic disorders like retinitis pigmentosa. Understanding and identifying these causes provide the crucial first steps toward prevention and treatment, leading us to better eye health maintenance strategies and, hopefully, healthier vision for all women.

The Top 7 Herb & Supplements for Improving Vision in Women

Before we delve into the treasure trove of nature's bounty, I must remind you to consult with your healthcare provider before integrating any new herbs or supplements into your regimen.

The beauty of holistic health lies in its foundation…nature. She generously offers us various herbs and supplements that not only fulfill our basic nutritional needs, but also assuage specific health concerns. Among these, vision enhancement and reversal of vision loss is an area many women, especially as we age, become increasingly concerned about. Thankfully, Mother Nature provides a plethora of resources to nurture and support our eye health. This raises the all-important question: What are these magical herbs and supplements, and how do they contribute towards improving vision? As we ponder and delve into this, consider it an adventure into our understanding and appreciation of nature's bountiful pharmacy. Let's have a look at seven of these vision-boosting heroines.

Bilberry

Bilberry, Vaccinium myrtillus, a modest-sized fruit packed with anthocyanosides, potent antioxidants with a well-documented ability to protect the retina and boost overall eye function (Del Bo’ et al, 2010). Its high content of anthocyanosides - potent antioxidants - contribute significantly to the protective mechanism against oxidative stress, a common cause of various eye diseases. These enriching elements can fortify the retina, enhancing both low light and overall vision. They also can potentially help reverse common eye disorders like macular degeneration and cataracts. This tiny, unassuming fruit, when incorporated into a balanced diet or taken as a supplement, can offer women a natural, fortifying solution for preserving and enhancing their vision health.

Ginkgo Biloba

Praised for its excellent medicinal properties, Ginkgo Biloba plays a significant role in improving visual field damage, particularly in people with glaucoma (Quaranta et al., 2003). One of its major components, bilobalide, exerts antioxidative and anti-apoptotic effects, contributing significantly to optic nerve health. This herb's potent antioxidants help combat free radicals and protect against oxidative stress-related eye damage, thereby playing a unique role in securing optimum eye health and potentially reversing vision loss in women.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

 

No list on vision health can be complete without the ’'super oils". Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, hold remarkable benefits for vision health in women. These essential fatty acids serve as vital components of the retinal structure, promoting optimal retinal function and visual development (SanGiovanni & Chew, 2005). Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids play a role in reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in women. They also aid in maintaining healthy tear film composition, contributing to overall eye lubrication and reducing dry eye symptoms. Incorporating omega-3-rich foods such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), chia seeds, and flaxseeds into the diet, or supplementing with high-quality fish oil capsules, can potentially support women in preserving their eye health and minimizing the risk of vision loss. 

Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Lutein and Zeaxanthin, two powerful carotenoids, offer significant benefits for improving vision loss in women. These antioxidants are primarily concentrated in the macula of the eye, where they act as natural filters, protecting the retina from harmful blue light, such as the light from your cell phone, and oxidative damage. Studies have suggested that higher levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in the diet may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and other vision-related conditions (Richer et al., 2004). Consuming lutein- and zeaxanthin-rich foods such as leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale), corn, and eggs can help boost these essential nutrients and support women in maintaining healthy vision. Additionally, supplements containing lutein and zeaxanthin are available for those who may have difficulty obtaining enough through their diet alone. 

Lycopene

Lycopene, a potent antioxidant found abundantly in red and pink fruits and vegetables, has gained recognition for its potential ability to improve vision health. As an antioxidant, lycopene helps protect the eyes against oxidative stress, which can contribute to vision loss and age-related eye conditions. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between harmful free radicals and the body's ability to neutralize them with antioxidants.

Studies suggest that lycopene may have a protective effect against certain eye disorders, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and even diabetic retinopathy. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in women and is characterized by damage to the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision. Lycopene's antioxidant properties help reduce inflammation and oxidative damage in the retina, potentially slowing the progression of AMD.

Additionally, lycopene's role in promoting overall cardiovascular health may indirectly benefit the eyes. By supporting good blood circulation and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, lycopene may help maintain proper blood flow to the eyes, ensuring they receive the necessary oxygen and nutrients.

While more research is needed to fully understand and establish the therapeutic potential of lycopene for vision health, including lycopene-rich foods like tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, and guava in a well-balanced diet may provide a range of health benefits, including potential support for maintaining healthy vision in women. 

Eyebright 

Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) holds potential benefits for promoting vision health in women. This herb has a long history of traditional use in Europe for various eye conditions. Eyebright is valued for its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, which help soothe and protect the delicate tissues of the eyes (Maretić et al., 2019). While scientific research on the specific effects of eyebright is limited, anecdotal evidence suggests that it may help alleviate symptoms associated with eye strain, dry eyes, and minor eye irritations. It is typically used in the form of eyewashes, eye drops, or herbal teas.

Saffron

Saffron contains high levels of natural carotenoids, antioxidants that can protect the eye cells against oxidative stress (Jabbarpoor Bonyadi et al., 2014). 

Integrating these herbs and supplements into your diet may go a long way towards maintaining healthy vision, reversing vision loss, and potentially preventing eye disorders.

Remember, while nature provides us with these wonderful remedies, maintaining eye health isn’t only about supplements and diet. Healthy lifestyle habits, regular eye screening, and protection against UV rays also play a critical role. 

That’s all for now! Always be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new health regimen, keep your eyes bright, and continue to envision a healthier, holistic lifestyle.

Stay healthy and beautiful!

For eye exercises that can help improve your vision, check out this video by Dr. Mandell.

References

Del Bo’, C., Riso, P., Campolo, J., Møller, P., Loft, S., Klimis-Zacas, D., … Porrini, M. (2010). A single portion of blueberry (V. corymbosum L) improves protection against DNA damage but not vascular function in healthy male volunteers. Nutrition Research, 30(3), 227-236.

Quaranta, L., Bettelli, S., Uva, M. G., Semeraro, F., Turano, R., & Gandolfo, E. (2003). Effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on preexisting visual field damage in normal tension glaucoma. Ophthalmology, 110(2), 359-362.

SanGiovanni, J. P., & Chew, E. Y. (2005). The role of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in health and disease of the retina. Progress in Retinal and Eye Research, 24(1), 87-138.

Richer, S., Stiles, W., Statkute, L., Pulido, J., Frankowski, J., Rudy, D., … Thomas, C. (2004). Double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of lutein and antioxidant supplementation in the intervention of atrophic age-related macular degeneration: the Veterans LAST study (Lutein Antioxidant Supplementation Trial). Optometry-Journal of the American Optometric Association, 75(4), 216.

Jabbarpoor Bonyadi, M. H., Yazdani, S., & Saadat, S. (2014). The ocular hypotensive effect of saffron extract in primary open angle glaucoma: a pilot study. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 14, 399.

Maretić, K., Sinković, A., Cigić, I. K., & Kremer, D. (2019). Euphrasia officinalis L.: A Review of its Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Properties. The Bulletin of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca. Horticulture.