John Arts Abundant Living www.johnarts.co.nz

The processes of sight are possibly the most extraordinary of the human body.

Light passes through the eye where it excites the photoreceptors in the retina at the rear of the eye. These photoreceptors are specialised nerve cells called rods and cones and these, with the help of visual pigments made from vitamin A, are responsible for the first stage of the sight process. Light is then converted to chemical energy by neurotransmitters before being changed to electrical (nerve) impulses that are sent along the optic nerve to the part of the brain, which interprets the visual images.

The real problems with the eye are caused by damage to the retina, especially to the macula, to the tiny blood vessels of the eye, to the optic nerve in glaucoma and damage to the lens from cataracts. The macula is the central part of the retina and is responsible for the detail of our colour vision. If this is damaged as in age related macular degeneration (AMD), there is a progressive loss of vision.

Like most diseases, the key is a lifetime of prevention, but we have helped many people over the years improve AMD when they follow the recommended dietary guidelines and take an active preventative supplement programme. Interestingly, of all the branches of specialised medicine, ophthalmologists are those who most routinely prescribe antioxidant and other supplements to protect the retina and other eye structures.

Research by S Beatty (et al, 2000) titled ‘The Role of Oxidative Stress in the Pathogenesis of Age-Related Macular Degeneration' concluded that oxygen free radicals damage retinal cells, resulting in accumulated damage. This is why ophthalmologists recommend a diet rich in a variety of antioxidants and supplementation with lutein and its sister carotenoid zeaxanthin, bilberry extracts and trace minerals especially zinc. To maintain high levels of retina protecting lutein and zeaxanthin, make sure you eat eggs, bright coloured and dark green vegetables.

I prefer a much wider view to antioxidant supplements and recommend daily supplementation with broad spectrum antioxidants, vitamins especially C and E and all the trace elements. This will not only protect your eyes but will help protect all cells from accumulated free radical damage. Give me a call if you need help. To join my weekly newsletter go to www.johnarts.co.nz and visit www.abundant.co.nz

John Arts is the founder of Abundant Health. To contact, John phone (local) 578 9051 or 0800 423 559.