In October 2001 the National Eye Institute, a division of National Institute of Health, published the age related eye disease study which stated unequivocally that nutritional supplementation is an effective theray against mascular degeneration. This study was based on a seven year double blind study conducted by the NIH at five medical centers across the United States. It is clear that proper nutritional support can help protect us from diminishing eyesight and degenerative ocular complications as we grow older.

So, the million dollar question would be: “what supplements can help eye health and improve vision?”, right? Well…not quite so. While some degenerative changes are a direct result of aging and DNA change, the reasons for the accelerated process in some people or the change on fluid levels in the delicate tissues of the eye in others may be very individualized and the supplement helpful for one person may be useless to another.

Time and time again in this column we try to emphasize that individualization of diagnosis is THE KEY to proper treatment. Take for example one of my patients, Sara, that developed sudden loss of central vision in one of her eyes. A frantic visit a local ophthalmologist revealed she had developed changes in her retina typical in individuals experiencing high levels of stress. The prognosis was not very appealing: 50% of chances that it will go away on it’s own. The other 50% was that it could get worse and necessitate laser surgery that could nevertheless prove unhelpful. Wait and see was the only option given to her by her very sympathetic doctor. Taking her case history revealed to us that not only has she been under stress int he last few months but she was suffering from a low level infection in her mouth, as result of a poorly done root canal years ago. The infection was not “too painful” so she had decided not to intervene, afraid that she would have to remove the tooth. In Sara’s case, resolution of her stressful lifestyle did not by itself bring about improvement in her vision. Even after being on a self prescribed program of “eye vitamins” namely Lutein, Vitamin C, Co Q 10 and the herb Euphrasia her eyesight did not change. Only after the root canal was re-done and the area healed, she started to notice an improvement.

Greg, a young 35 year old computer consultant was experiencing sudden changes in vision. One moment his vision was clear, the next he needed glasses. The fluctuations were dramatic and occurred by the hour. The first assumption of his ophthalmologist was that his line of work caused “tiredness” of the eye muscles and resolutions would have to include change of career. It was after an in depth interview and Metabolic Typing testing carbohydrates. His metabolism could not keep up with the type and amounts of sugar he was used to consume. A change to a diet rich in vegetables and lean protein not only brought back a constant 20/20 vision but gave him energy boosts he had not experienced since his early 20,s.

Both Sara and Greg were also prescribed supporting supplements, but not necessarily just “for the eyes”….