Our eyes are not to be taken for granted. There are many factors contributing to eye disease and blindness. Smoking, eye strain from computers, diet lacking in nutrients and antioxidants, high blood pressure, diabetes and lack of exercise are common factors. Macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma are common conditions as we age.
Recently, Jean B. contacted me about her diagnosis of glaucoma in her left eye. Glaucoma is caused by increased eye pressure that results in damage to the optic nerve, often leading to blindness. In early January of this year Jean asked for suggestions to slow down the progress of the damage to her eye. My recommendations were to take Lutein +, Pycnogenol, Bilberry, DHA, and Vitamin C of at least 1500mg daily. I also suggested she reduce or eliminate her intake of caffeine, exercise and to eliminate all grains and reduce refined sugar. I expected her to balk at eliminating grains but she said she would! I know from experience that compliance is key and often very difficult.
In early June I received a phone call from Jean. I had not heard a progress report since our phone call in January so I was happy to hear from her and asked how she was doing. She said she had been to her ophthalmologist that day and she said he spent a lot of time examining her left eye. He wasn’t saying anything. Finally he told her that he saw no signs of glaucoma in her eye! When she heard the news she said she wanted to jump up and down! When she told me I wanted to jump and down!
I asked Jean what protocol she followed after our phone call in January. She said she took the Lutein +, Pycnogenol and 5 grams of Vitamin C until about a month before her exam when she started experiencing loose bowels which is normal on high amounts of Vitamin C. I asked about DHA and Bilberry and she said she forgot to buy those. Most impressive was that she was able to totally eliminate grains except for the occasional quinoa. She greatly reduced refined white sugar too.
Maybe Jean’s results will encourage others. I should mention that Jean is in her 80’s!
