have shown that people who received more of these B vitamins in their diets were less likely to develop cataracts than people who did not. All of these vitamins play an important role in your bodies natural antioxidant defense mechanisms. Eat plenty of fruits and veggies to make sure your get enough of these B vitamins, or take a multivitamin.
.....There is also some evidence that shows that ginkgo biloba can help with eye health. It might be helpful in treating diabetic retinopathy (eye damage associated with diabetes). In one small study, twenty-five type 2 diabetics took 80mg of ginkgo biloba extract three times a day. After three months of therapy patients also showed a significant increase in retinal blood flow. There were no reported side effects and there was no change in blood sugar control. While this was a very small study, it does show some promise for patients with diabetic retinopathy. Extracts of ginkgo biloba possess noteworthy antioxidant properties.
.....Another small study followed patients with age related macular |
degeneration (ARMD). They took either 240mg/day or to occur in 60mg/day of ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761). After six months, all subjects showed improvement in visual acuity. There were some side effects of stomach pains and severe vertigo which may have been related to the ginkgo, but overall therapy was well tolerated. Ginkgo has a notable drug interaction; it may enhance the effects of blood thinning  medications.If you are taking medications to thin the blood, like warfarin or higher doses of aspirin, this supplement may make your blood too thin. This is one of the reasons why it is important to tell your Doctor or Pharmacist if you are taking herbal supplements or vitamins.
.....One of the best things you can do for your eyes does not come in supplement form. One way to help protect your eyes is to buy a good quality pair of sunglasses. |
.....Most of the damage done to your eyes and retina is due to ultraviolet sunlight exposure. Whenever you are out in the sun, you should be wearing sunglasses, especially your children. When choosing a pair of sunglasses, look for a pair that states that it blocks 100% of both UV-A and UV-B light. For maximum protection, look for the kind that 'wrap around', as this will prevent light from getting in from the sides. Basically, if you are outside and squinting, you should be wearing sunglasses. You don't need to get an expensive pair of sunglasses for them to be effective. More expensive pairs might be a little more fashionable or use better quality glass or plastic for the lenses, but an inexpensive pair can still protect your eyes. Don't forget to eat plenty of of fruits and vegetables, especially berries. They are packed with numerous antioxidants, which can be very helpful for eye health. The most important thing to do for your eye health is to see your Optometrist on a regular basis. They have specialized equipment that can detect any eye health problems which might arise.
Written By Ian Lloyd, Pharmacist & Chartered Herbalist
Peoples Pharmacy, Victoria |
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