The Eyes Have It

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Omega-3 fatty acids. One group of dietary supplements that affects both the eye and the cardiovascular system is the omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids help prevent hardening of the arteries in both the heart and the eye by reducing inflammation. Arteriosclerosis is a pervasive and quiet enemy of the eye. The result of arteriosclerosis is a decrease in nutrients to the eye and a reduction in the removal of waste products. An added benefit of omega-3 fatty acids is an apparent lower risk of dry eye syndrome, particularly in women (Miljanovic B et al 2005).

Lipoic acid. Lipoic acid is a very powerful antioxidant that prevents free radical damage, thus reducing oxidative stress and possibly reducing the risk of degenerative eye diseases. It has shown promise as a nutrient to protect rabbits’ eyes from ultraviolet damage (Demir U et al 2005).

N-acetyl-carnosine. This supplement has also been shown to support healthy eyes. When administered topically in the form of N-acetyl-L-carnosine, this nutrient can move easily into both the water-soluble and lipid-containing parts of the eye. Once there, it helps prevent DNA strand breaks induced by UV radiation and enhances DNA repair. In the lipid areas of the eye, N-acetyl-L-carnosine partially breaks down and becomes L-carnosine. In a 1999 study of 96 patients aged 60 years or older with cataracts, one to two drops of a carnosine-containing solution was administered three to four times each day for three to six months. At the end of the study, the level of eyesight improved, and the lens became more transparent. For primary senile cataracts, the effective rate was 100 percent; for mature senile cataracts, the effective rate was 80 percent (Wang AM et al 2000).

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19916788


J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2009 Dec;25(6):537-40.
Pycnogenol improves microcirculation, retinal edema, and visual acuity in early diabetic retinopathy.
Steigerwalt R, Belcaro G, Cesarone MR, Di Renzo A, Grossi MG, Ricci A, Dugall M, Cacchio M, Schönlau F.
Source

Irvine2 Vascular Labs and Microcirculation, Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, G D'Annunzio University, General Surgery, Guardiagrele (Ch)-Ortona (Pe) Pescara, San Valentino Vascular Screening Project, San Valentino, Italy.
Abstract
PURPOSE:

The growing numbers of diabetes cases in the developed world are followed by increasing numbers of people diagnosed with diabetic complications. Diabetic microangiopathies in the eye lead to the development of retinopathy involving gradual loss of vision. Previous studies with Pycnogenol showed effectiveness for stopping progression of preproliferative stages of retinopathy. The aim of our study was to show protective effects of Pycnogenol in early stages of retinopathy, characterized by mild to moderate retinal edema in the absence of hemorrhages or hard exudates in the macula center.
METHODS:

Following treatment with Pycnogenol (24 patients) for 3 months, retinal edema score (dilated ophthalmology) and retinal thickness (high resolution ultrasound) showed statistically significant improvement as compared to the placebo group (22 patients), which showed negligible changes to baseline. Laser Doppler flow velocity measurements at the central retinal artery showed a statistically significant increase from 34 to 44 cm/s in the Pycnogenol group as compared to marginal effects in the control group.
RESULTS:

The major positive observation of this study is the visual improvement, which was subjectively perceived by 18 out of 24 patients in the Pycnogenol group. Testing of visual acuity using the Snellen chart showed a significant improvement from baseline 14/20 to 17/20 already, after 2 months treatment, whereas no change was found in the control group.
CONCLUSIONS:

Pycnogenol taken at this early stage of retinopathy may enhance retinal blood circulation accompanied by regression of edema, which favorably improves vision of patients.

PMID:
19916788