The eyes are actually extensions of the brain that filter and focus light. The optic nerve picks up the light signal from the retina and transmits the information to the visual center of the brain, which creates images of what we see. In capturing light energy, the eyes play a major role in regulating cellular, hormonal, immune, and nervous system function. UV light activates the synthesis of Vitamin D, which is a prerequisite for the absorption of calcium and other minerals from the diet. Consequently reducing stress on the eyes is more than just reducing annoying symtoms.
Light enters the eyes and goes directly to the body's biological clock within the hypothalamus in the brain. The hypothalamus is the major nerve center for all hormone-secreting glands, including the pineal, which secretes melatonin. When it gets dark at night, the pineal releases melatonin and the hormone tells you it's time to sleep. When light returns, the pineal shuts off melatonin release. So don't be surprised if you feel more like sleeping during winter months. Many of our furry friends just take the whole winter to sleep using the same melatonin releasing mechanism. Perhaps we need to take a lesson from nature.
Melatonin is considered an anti-aging hormone and no one wants to hasten aging by restricting their daily dose of melatonin. Recent findings from the National Commission on Sleep Disorders have shown that 40 million Americans are chronically ill with sleep disorders. Another 30 million experience interemittent sleep-related problems. Such disorders occur at every age level and are often caused by staying up too late at night. If you're having trouble sleeping, try going to bed earlier and taking 1-3 milligrams of melatonin thirty minutes before retiring.
Try to reduce eyestrain when you're working. Instead of using halogen desk lamps, try the eye-friendly, full-spectrum incandescent bulbs or natural lighting such as Verilux. If possible, replace ceiling fluorescent lights with full spectrum lighting. Look away from your computer screen often and try to spend a few minutes looking out the window. Corrective lenses (particulary tinted) are important, as well. NOW's Eye Support formula is a must for anyone working on computers. These capsules daily supplies important antioxidants and nutraceuticals that support healthy vision and reduce eye stress.
Eyes are exposed to free radicals from many sources and the Eye Support Formula takes care of most eye stress. However, those who work outside or near water would do well to add one 4 mg capsule per day of the natural red carotenoid astaxanthin. This powerful antioxidant pigment is beneficial in protecting against UV light. Additionally, smokers should add 1 capsule per day of Ascorbyl palmitate may be a better antioxidant in protecting neural tissues than vitamin C.
In Chinese medicine, the liver affects the eyes. This may seem like an odd connection, however weak, dry eyes and poor eyesight can result from liver stress and congestion due to frequent bouts of anger, frustration, poor diet, and build up of toxins. The eyes love leafy greens and red, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables. In fact, the supplements recommended in this article are concentrates from these foods. A good place to start tonifying and detoxifying the liver is with a daily "Green Meanie" shake from NOW's Green Phytofood powder. The Eco-Green multiple is the perfect basic formula for eye support. If you have been overdoing it with alcohol and poor diet, you might consider a one month liver support program that includes NOW's Silymarin standardized extract caps. The American Botanical Monograph suggest 200 to 400 mg per day. To summarize; there are five things you can do to improve your vision and protect your eyes.
1. Avoid excess UV exposure and harsh light in the wotkplace. Use NOW Eye Support daily.
2. Reduce Stress and get plenty of sleep. Use melatonin until your sleep pattern is reestablished.
3. Eat plenty of dark leafy greens, red, orange, and yellow fruits and vegetables. Get two servings of fatty fish per week, or take a fish oil supplement. Add astaxanthin if your work outdoors.
4. Drink a phytofood beverage and choose Eco-Green for your basic multiple. Do a liver cleanse if needed.
5. Quit smoking and add ascorbyl palmitate.
