Touch for Health Kinesiology Association Journal (year 2003)

Improving Vision Naturallyby Marilyn Joyner, RN, BSN,CHt

3165 Saybrook Court, Dublin, OH 43017e-mail: mjoyner@columbus.rr.com

Abstract: This article is designed to be used as a reference, and providesbackground information on the anatomy of the eye as well as pathophysiologyconcerning vision. It includes information on homeopathic intervention and propernutrition to maintain and enhance vision. The categories of nutrition which havebeen addressed are nutritional supplements and herbs. The presentation will be aworkshop of exercises including acupressure points, which are designed toimprove vision and prevent what we generally consider to be the naturaldeterioration of our eyesight.

Although vision is considered by mostpersons to be the most cherished of the fivesenses, most of us do not do enough topreserve our sight because we have acceptedthe notion that our vision should deteriorateover time. After much research, I haveconcluded that we DO have power over thisprocess of deterioration. Retaining ouryouthful eyesight requires maintaining ahealthy lifestyle, as well as taking a fewminutes per day to do some simple exercises.

It is important to note that in Chinese medicinevisual disturbances are often equated withcongested liver chi. Dark circles under theeyes indicate a malfunctioning liver. Inaddition to the energetic connection betweenthe liver and the eyes, a healthy functioningliver is necessary for adequate digestion toprovide the proper nutrition to support theeyes and allow for good vision. Balancing theenergy in the liver is the first step inimproving vision, regardless of the pathology.

A review of the anatomy of the eye isnecessary to understand the pathophysiology(see Illustration 1). The eye consists of threelayers. The outermost layer is comprised ofconnective tissue and forms the sclera, knownas the" white of the eye". In the front the outerlayer becomes the cornea, which is thetransparent covering over the colored part ofthe eye known as the iris. The middle layer ofthe eye is the blood vessel enriched part calledthe choroid, which in the front forms the iris.The iris is a muscle which has a centralopening known as the pupil. The pupil

appears as a large black circle which varies insize as the iris contracts and expands tomodulate the amount of light entering the eye.Behind the iris the choroid forms a muscularappendage known as the ciliary body. Theciliary body is where some of the fluid of theeye is produced. Behind the pupil lies anotherstructure which should be transparent and isknown as the crystalline lens. The ciliary bodyis connected to the lens by ligaments.Contraction of this ciliary muscle changes theshape of the lens which in turn alters the angleat which the light enters the eye. This processserves the purpose of directing the light so thatit focuses on the back of the eye regardless ofthe distance from which an object is beingviewed. The inner layer of the eye is knownas the retina, and is located at the back of theeye. It is made up of the photoreceptorsknown as the rods and cones, named for theirrespective shapes. Their function is to turn thelight waves into nerve impulses to beinterpreted by the brain as visual images. Thecones are concerned with daytime vision.central vision and detailed vision, and the rodsare concerned with night vision, peripheralvision, and contrast. The cones are situated ina higher density in the central portion of theretina, and the rods are more abundant in theperiphery. There is a central portion of theretina which is known as the macula thatcontains a high concentration of photoreceptorcells, especially cones. The central pit of themacula contains only cones and is known asthe fovea centralis. (refs 1, 13,20,22)

- 35 -

-9£-

VIcI0H3dAH

VIcI0AN

1VINHON

..NOIB1HLSfTTII

Touch for Health Kinesiology Association Journal (year 2003)

The measure of visual acuity is mostcommonly done with a Snellen chart, which isthe familiar chart with the large E at the top.20/20 vision means that you see from 20 feetaway what a normal person would see from20 feet. 20/30 vision means that you see from20 feet away what a normal person could seefrom 30 feet away. There are persons withvision considered to be better that normal,such as 20/15. (ref 1)

The two most common visual abnormalitiesare myopia and hyperopia (see Illustration2). Myopic persons can see well up close butnot from a distance. This condition is alsoknown as nearsightedness. It is caused by theeyeball becoming elongated, which causes thelight to focus in front of the retina. Accordingto Sussman (ref 20), myopia increases thelikelihood of retinal detachments, cataracts,and glaucoma It is believed that myopia iscaused by tense eye muscles which eventuallydistort the shape of the eye. Poor nutrition canmake the eye more susceptible to the effects ofthese tense muscles. (refs 1, 20, 22)

Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, isthe opposite of myopia. This is a condition inwhich the light focuses beyond the retina.Persons who are hyperopic can see well froma distance, but not up close. Their eyeballs areflattened in appearance. Hyperopic individualare more likely to develop difficulty withaccommodation, which is an inability tochange the shape of the lens to assist in thefocusing of light. This eventually willnecessitate correction for both distant and nearsight. It is also believed that tense ocularmuscles leading to distortion of the shape ofthe eye causes this condition. (refs 1, 20, 22)

Visual disturbances can also be caused by acondition known as astigmatism. This iscaused by an uneven curvature of the cornea,which leads to the rays of light from differentdirections entering the eye at various anglesand therefore focusing at different places inreference to the retina. A small amount ofastigmatism can be compensated for by thelayer of tears over the cornea. Moreproblematic cases can be corrected withlenses. (ref 1)

Presbyopia is a condition that often beginsto occur in middle age and involves the loss of

the ability of the lens to change shape.Changing the shape of the lens is necessary tofocus the point of convergence of the lightrays which enter the eye. It is generallythought that presbyopia occurs from a lack ofproper nutrition to the lens. The lens containsno blood vessels, and relies on the ciliarybody and aqueous solution ( the liquid in thefront of the eye) to supply it with nutrition. Ifthe lens continues to deteriorate, cataractformation ensues. (ref 1)

Cataracts are by definition an opacity of thelens of the eye. They are caused by freeradical damage to the proteins of the eyecausing them to clump together. Traditionally,surgical removal of the lens is the treatmentfor a cataract. Sometimes an intraocular lens isinserted. Correction post cataract extractioncan also be achieved through glasses withaphakic lenses or through contact lenses. Theintraocular lens is shaped to eitheraccommodate near or far vision, and theopposite is achieved through externalcorrective lenses. However, nutrition andhomeopathy have been shown to not onlyprevent but to reverse cataracts. (ref 1)

Another condition of the eye which cangradually lead to blindness is maculardegeneration. According to Abel (ref 1), themacula occupies only about 2% of the visualfield, yet because it is so highly concentratedwith cones it stimulates about half of thebrain's visual cortex. This area is also knownas the "yellow spot" due to the yellow pigmentfrom carotenoids. Under the retina is a layercalled the retinal pigment epithelium. Maculardegeneration involves a degeneration of themacula and this layer beneath it. It is believedto be caused from an accumulation ofmetabolic wastes resulting from impropernutrition. The symptoms include wavyappearance to parallel lines, blurred vision, ora dark spot in central vision. Genetics is afactor in macular degeneration, but the diseaseprocess can be slowed considerably withproper nutrition. (refs 1, 13)

Retinitis pigmentosa is also a degenerativedisease of the retina. It is usually hereditaryand leads to a gradual loss of vision. It hasbeen shown that increased cortisol levels(which are produced in the adrenals inresponse to stress) have been associated with

- 37 -

Touch for Health Kinesiology Association Journal (year 2003)

retinitis pigmentosa, and that improvement isnoted with administration of anticortisoldrugs. Stress reduction is therefore anecessary component of treatment of thisdisease. This is not considered one of thediseases of old age, as it can be detected inyoung children as well. The compromisedvision begins with the peripheral fields andprogresses to include central vision. A cataractmay also develop. Dietary supplementation forthis condition has shown to be helpful. (ref I)

Diabetic retinopathy is becoming morecommon as the population in Americaconsumes more and more sugar. The rate ofdiabetes is on the lise and the age of onset isdecreasing on the average. Diabeticretinopathy is caused by the deterioration ofthe blood vessels which begin to leak into thevitreous (the liquid in the back part of theeye). This free floating blood blocks the lightfrom entering the eyes, casting shadows onthe retina and causing large black spots in thevision. If there is inadequate oxygen to theeye, the body responds by growing newblood vessels which usually tend to be fragileand leak more. Sometimes the blood isabsorbed without intervention. Other timesthis bleeding can lead to scarring, causing theretina to detach from the blood vessel richchoroid. This causes a permanent blind spot inthe vision and the detachment has to berepaired surgically. Another surgicalintervention for diabetic retinopathy is avitrectomy. The indication for this surgery iswhen the vision is substantially impaired bythe shadow casting effects of the blood. Thesurgery involves removing the vitreous fromthe eye and replacing it with a mild saltsolution called normal saline. (refs 1, 10)

Adequate nutrition is absolutely necessary forgood vision. One classification of nutrientsthat preserve sight is the antioxidants. Theseare vitamins and other nutrients whichcounteract the effects of free radicals. Freeradicals are oxygen-containing compoundsproduced in the body and utilized by the bodyto sustain life. However, due to theconfiguration of the oxygen atom, even whenoxygen is combined with other atoms there isa free floating electron in the outer shell.Electrons prefer to travel paired with anotherelectron. These free floating electrons in the

oxygen-containing compounds tend to gainpartner electrons by scavenging electrons fromhealthy tissue, causing damage to the tissue.Antioxidants sacrifice electrons to these freeradicals to prevent damage. The three vitaminsthat are considered to be antioxidants areVitamins A, C, and E. (refs 1, 19)

Vitamin A is not only important to protect eyesfrom free radical damage, but has functionsspecific to the eye. In preventing free radicaldamage, it is recommended to both preventand treat macular degeneration. Vitamin A is aprimary nutrient for the rods which areconcerned with night vision. It also isnecessary for the production of tears, whichserve to lubricate the eyes. Vitamin A is a fatsoluble vitamin which means it is stored in thebody, primarily in the liver. Fat solublevitamins can become toxic in large doses.According to Dr. Abel (ref 1), a toxic levelwould be reached by taking at least 30,000 IUevery day for a year. (refs 1, 13, 18, 19,20)

The precursor to Vitamin A is beta-carotene. A safer way to assure an adequateintake of Vitamin A is to consume foods richin carotenes. Other carotenes are alsonecessary nutrients for the eyes. The othertwo most important ones are lutein andzeaxanthin, which provide the yellowpigment found in the macula. This pigmentserves to protect the macula from the effects ofultraviolet light. (refs 1, 19,22)

Vitamin C has been found to be important tomany aspects of vision. Vitamin C helpsprotect the lens from free radical damage andhas been shown in a 1998 study done at TuftsUniversity in Boston to decrease the rate ofcataracts by 77 percent. It is also useful inbuilding collagen which strengthens the wallsof the blood vessels which nourish the retinaand other parts of the eye. Vitamin C can beused to allow the cornea to heal followinginjuries. An optometrist from New Jerseynamed Dr. Ben Lane has found a correlationbetween low levels of Vitamin C andincreased intraocular pressure. Vitamin C hasalso been shown by him to decrease the levelof eye fatigue. In reducing free radicaldamage, it also helps prevent and treat maculardegeneration. As a water soluble vitamin,Vitamin C is not stored in the body, and isreadily excreted. In excess, Vitamin C can

- 38 -

Touch for Health Kinesiology Association Journal (year 2003)

cause bloating, gas, and/or diarrhea, (refs 1,18,19,20)

Vitamin E is a fat soluble antioxidant vitaminwhich is found in both the retina and the lens.One of its functions is to preserve the essentialfatty acids in the cell membranes. It also hasbeen shown to reduce the incidence of cataractformation and strengthen the blood vessels.Inadequate levels of Vitamin E leads to thereduction of the pigment in the retina. causingdecreased visual acuity. Since free radicaldamage has been shown to be a contributingfactor in macular degeneration, Vitamin E isalso one of the recommended supplements toboth prevent and treat this disease. (refs I, 18,19, 20)

Another classification of nutrients necessary tosupport vision is amino acids. These are thebuilding blocks for proteins. The essentialamino acids are not produced in the body, andtherefore must be included in the dietaryintake. (ref 1)

One of the most important amino acids topromote healthy vision is taurine. Since itcan be produced in the body from cysteine,taurine is not considered an essential aminoacid. It is found in abundance in the retina andis thought to protect it from damage fromultraviolet light. Taurine levels are found to bedeficient in diabetics so it is hypothesized thatlow levels may contribute to diabeticretinopathy. It is also believed that age-relatedmacular degeneration is at least in part due totaurine deficiency, and it has been shown thatsupplementation can improve this condition.Taurine is used at the Beechwold NaturalClinic where my practice is located in anutrient intravenous solution formulatedspecifically for improving vision. (refs 1, 18.19,20)

Another amino acid which should beconsidered important for this topic ofdiscussion is N-acetyl-cysteine, or NAC.This amino acid boosts the production ofglutathione, an enzyme necessary for goodvision. (refs I, 19)

Enzymes are complex proteins produced in thebody for the purpose of catalyzingbiochemical processes. These act as thebodyfs main antioxidants.

The most significant enzyme for vision isglutathione. It has been found to beabundant in healthy eyes, but deficient in thepresence of cataracts. It has also been found toreduce the effects of macular degeneration.This enzyme is composed of the three aminoacids cysteine, glutamine, and glycine. It isnot recommended that the supplementglutathione be administered directly, but ratherbe obtained by consuming a number ofnutrients which contribute to glutathioneproduction. Those may include selenium,alpha lipoic acid, NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine),and Vitamin B-2 (riboflavin). (refs I, 19)

A classification of nutrients also consideredimportant for good vision is minerals. Theseat'e not produced in the body but are necessaryfor many processes that occur within thebody. Although there are numerous oneswhich could be considered necessary forvision, only the most important ones will bepresented.

Calcium is one of the minerals whichcontributes to healthy eyes. Calcium levelshave been demonstrated to be lower inchildren with myopia, and increasing theintake can alleviate the symptoms. Not enoughcalcium can also lead to the presence offloaters and eye twitching. (refs 1, 19)

Magnesium is another important mineralnecessary to maintain good vision. It has beendemonstrated that supplementing withmagnesium improves the vision of personswith glaucoma. Diabetics with highermagnesium levels are less likely to developdiabetic retinopathy than those with lowlevels. (refs 1, 19)

Selenium is important as a precursor toglutathione. Deficiencies in selenium havebeen shown to promote cataract formation.Selenium also helps prevent maculardegeneration. (refs 1, 19)

Z inc is a mineral which has beendemonstrated to be crucial in eye health. Zinclevels at'e found to be higher in the retina thanin any other organ in the body. Deficienciescause visual disturbances, andsupplementation improves vision in personswith macular degeneration. (refs 1, 19)

- 39 -

Touch for Health Kinesiology Association Journal (year 2003)

There are several herbs that have been shownto improve vision. Eyebright is the mostpopular of these, and is considered theuniversal eye tonic. In cleansing the liver, itserves to promote clear vision and strengthensthe eye. (refs 19, 22)

Dandelions can be used to improve eithermyopia or hyperopia. Dandelion root teahelps with seeing better from a distance, anddandelion leaf tea improves close vision.(ref 22)

Several herbs that help with night vision areblueberries, and bilberry and raspberryteas. Bilberry in combination with zinc andginkgo has been shown to slow visualdeterioration. Bilberry also improvesaccommodation in both day and night vision.Parsley improves day vision by supplyingB-2 (refs 19,22)

There are also several Chinese herbs used toimprove vision. Chrysanthemum,Chinese Lychii berries, and celosiaseeds all cleanse the liver and enhance vision.Chrysanthemum also clears floaters and aidsin blurry vision. Celosia seeds help to reducecataracts. (refs 1, 19, 22)

Homeopathic remedies are another naturaltreatment for eye disorders and visualdisturbances. These can be multifunctionaland will be listed in alphabetical order witheffects pertaining to vision. Calcareacarbonica Sensitive to light. Dimness ofvision, as if looking through a mist.Farsightedness. Easy fatigue of eyes.Cataracts. (ref 11)

Causticum-Drooping of eyelid (right).Weakness of eye muscles. Double vision,improves looking right. Sparks and dark spotsbefore eyes. Objects look large. Cataracts withmotor disturbances. (ref 11)

Magnesia carbonica-Black motes beforeeyes. Eyes feel large and sensitive to pressure.Cataract. Opacity of cornea. (ref 11)

Phosphorus-Sensitive to light. Eyes feellarge and stiff. Inflammation of the

choroid. Fatigue of eyes without much use.Pain in bones around eyes. Atrophy of opticnerve. Double vision due to deviation of the

visual axis. Narrow field of vision. Greenhalo around candlelight. Sensation as ifsomething pulled tightly over eyes, as ifeverything covered with a mist or veil. Blackfloaters. Patient sees better by shading eyeswith hand. Letters appear red. Colored visionthen migraine. Clots in retinal vessels anddegenerative changes in retina. Eyes turnedoutward. (ref 11)

Silicea-Spotted vision. Objects appear pale.Aversion to light, especially daylight. Sharppain through eyes. Cataract in office workersafter suppressed foot sweat. Inflammation ofthe iris and choroid. Vision confused, lettersrun together on reading objects, as if in fog.(refll)

Sulphur-Inflammation of retina caused byoveruse of eyes. Obscure vision like blackgauze or motes before eyes. Halo aroundlamp. Objects seem more distant than they are.Opacities of vitreous. (ref 11)

A Touch for Health Balance will also assist inimproving vision. For the sake of emphasis Iwould like to reiterate that BALANCINGTHE LIVER MERIDIAN IS A MUST. Sincetense muscles contribute to myopia andhyperopia and stress is a factor in retinitispigmentosa, a general balance with stressreduction techniques, (ESRs, metaphor work,or other emotional balances) is in order. Abalance will improve digestion andassimilation of food which is necessary forproper nutrition of the eyes. Balancing alsoimproves circulation and lymphatic function toenhance delivery of nutrients to the eyes andremoval of wastes from the eyes.

Bibliography

l. Abel, Robert Jr., M.D. The Eye CareRevolution. New York: The KensingtonPublishing Co., 1999.

2. Bates, William, M.D. Method for BetterEyesight Without Glasses. New York:Henry Holt and Co., 1940.

3. Bellevue, James. Improve Your Eyesight.Reno, Nevada: Avid Reader Press, 2002

4. Beresford, Dr. Steven M., Muris, Dr.David W., Allen, Dr. Merrill J. Young, Dr.Francis A. Improve Your Vision Without

- 40 -

Touch for Health Kinesiology Association Journal (year _A003)

Glasses or Contact Lenses. New York:Fireside, 1996.

5. Boericke, William, M.D., Mut e ri c aMedica with Reperatorv, (Ninth Edition)Santa Rosa, California: Boericke & Tafel,Inc., 1927

6. Christopher, Dr. John R. School ofNatural Healing. Springville, Utah:Christopher Publications, Inc.

7. Deal, Dr. Sheldon C. New Life ThroughNatural Methods. Tucson, Arizona: NewLife Publishing Co.

8. Goodrich, Janet. Natural VisionImprovement. Berkeley, California: CelestialArts, 1985

9. Gregory, R.L. Eye and Brain New York:McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1966_

10. Havener, William, M.D. Really NeedEye Surgery? 1975.

11. Homeopathic Study Group Notes-Cataracts, June 2002.

12. McCabe, Vinton. Practical Homeopathy.New York: St. Martin's Griffin, 2002

13. Mogk, Lylas G., M.D.& Mogk, Maria.Macular Degeration, The Complete Guide toSaving and Maximazing Your Sight. NewYork: Ballantine Books, 1999.

14. Murray, Michael T., N.D., Encyclopediaof Nutritional Supplements. Roseville,California: Prima Health, 1996.

15. Murphy, Robin, N.D. HomeopathicMedical Repertory. Pagosa Springs,Colorado.: Hahnemann Academy of NorthAmerica, 1998

17. Quackenbush, Thomas R., BetterEyesight. Berkeley, California: North AtlanticBooks, 2001.

18. Sardi, Bill. Nutrition and the Eyes; Howto Keep Your Eyes Healthy Naturally-c. CA:Health Spectrum Publishers, 1994.

19. Scientists See Sight-Saving Results inNew Discoveries Like Lutein and Zeaxanthin

along with A, 8, C & Herbs" September2002, American Council on CollaborativeMedicine, Inc., Vol. VIII, Issue 9.

20. Sussman, Martin. Program for BetterVision. Berkeley, California: CambridgeInstitute for Better Vision, 1998.

21. White, Linda B., M.D., Foster, Steven.The Herbal Drugstore U.S.A.: Rodale, Inc.,2000

22. Zuraw, Robert A. & Lewanski,Robert T. The Inner Secrets Behind PerfectEyesight, The Art of Improving VisionNaturally. Troy, Michigan: Taoist Publishers,1998

- 41 -