Natural Solutions for Razor Sharp Vision

Whether you’re dealing with the nagging discomfort of dry eyes or you just can’t see things as clearly as you used to, one thing is certain—few age-related challenges are as frustrating as the hallmarks of suboptimal vision function. But for as commonplace as these eyesight saboteurs are, the good news is that they can almost always be addressed with just a few safe and effective nutrients.

Ensuring proper retinal function should be among the chief goals of your eye-supporting regimen. The signs of a healthy retina are the absence of vitreous floaters and a clear field of vision—while research has shown that oxidative stress can negatively affect eye tissues.^1-5 That’s one reason why antioxidant support is so critical to maintaining clear vision: Studies show that supplementation with Ginkgo biloba extract may be able to combat retinal oxidative stress in particular, while promoting antioxidant activity in tears and blood plasma.^6-7

Supporting your optic nerve is equally important, requiring special attention to maintaining the right balance of fluid pressure within your eyes. Imbalances in eye pressure—whether the result of normal aging, oxidative stress or both—can negatively affect the quality your peripheral vision over time.^8-9 Research has linked this trend to low levels of the antioxidant glutathione, which is why glutathione-replenishing compounds such as n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) and lipoic acid can provide crucial visual support—as can additional nerve-supporting antioxidants, like Ginkgo biloba and taurine.^10-20

Suboptimal macular function is another common concern, often resulting from a shift in your macula’s position at the back of your eye or even from the simple age-related breakdown of this structure’s light-sensitive cells. This can lead to obscured central vision and a need for extra light while reading and performing other tasks.²¹

Not surprisingly, oxidative stress is the most common culprit behind macular issues, too—which is why antioxidants like NAC remain an important staple for vision support.^22-23 Anthocyanidin-rich bilberry can also enhance retinal health by maintaining the integrity of your eyes’ capillaries and blood vessels—while clinical research supports the use of lutein, zeaxanthin and Ginkgo biloba in promoting optimal macular health and enhancing distance vision.^24-32

Finally, there’s the lens and the lacrimal glands—responsible for clear vision and proper eye moisture, respectively. Nutrients such as lutein, grape seed extract, quercetin and bilberry extract can help to combat clouding and promote healthy lens function—while the dipeptide carnosine, NAC and lipoic acid can aid in minimizing the effects of free radicals on the lens, which is also linked to advanced glycation end products.^33-45

Fending off dry eye is just as simple, with research showing that an array of key vitamins (namely, vitamins A, C, E and B6) can help—as can fatty acids from evening primrose oil, linoleic acid, and gamma linoleic acid, along with other beneficial natural compounds, including mucopolysaccharides, turmeric and lactoferrin.^46-60

Even general eye strain—an increasingly common complaint that leads to occasional headaches, blurred vision, and other issues in more than half of all computer users—can be eased with a little help from black currant.⁶¹ Like bilberry, this botanical is packed with vision-supporting anthocyanidins, and studies indicate that these powerful phytochemicals can help to enhance distance vision and night vision, while reducing susceptibility to eye fatigue.^62-63

Ultimately, the nutrients and botanicals above can go a long way in your effort to see clearly—giving your eyes the edge they need to stay sharp for life. So you’ll be happy to hear that all of them are featured in just three vision-supporting formulas—Vision Support Formula, Extension Bilberry™, and BioTears®—available from Complementary Prescriptions®.

References:

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