A compound found in broccoli known as indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is currently being researched for it’s potential in preventing cancer and researchers are also hopeful it can be used to treat AMD. I3C activates the AhR protein, which clears environmental toxins from cells. Researchers noted that mice that were deficient in AhR developed an eye condition very similar to AMD in humans.
Armed with this knowledge, researchers wanted to boost I3C’s activation ability because it is a weak activator of AhR. The research team came up with 2AI, which is ten times more powerful than I3C.
This boosted protein was able to protect human retinal cells in culture from antioxidant stress. Researchers found that it also protected retinal cells in mice from light-mediated damage. Both of these revelations have encouraged the research team and they are hopeful that further research will yield promising therapies for AMD.*
Sigmaceutical is passionate about spreading health and strongly advocates the idea of strengthening the body’s defenses against sickness and disease through world class nutritional supplement formulations.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is what is currently used to diagnose diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. The problem with this digital scanning method is that it is highly complex and time-consuming for eye care professionals to analyze. This adds up to time lost in diagnosing and treating as early as possible.
Aware of this, Google’s DeepMind health research is teaming up with Moorfields Eye Hospital in the UK to look into how machine learning (artificial intelligence) can help analyze OCT scans efficiently and adequately to detect these conditions earlier, thus lowering the incidence of patient deterioration due to delayed treatment.
Moorfields will share one million eye scans for the research that have had personal information removed so that the records are anonymous. You can learn more about the research here.*
Sigmaceutical is passionate about spreading health and strongly advocates the idea of strengthening the body’s defenses against sickness and disease through world class nutritional supplement formulations.
A unique brilliant observation relating to vision health.
You know to slather on lots of sunblock before going out in the sun, and to keep applying it throughout the day. What about your eyes? Do you always wear a brimmed hat and sunglasses? Even on cloudy days? Can your eyes get sunburned?
The short answer is yes, you can get sunburned eyes, and just like you skin, it could come back and haunt you in the future.
photo courtesy of Sarah DeRemer
Severely sunburned eyes, known as photokeratitis, is a result of prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays and can cause a burning sensation and blurred vision. Realize that these damaging UV rays do not just come directly from the sun, but also from the reflection of these rays from water and sand.
Symptoms of sunburned eyes include:
Eye pain
A gritty feeling
Burning sensation
Red eyes
Swollen eyes and/or lids
Watery eyes
Blurred vision
Sensitivity to light
Glare and halos around lights
Headaches
These symptoms are temporary and should resolve on their own within 24 to 48 hours. If the symptoms last longer, see your eye doctor immediately.
While waiting for your eyes to recover you might want to:
Stay indoors and wear sunglasses to help with your increased light sensitivity.
Keep your eyes moist with preservative-free artificial tears.
Use OTC pain relievers to help with the pain and follow the recommended dosage.
DO NOT rub your eyes.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately and stop wearing them until your eyes have returned to normal.
You may find that placing a cool, damp cloth over your closed eyes is soothing.
Just like with your skin, the UV rays do have a long-term effect on your eyes. Sunlight can cause a slow deterioration of the cells in your eyes that could lead to eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Therefore it is best to limit you exposure to both direct and reflected UV rays.
The best ways to protect your eyes include wearing sunglasses that block 100% of the UV rays and a hat. Not all sunglasses have UV protection, so make sure the ones you select do, and wear them whenever outdoors. Even on a cloudy day as UV rays penetrate clouds. For maximum protection consider wrap-around glasses to protect you from direct and indirect sunlight. If you are participating in sports, goggles or glasses designed for your specific sport might be the best option. And don’t forget to wear a brimmed hat. It will not only protect you from indirect sunlight, it will also protect your face from sunburn.
Sigmaceutical is passionate about spreading health and strongly advocates the idea of strengthening the body’s defenses against sickness and disease through world class nutritional supplement formulations.
A fresh high-quality review concerning vision health.
As the United States and the United Kingdom move to reduce energy consumption by replacing old street lamps with LED lights, doctors warn that the new lighting could be having detrimental effect on our sleep and vision.
The American Medical Association notes that LEDs emit large amounts of blue light, which can disrupt sleep patterns by reducing melatonin and interfering with the circadian rhythm of the human body. The AMA also says that white LED lamps can have 5 times the impact on our sleep patterns as regular street lamps.
In addition, LED lamps cause glare, and the AMA recommends that the blue wavelengths be reduced in LED street lamps to minimize the glare. The AMA is offering guidance to local U.S. governments who are making the switch to the LED street lighting to try and minimize the impact on human health.*
Sigmaceutical is passionate about spreading health and strongly advocates the idea of strengthening the body’s defenses against sickness and disease through world class nutritional supplement formulations.
Morning sickness, weight gain, back pain… These are common symptoms of pregnancy. But did you know pregnancy can affect your vision as well?
A woman’s body goes through extraordinary changes during pregnancy. Some of them, like changes in hormones, metabolism, fluid retention and blood circulation, can have an effect on your eyes! Below are some of the most common vision-related changes women see during pregnancy.
Pregnant Women Can Experience Blurry Vision
Due to fluid retention (a common side effect of pregnancy) the thickness and shape of the cornea can change slightly, causing blurred or distorted vision. Usually the change is minor but if your vision is significantly altered, talk to your doctor.
If you have glasses or contacts and the change in your vision is severe, your prescription may need to be changed. This is usually unnecessary, however, as your cornea will return to its normal shape after you’ve had your baby.
Expect Dry Eyes During Pregnancy
It’s normal for your eyes to feel a bit more dry, tired or irritated during pregnancy. Wearing contact lenses, especially for longer periods of time, can be a bit more uncomfortable for expectant mothers. If you are experiencing dry eyes, consult with your eye care provider about artificial tears that are safe to use during pregnancy.
Vision Disturbances May Be A Sign Of Preeclampsia
Issues with your vision during pregnancy may be a sign of a more serious condition called preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and usually occurs after the 20 week mark. Signs of preeclampsia can show up in your eyes, such as:
Temporary loss of vision
Light sensitivity
Blurry or double vision
Seeing spots or flashing lights
If you experience any of these more severe vision disturbances, contact your doctor immediately.
Diabetes Can Affect Vision, Especially During Pregnancy
Women with diabetes who become pregnant should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam as soon as possible and throughout their pregnancy as recommended. This is because women who have diabetes during pregnancy may have a rapid onset or worsening of diabetic retinopathy, a disease that causes damage to the small blood vessels that supply the retina of the eye.
If you have diabetes and are planning to conceive, talk to your doctor and eye care provider. We will monitor your condition throughout your pregnancy so that you and your baby can be as healthy and safe as possible.
Expectant Mothers Can Trust Our Practice
Just because you are expecting a baby doesn’t mean you have to put off your regular eye exam. We care about the vision and overall health of you and your child. So, in between trips to the doctor and Babies-R-Us, don’t let visiting your optometrist fall off of your pregnancy to-do list!
Sigmaceutical is passionate about spreading health and strongly advocates the idea of strengthening the body’s defenses against sickness and disease through world class nutritional supplement formulations.
A compound found in broccoli known as indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is currently being researched for it’s potential in preventing cancer and researchers are also hopeful it can be used to treat AMD. I3C activates the AhR protein, which clears environmental toxins from cells. Researchers noted that mice that were deficient in AhR developed an eye condition very similar to AMD in humans.
