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• The tough outer membrane of the eye is called the sclera. The white area can be seen clearly at the front of the eye.

• The sclera is held in shape by the fluid contained inside – in the main body of the eye this is called Vitreous humour. There is also a small amount between the lens and the cornea called the aqueous humour . These gels contain high levels of hyaluronic acid which helps maintain both their gelatinous nature and their ability to maintain moisture levels in all the tissues of the eye.

• The lens refracts the light coming into the eye and focuses it onto the retina. • The optic nerve picks up the signal from specialist cells of retina and transmits

them to the brain where they are interpreted as the images we see.

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• The cornea is a continuation of the sclera but at this point it is transparent as it passes in front of the iris and the lens and provides some physical protection at the front of the eye. It also slightly aids the refraction of light towards the lens which is the main refractor .

• The iris controls the amount of light entering the eye by changing the size of the aperture in its centre called the pupil so in darker lighting conditions the pupil is larger in order to let more light enter the eye - which is why eyes always look larger in dim light.

• The lens is suspended behind the iris between 2 muscles called Ciliary bodies. These contract and relax to control the lens thickness which facilitates the ability to focus correctly and project the image onto the back of the eye. The closer the image the fatter the lens has to be in order to pull those light images onto the retina correctly.

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• As an example we see a cyclist - at this point the image is projected upside down onto the retina but the brain interprets the signals and inverts it back so we see everything the ‘right way up’ .

• As light from that image is projected into the eye and refracted by the lens it is perfectly focused onto the retina. There are several contributing factors to consider in order to get the perfect image but here are 3 very important ones. . . . . . . ..

Firstly the lens must be flexible and pliable enough to stretch and relax to the correct thickness in order to refract the light waves correctly as they are projected onto the back of the eye. . . . . Secondly, the eyeball needs to be kept in shape by the vitreous gel so that the retina and macula are correctly tilted and shaped to receive the image projected onto it. If the eyeball is squished out of shape by too much or too little ocular pressure then the image will be distorted. Thirdly, the retina and macula and the rods and cones found there need to be physically healthy in order for the nerves to be able to pick up the image clearly and send it to the brain via the optic nerve.

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• Ageing and Free radical damage can make the lens tissue hard and unpliable and it becomes increasingly difficult to stretch or relax the lens in order to correctly focus the image onto the retina as in normal vision so the image does not project correctly and appear blurred or unrecognisable.

• When we are short-sighted this leads to the image being focused in front of the retina.

• Prescription glasses alter the light as it approaches the eye and compensates for this and helps the lens to refract the light onto the retina correctly. The same happens in long-sightedness where the image is projected beyond the retina and has to be ‘pulled’ into place to hit the retina at the right length.

• If we wear prescription glasses their lenses are personally designed to compensate for the weakness in the lens of our eye so the image is corrected and appears as it should.

• Antioxidant protection against free radical damage to the eye will be important.

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• The Rods are found in the retina and macula and are responsible for our ability to see in low light but they do not pick up colour.

• The cones are responsible for acute vision and providing sharpness of the image.

They are also responsible for seeing colour . The cones are only found in the macula and fovea.

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• The macula is an area on the retina which contains all the cones and they are the photoreceptors responsible for colour vision, central vision & visual acuity or sharpness . . The macula is extremely important for maintaining sight so damage to this area affects your ability to see clearly.

• The fovea is at the centre of the Macula and the main point of focus for the light being refracted by the cornea and lens. The fovea is made up of entirely cone cells (acute and colour vision) and lots of nerves which gives very fine detail and discrimination of colours.

• The nerves from all the photosensitive cells gather into the Optic nerve and at that point there is an area on the retina with no photoreceptors. This is known as the Blind Spot. The optic nerve picks up the signal from those rods and cones and transmits them to the brain where they are interpreted as the images we see.

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Our Sight is precious so it is not surprising that as soon as we notice signs of deterioration we seek out ways to help keep our eyes healthy and strengthen the tissues responsible for vision.

Everyone knows that eye health deteriorates as we get older and it happens faster for some than others but we can support eye health by being aware of the key factors which influence it.

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• Ageing eyes have experienced more years of free radical attack which can damage the eyes so we should look to an antioxidant-rich diet of fruit and vegetables from an early age.

• Environmental influences like Ultraviolet light can be damaging, as can fluorescent lighting –which seems to be everywhere these days. Fluorescent light has been found to hinder the removal of waste products from the eyes resulting in a build up which causes a ‘glare’ effect. This is particularly worrying for people with existing eye problems who’s vascular health could be compromised.

• In addition we have potential chemical damage e.g. sodium lauryl sulphate found in detergents, shampoos, skin lotions which can accumulate in the eyes (and organs like heart, liver, thymus gland, brain)

• Irritation can be due to the external environment -Tobacco smoke, perfumes, dust and pollen and possibly a dry atmosphere like air-conditioned offices or central heating which may dry out the conjunctiva. Irritation may also be caused by a viral or bacterial infection causing redness and either dry or watery eyes.

• Dry eyes and eye fatigue can be down a reduction in blink rate so be aware of that while driving, reading, doing computer work or watching television as we are not moving that tear fluid over the eye frequently enough and the outer layer can dry out. Eye fatigue can also be due to stress as this interferes with our blood sugars, can cause constriction of the blood vessels and blurred vision

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• Often just referred to as Macular degeneration, deterioration of the macula results in impaired central vision.

There are two forms of macular degeneration;The dry form is the most common form affecting 85-90% of sufferers. Cellular debris called drusen accumulates between the retina and the choroid. Vision loss is painless and progression is slow. In the Wet form, there is abnormal growth of blood vessel below the retina. The blood vessels grow into the retina beneath the macula causing the macula to bulge, and are often surrounded by small haemorrhages and tissue scarring.

As we age there is a reduction in carotenoid levels in the macula and lens which reduces the protection against damage by harmful UV rays. Although medical science is making inroads into research in this area, ARMD is currently the leading cause of irreversible visual impairment so we would be wise to do all we can to maintain eye health for as long as possible by addressing those risk factors of inflammation, high blood pressure and poor vascular health.

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• If much of the damage to the eyes is caused by free radicals it makes sense to have good antioxidant intake. Vegetables and fruits are rich in carotenoids but also vitamin C and plant extracts like polyphenols and bioflavonoids known for their strengthening of the tissues while helping to keep them flexible and supple. Many of the plant constituents have anti-inflammatory properties too and we can supplement the diet with nutrients and botanicals to support this.

• Water is important as dehydration may affect the fluid content of the membranes and tissues which keep the surface of the eye cleaned and moisturised as well as the production of tears to wash out dust and foreign particles which would irritate the surface. The salty tears also have antibacterial action which reduces the risk of infections. Water is also a major constituent of the vitreous gel which gives the eyeball its shape and the gelatinous nature is produced by the presence of glucosaminoglycans like hyaluronic acid and chondroitin.

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With Vision Guard Plus we are looking at a combination product specifically designed as an eye health product providing a range of nutrients that contribute to proper eye function and botanicals known to support eye structure and provide additional antioxidant properties.

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Bilberries are well known for their targeted and antioxidant support of eye tissuesbut they are also rich in compounds that help strengthen the integrity and function of connective tissue and vascular tissues. As with all bioflavonoids, they also have a dampening effect on inflammatory compounds .

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Ginkgo biloba is a worthy contributor to the Vision Guard as it has been well researched as a powerful antioxidant. Its focus on the fine capillaries which feed the eyes and retina can support the removal of waste products from the retina and the transport of nutrients in, provide excellent support of eye health.

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Carotenoids are found extensively in the tissues of the eye so its not surprising that they play a key role in antioxidant support of the lens, retina and macula.

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The Vision Guard Plus is further supported by a range of nutrients. • Vitamin C provides support for connective tissues. • NAC also supports connective tissue through its sulphur component which also

plays a role in detoxifying compounds which could accumulate in the eye tissue. NAC also helps protect the cells against UVlight damage.

• Zinc is an interesting one because lower levels can be supportive against macular degeneration but not always higher levels so don’t be tempted to overdo the zinc >30mg is fine

• Antioxidants like vitamin E and selenium have been found to work alongside zinc in eye health.

• Vitamin A can be produced from certain carotenoids but for some people this conversion is not good. Vitamin A supports the photoreceptors in the retina.

• Taurine concentrated in the lens was found to reduce free radical damage. • Eyebright is known for its potential to alleviate eye fatigue and inflammation.So the Vision Guard Plus is our targeted eye health product of choice.

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We often recommend supporting any supplement programme with a good multiple. You may prefer to use the antioxidant-rich Omnium or perhaps the Earthsource with all it’s green foods and seed powders and both would be excellent choices but we also have the option of the MultiPlus with Vision EssentialsThis is a broad spectrum multivitamin and mineral and is packed with additional support for eye health.

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• the nutrients highlighted here with arrows we have also seen in the Vision Guard Plus but because this is primarily a multiple it has support from more nutrients including magnesium which may help maintain the pressure exerted on the inside of the eye ball in order to maintain its shape known as ocular pressure.

• There are also botanical components to the MultiPlus with concentrated extracts, fruits and herbs known to be supportive in eye health starting with a wholefood base rich in carotenoids and bioflavonoids

• The Bilberry in the top righthand corner we have already focused on

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In addition the Vision Complex highlighted here provides additional support . . . . .

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• The vision complex gives a synergistic approach to supporting eye health with their combination of rich antioxidants and support of the tissues of the eye.

• We have talked a bit about the eye being vulnerable to several different forms of environmental free radical damage so the antioxidant potential is a welcome support for eye tissue.

• The overall health of the eye including the integrity of the retina is dependant on a good supply of nutrients too so the stability of the vascular system is important.

• The larger blood vessels will service the eyes but the retina in particular has many fine capillaries supplying nutrients and removing waste products. The bioflavonoids presented by the blueberries and acai berries play a part in supporting vascular structure and therefore circulation within the eyes.

• Schisandra adds a little support during stress which we discovered earlier and lead to eye fatigue due to vascular constriction

• Good lubricating properties are important and can be enhanced by fatty acids so Sea Buckthorn in the vision complex has been included in this synergistic blend .

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TheMultiPlus with Vision Essentials is a broad spectrum multiple with additional wholefood and botanical blends for support of eye health.

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We have reviewed 2 excellent products but there are other products we could consider adding to our eye health programme. As a reminder, we are looking for tissue integrity and function, antioxidant protection against free radical damage, a reduction of inflammation and support for the ocular fluid within the eyeball.

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• Lutein and zeaxanthin are highly concentrated in the macula and lens so if you wish to increase the lutein intake while going for a broad ranging carotenoid complex then you may prefer the Natural sourced Advanced Carotenoid complex which includes lutein, zeaxanthin, alpha & beta carotenes and tocotrienols to support eye health.

• Astaxanthin has been shown in studies to reduce eye strain. Astaxanthin is not one of the carotenoids which can covert to vitamin A but it’s antioxdantpotential, particularly against UV light, makes it a great addition to an eye health programme especially if we wish to target the health of the macula.

• One 6 year study into taking antioxidants in age related eye disease revealed significant improvements in all but the very worst cases. Their recommendation was for an antioxidant formula containing Vit C, E & A, beta carotene, zinc and copper. Any Solgar antioxidant combination contains these nutrients but I would recommend the inclusion of NAC. It is found in high quantities in healthy eyes and plays a part in toxin removal.. In addition, NAC increases glutathione levels which concentrates in the lens and may assist recovery from eye surgery. All the Solgar antioxidant combinations contain 100mg NAC as does the Vision Guard Plus.

• Resveratrol is best known for its vascular support for heart health but the same vascular support indicates that it may combat macular degeneration and

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promote eye health particularly if there are blood sugar control issues like insulin insensitivity which can cause glycation damage to vascular walls. It has also shown protective benefits to the retinal pigments.

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• Acai berries are rich in flavonoids with antioxidant compounds including anthocyanadins (the actives in bilberries) proanthocyandins & plant sterols known for their focus on supporting eye structure and strength, both in the blood vessels that supply the eyes and the connective tissues. Plant sterols may help reduce cholesterol build up too and this can affect eye health when it affects the blood vessels of the eyes but if high cholesterol is a problem you ay need to use higher amounts e.g. Solgar Phytosterol complex

• Hyaluronic acid is rich in glucosaminoglycans which provide structure to the vitreous and aqueous gels in the eye so helping to keep the eyeball shape. . .but they also provide excellent moisturising action and can enhance the integrity of the tissues. The Solgar Collagen Hyaluronic Acid provides 120mg of hyaluronic acid per tablet but also 750mg type 2 collagen, 100mg vitamin C and 240mg chondroitin sulphate so connective tissue support is well covered by this product.

• Fatty acids are important for maintaining the moisture levels and improving the lubrication of the eye. Omega 3 fatty acids are concentrated in the retina and macula and are involved in the nerve impulses from the rods and cones and function of the Optic nerve as well as the brain which will ultimately process the images. Omega 7 fatty acids are known for their lubrication of membranes so if dry eyes or general eye health is the focus then Wild Alaskan Salmon oil provides good levels of Omega 3,6,7,&9. If higher levels of EPA/DHA are

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required try the Triple strength Omega 3 product. An 8 year trial of nearly 3000 people found that higher intakes of EPA & DHA were associated with a lower risk for progression to advanced MD

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