Frequently Asked
Questions
1.
How do nutrients effect the eye and low vision?
2.
Where can I find training aids and services?
3.
Who
are the local area Retinal Specialists?
4.
Who are the local area Low Vision Specialists?
5.
Where can I get local transportation for the low vision?
6.
How can I learn more about financial aid for low vision?
7.
Are there any sources of information about Macular
Degeneration?
8.
Where
can I get products for low vision?
How do nutrients effect
the eye and low vision?
NUTRITIONAL DESK REFERENCE FOR VISION
The follow
is a list of nutrients along with nutritional information concerning those
nutrients and how they work.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin
were identified in 1995 as the only two carotenoid antioxidants specific to
lens and macular health.
- Selectively
accumulated from plasma and deposited in the lens, macula, and lungs,
- Lutein and
Zeaxanthin filter light and serve as potent free radical scavengers for the
retina
- The macular
pigment, composed of Lutein and Zeaxanthin, functions as a color filter to
protect the light- sensitive photoreceptor cells (responsible for visual
acuity) from light-originated free radical damage.
Vinpocetine,
an extract from periwinkle seeds, has been well researched and widely used
in Europe for over twenty years.
- Has been shown
to facilitate cerebral metabolism which affects the retina, the front
part of the brain.
- It increases
blood flow, steps up the concentration of A IF (the energy carrying
molecules of the cells) and thus improves utilization of glucose and oxygen
in the brain and retina.
-
Vinpocetine also increases the turnover of norepinephrine and serotonin.
- It inhibits
abnormal platelet aggregation, improves red blood cell elasticity, and
inhibits an enzyme (GMP) that causes arterial constriction and blood flow
reduction. Thus, arteries relax, blood pressure normalizes and blood flow
increases.
Vitamins and Minerals
- Taking a high-quality multiple vitamin and mineral supplement that
provides all of the known vitamins and minerals serves as the foundation of
a nutritional supplementation program.
Taurine
plays a
role in the process of rhodopsin, a protein fundamentally responsible for
vision, regeneration necessary for night vision.
- Taurine
is a sulfur-containing amino acid found naturally in egg whites, meat, fish
and milk; it's essential to the retinal pigment epithelium and
photoreceptors (cells that we see with) where it is found at levels ten
times higher than other free amino acids
- It
helps protect cell membranes from oxidative attack . Transports nutrients
across cell membranes
- Acts
as a catalyst to retinal cells that remove cellular debris and assists in
the elimination of potentially toxic substances.
- Taurine
in combination with retinol protects lipids twice as much as retinol alone.
-
It protects rod outer segment lipids during exposure to cyclic light.
DHA-EPA
- Supports
healthy circulation
- Supports
integrity of blood vessels,
- Supports
flexibility and permeability of retinal and brain cell membranes
PROBIOTICS
- Living
microorganisms which, upon ingestion in certain numbers, exert health
benefits beyond inherent general nutrition.
- Research has
shown that intake of probiotic bacteria increases the production of
IgA antibodies.
- Supports
digestion and intestinal health absorption.
BILBERRY
Derived from the fruit of the tree, Bilberry has had numerous human
studies that suggest Bilberry mthocyanosides prevent diabetic
retinopathy and improve visual acuity and retinal function.
- Anthocyanin, a
constiuent in bilberry whose main function as an antioxidant that inhibits
enzymes that lestroy collagen, has anti-inflammatory activity.
- Vasoprotective
- It is believed
that the anthocyanins may help protect the retina-the nerve layer that lines
the back of the ~ye and sends nerve impulses to the visual areas of the
brain.
- Studies
conducted in the 1960s, 70s and 80s suggest that the anthocyanins contained
in Bilberry fruit preparations improve symptoms of a variety of
visual disturbances including nearsightedness, cataracts and macular
degeneration. .
Ginkgo Biloba,
which contains flavonoids, may help halt or lessen some retinal problems.
- Clinical
studies suggest that it may be useful in treating vision problems
specifically due to macular degeneration.
- Recent
pharmacological studies showed that the acquisition of a free radical
scavenger protects the neurosensorial retina at the time of continuous
luminous trauma.
- The oxygenated
free radicals are not only a subproduct of the action of light on the
retina; their role in situations of tissue ischemia has also been shown.
- Ginkgo Biloba
extract, which has proved its capacity for scavenging free radicals and its
good retinal concentration, merits use in human pharmacology.
Tylophora Asthmatica,
a pereninial climber found in the southern and eastern plains of India
- From a
phytochemistry point of view, contains 0.2-0.3% of alkaloids, Tylophorine
and tyophornine, known for their anti-inflammatory activity.
- Many trials
have shown the anti asthmatic and anti allergic activity of Tylophora
Asthmatica extract.
- In a
double-blind placebo-controlled study, Tylophora Asthmatica produced a
significant reduction in sneezing and nasal obstruction, and the improvement
noted in ventilatory capacity lasted for nearly 10 days.
Coleus Forskholii,
active constituents forskolin,
activates the
enzyme adenylate cyclase. This enzyme is a lmkey compound that initiates a
cascade of critical events within every cell of the body.
- Adenylate
cyclase and the chemicals it activates comprise a 'second messenger' system
that is responsible for carrying out the complex and powerful effects of
hormones in the body.
- Stimulation of
the second messenger system by forskolin leads to blood vessel dilation and
inhibition of allergic reactions.
- Forskolin has
other properties as well, including inhibition of the pro-inflammatory
substance known as platelet -activating factor (PAF) .
PINE BARK EXTRACT
a flavonoid, with free radical scavenging and antioxidant activity
- Reported to
have antibacterial, antiviral, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory,
anti-allergic and vasodilatory ~tions.
- Has been shown
to inhibit lipid peroxidation, platelet aggregation, capillary permeability
and fragility.
- Proanthocyanidins,
found in Pine Bark extract, has been used for treatment of vascular
disorders such as retinopathies .
ALPHA
LIPOIC ACID
reduced glutathione, a major cellular antioxidant, can be regenerated by
alpha lipoic acid in concert with other antioxidants
- Has a role in
enhancing energy production (ATP synthesis)
- It can assist
in repariing oxidative damage and regenerate endogenous antioxidants [t
neutralizes free radicals in both the fatty and watery regions of cells.
Both forms of lipoic acid quench peroxynitrite radicals.
- It directly
recycles and extends the metabolic lifespans of vitamin C, glutathione, and
coenzyme Q 1 O.
DIGESTIVE ENZYMES
repair the damaged gut, problematic peptides, food intolerance and nutrient
deficiencies all at the same ..
- Unlock the
benefits of vitamins, minerals, proteins and hormones and put them to work
in the body. Help to properly digest protein, fats and carbohydrates
- Selectively
latch onto toxin and escort them out of the body leaving the good tissue and
red blood cells to carry on.
ANTIOXIDANTS, GREEN DRINK, VITAMIN C, BIOFLAVANOIDS
- The
eyes contain the second highest concentrations of Vitamin C in the body,
next to the adrenal glands.
- Powerful
antioxidants; helps make collagen, which strengthens the capillaries that
nourish the retina.
- Green
Drinks
contains phytonutrient benefits of fruits and vegetables,
superfoods such as chlorella, green
barley grass and spirulina, all
with
high concentrations of antioxidants.
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Where can I find training
aids and services?
Training, Aids and Services:
Visually
Impaired Persons of Stanislaus County (VIPS)
618 14th
Street
Modesto, CA 95350
522-8477 (VIPS)
Disability Resource Agency
for Independent Living (formerly Independent Living Center)
221 McHenry Avenue
Modesto, CA 95354
Voice: (209) 521-7260 TTY
(209)521-1425
Dwight Bateman, Director
www.drail.org
Society for Handicapped
Children and Adults
2047 Tully Road
Modesto, CA 95350
524-3536
Mike Winther, Executive
Director
Community Center for the
Blind
Stockton, CA
466-3836
Stanislaus Library Home
Service
558-7817
Rosemary Kline
Department of Rehabilitation
Modesto Office:
1317 Oakdale Road
Modesto, CA 95355
576-6220
Stockton Office:
Charlene Furnace
4555 Precissi Lane
Stockton, CA 95207
948-7700
www.dor.ca.gov
Braille & Talking Books
Library
P.O. Box 942837
Sacramento, CA 94237-0001
1-800-952-5666
Books Aloud, Inc.
P.O. Box 5731
San Jose, CA 95150
(408) 277-4878
Recording for the Blind and
Dyslexic
Palo Alto, CA
(650) 493-3717
Large Print Literary Reader
955 Massachusetts Ave. #105
Cambridge, MA 02139
1-800-824-3833
Aurora Ministries-Free
Bibles on tape
P.O. Box 621
Bradenton, FL 34206
(941) 748=3031
http://auroraministries.org
SHARE-Northern California
1-800-499-2506
Valley Mountain Regional
Center
Stanislaus County Branch
1620 Cummins Dr. 95358
529-2626
Society for the Blind
2750 24th Street
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 452-8271
Back to Top
Who are the local area
Retinal Specialists?
Retinal Specialist
Sterling J. Haidt, M.D.
Retina-Vitreous Associated,
Inc.
Mountain View, CA
1-888-622-8520
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Who are the local area
Low Vision Specialists?
Low Vision Specialists
Dr. Brian Elliott
3601 Coffee Road
Modesto, CA 95356
521-1028
Dr. Eldon L. Rosenow, OD
Vision Therapy-Low Vision
Family Vision Care
Optometry, Building D
817 Coffee Rd.
Modesto, CA 95350
524-9291
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Where can I
get local transportation for the low vision?
Dial-a-Ride
Modesto Ceres Turlock
527-4900
537-4598 668-5600
Meeting Rides on 2nd Saturday of the Month
Catholic Charities
Stan Loeb, Modesto Breakfast Lions
529-3784 523-6865
How can I
learn more about financial aid for low vision?
Financial Aid
Medicare Medi-Cal Social Security
1-800-391-3937
1-800-211-2224 1-800-772-1213
Back to Top
Are
there any sources of information about Macular Degeneration?
Foundations
Macular Degeneration
Foundation
P.O. Box 9752
San Jose, CA 95157
1-888-633-3937
www.eyesight.org
The Foundation Fighting
Blindness
11435 Cronhill Dr.
Owings Mills, MD 21117-2220
1-888-394-3937
local: (410)568-0150
www.blindness.org
California Council for the
Blind
San Francisco
1-800-221-6394
Association of Ophthalmology
Los Angeles
1-800-391-3937
Back to Top
Where can I get products for
low vision?
Visual Aids and Assistive
Products
Beecher Research Visual
Aids-Brent
Elgin, IL
1-800-934-8785
Maxi Aids
P.O. Box 3209
Farmingdale, NY 11735
1-800-522-6294
Lighthouse Enterprises
Consumer Products Division
36-20 Northern Blvd.
Long Island City, NY 11101
1-800-829-0500
http://www.catalogcity.com/lighthouse
LS&S
P.O. Box 673
Northbrook, IL 60065
1-800-468-4789
http://www.lssgroup.com
Independent Living Aids
27 East Mall
Plainview, NY 11803-4404
1-800-537-2118
http://www.independentliving.com
