facts about the eye and vision and some useful herbs

The eyes are complex sensory organs. They are designed to optimize vision under conditions of varying light. Their location, on the outside of the face, makes them susceptible to trauma, environmental chemicals and particles, and infectious agents. The eyelids are the major protective mechanism for the eye.Studies has shown that the early detection and treatment of eye disease, before it causes major vision loss, is the best way to control the disease. According to the National Eye Institute, at least half of all cases of blindness can be prevented. Near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism are common eye problems. When we get older many of us face more serious eye problems. Cataracts, the leading cause of blindness in the world, affects nearly 20.5 million Americans; 2.2 million have been diagnosed with glaucoma, and another 2 million are unaware they have it; and more than 1.6 million Americans over 60 have advanced macular degeneration, the most common cause of blindness and visual impairment in Americans over 60. It is very important to take good care of our eyes. Some useful herbs in order to help the eyes are:

Bilberry.Bilberry protects the eye and improves vision. The herb contains Vitamins A and C, which gives antioxidant protection which can help prevent free radical damage to the eyes. Vitamin A is required for sharp vision, while Vitamin C helps form collagen and is needed for growth and repair of tissue cells and blood vessels. Bilberry has long been a remedy for poor vision and "night blindness." Clinical tests confirm that given orally it improves visual accuracy in healthy people, and can help those with eye diseases such as, retinitis, glaucoma, and myopia Bilberry works by improving the microcirculation and regeneration of retinal purple, a substance required for good eyesight. The substance that gives bilberries its pharmacological activity is its anthocyanosides. Anthocyanosides strengthen the walls of blood vessels, reduce inflammation, and stabilize all tissues containing collagen, such as cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
Ginkgo Biloba. Ginkgo is one of the oldest living tree species and its leaves are among the most widely studied botanicals in use today. Ginkgo leaves contains two types of chemicals (flavonoids and terpenoids) believed to have potent antioxidant properties. The flavonoids found in Ginkgo are useful against some retinal problems (problems to the back part of the eye). Retinal damage has various potential causes, including diabetes and macular degeneration. Macular degeneration) is a progressive, degenerative eye disease that normally affects older adults and is the number one cause of blindness in the United States. Studies suggest that gingko may help preserve vision in those with ARMD. The antioxidant in Ginkgo also protects cell membranes and venous integrity, improving their flexibility as well as resistance to free-radical damage. Ginkgo also benefits the eyes by allowing more blood and oxygen to be delivered to the head.
Grape Seed Extract.Grape seed extract is an extract from grape seeds. The antioxidant properties of grape seed extract helps to slow down the aging process. Procyanidins, a group of compounds found in the extract increase the effectiveness of other antioxidants, especially vitamin C and vitamin E, by helping them regenerate after neutralizing free radicals in the blood and tissue. Since Grape seed extract have an impact on even the tiniest blood vessels, it benefits circulation in the eye. It is very useful in the combat against macular degeneration and cataracts, two of the most common causes of blindness in older people. Grape Seed extract is also helpful for persons who spend a lot of time in front a computer because it can reduce eyestrain connected to computer monitor work and improve contrast vision.
Tomato.Lycopene is one of a family of pigments called carotenoids, which occur naturally in fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes. In one study, lycopene and a wide range of dietary carotenoids were detected in high concentrations in ciliary body and retinal pigment epithelium, which leads researchers to believe that lycopene and other carotenoids, like lutein and zeaxanthin, may play a role in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and other blinding disorders. In addition to their center-stage phytonutrient, lycopene, tomatoes are filled with traditional nutrients that have been shown in many studies to be helpful for all various health conditions. For example, tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and vitamin A, the latter notably through its concentration of carotenoids including beta-carotene. These antioxidants travel through the body neutralizing dangerous free radicals that could otherwise damage cells and cell membranes, escalating inflammation and the progression or severity of atherosclerosis, diabetic complications, asthma, and colon cancer. In fact, high intakes of these antioxidants have been shown to help reduce the risk or severity of all of these illnesses. naturally present in whole tomatoes.
Lutein.Lutein is a carotenoid (a natural colorant or pigment) found in dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, plus various fruits and corn. Lutein provides nutritional support to our eyes and skin the only organs of the body directly exposed to the outside environment. There is very good evidence that the lutein in food helps protect against cataracts and macular degeneration, two common, age-related eye disorders. The pigment lutein (from the Latin lutea, meaning "yellow") is one of over 600 known naturally occurring carotenoids. Lutein may play a role in slowing the age-related degeneration of these tissues, both directly as an antioxidant, and indirectly by absorbing blue light. Lutein and its related compound zeaxanthin are highly concentrated in the macula, providing a yellow color known as the macular pigment (MP).The macular pigment protects the macula from the damaging photo-oxidative effects of blue light. Of the about 600 carotenoids present in nature, only a few are present in human serum. Of those, only lutein and zeaxanthin are present in the macula. These facts indicate that lutein plays an important role in eye health. Various studies indicate that a direct relationship exists between lutein intake and pigmentation in the eye, and studies show that lutein may reduce blue light intensity by up to 90%.

These herbs Bilberry (400 mg), Ginkgo biloba (100 mg), Grape seed (100 mg), Tomato (100 mg) and Lutein (5 mg). together forms Eye Combo. Read more!