January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that gradually steal sight without warning or symptoms.  Although the most common forms primarily affect the middle-aged and elderly, glaucoma can certainly affect people of all ages.  Glaucoma is usually, but not always, associated with elevated fluid pressure within the eye.  All forms of glaucoma can cause damage to the optic nerve and lead to vision loss and blindness if left untreated.  Early detection is crucial to stopping the progress of the disease.  Any vision loss that has already occurred cannot be reversed, but there are medications and surgical procedures that can certainly prevent any further vision loss.

Natural approaches for preventing glaucoma, or for preventing damage, include the herbs, bilberry and eyebright.  Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) has long been used in the European cultures to treat night blindness, macular degeneration, cataracts and to help prevent these and other eye health problems. Bilberry contains purple-colored flavonoids called anthocyanidins, which are powerful antioxidants. These substances help prevent collagen damage and reduce capillary fragility, acting as free radical scavengers and circulatory stimulants, especially to peripheral blood vessels and the brain. Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) is traditionally used for all kinds of eye imbalances and problems, including glaucoma.  Eyebright contains beta-carotenes and tannins that help promote proper eye moisture, helping to strengthen and tighten the mucus membranes of the eye.  Additionally, eyebright is very soothing for any eye inflammation or irritation, including conjunctivitis (pink eye), blepharitis, and eye injuries.

Additional natural factors for good eye health and for the prevention of glaucoma include mixed carotenoids from yellow, orange and red vegetables and fruits.  These naturally occurring nutrients act as significant antioxidants and help protect the structure and integrity of cells and tissues.  Carotenoids include lutein, beta-carotene and zeaxanthin.    Bioflavonoids, sometimes referred to as 'vitamin P', are found in the white material just beneath the peel of citrus fruits and also occur naturally in apricots, blackberries, cherries, grapes, plums, prunes and rose hips.  Bioflavonoids are essential for the absorption of vitamin C, and the two should be taken together.  Since both substances cannot be produced in the body, they must be obtained from the diet and are absolutely necessary for proper eye health and function.  Bioflavonoids include hesperidin, quercetrin and rutin. Other nutrients essential for proper eye health include zinc, vitamins A, E and B-complex, taurine and glutathione.

With the ever growing rate of our aging population, we could very well see an epidemic of blindness looming if we don't raise awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations to preserve vision.  Glaucoma and other eye disorders are preventable by feeding your eyes (and body) the right nutrition, and by getting plenty of rest, natural sunlight, fresh air, exercise and REGULAR eye exams!  Don't forget to manage your stress levels, too.  Hanging on to old hurts, resentments and bad feelings certainly doesn't help anyone to achieve and sustain good health.

"We want to stress to everyone that vision can be saved from glaucoma through early diagnosis and treatment," said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America.  "Please visit our website or call our toll-free number to get all the free information you can to educate yourself on risk factors, treatment options and even Medicare coverage. Let's all commit to make 2012 the year to make our eyes a priority and save our sight!"

At Rehabmart.com, we've got you covered with a huge array of products specifically designed for children and adults with low vision disabilities.  

   For example, the Keys-U-See Large Print Keyboard is perfect for anyone with low vision.  This keyboard features the largest print available on keycaps, so it's easy to see, even in low light. With Internet, multimedia and energy-saver hot keys, along with 'Plug-n-play' for Windows NT, 2000, XP and Vista, you'll enjoy all the advantages of the latest in technology and communications, while appreciating more efficient time spent because of more accurate keystrokes. 

For more information about the hundreds of Rehabmart's low-vision products, please go to the Low Vision Products page.

DISCLAIMER:  These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are for educational purposes only.  These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.