Despite my years in holistic medicine, I have never thoughtfully considered eye health from an integrative perspective. I don't know why. After all, the eyes are literally a direct extension of the brain. In addition, I've had my share of vision problems, beginning with a pair of thick glasses when I was six, then Lasik surgery, to a current problem with blurry nighttime vision.
Perhaps it's because I've been conditioned to think that visual health exists beyond the arena of integrative interventions. As it turns out, that is not true. Beyond Lasik surgery and a pair of glasses, our vision can be improved through nutritional interventions.
Dr. Marc Grossman's presentation on "Natural Eye Care: How to Maintain Healthy Vision" at the Integrative Healthcare Symposium in NYC helped me understand that it's not so hard to improve eye health.
He co-authored the book, Natural Eye Care: Your Guide to Healthy Vision and Healing. After his presentation, I went home and bought a bottle of supplements to improve my vision, and I'm happy to report that my vision has improved significantly after just a few days. Read on for more details!
Improve Your Vision: Insights on Zeaxanthin vs. Astaxanthin
Integrative approaches to eye health
During Dr. Marc Grossman's presentation on eye health, the supplement, zeaxanthin (pronounced zee-uh-zan'-thin) was often mentioned. I know a little about astaxanthin and take it daily, but I was not familiar with zeaxanthin. So today, I thought I would write about the two supplements and compare them. In the process, we can cover the basic supplements that support eye health—zeaxanthin being one of them.
What is zeaxanthin?
It is the most common carotenoid alcohol found in nature. Carotenoids absorb violet to green light and are organic pigments that are yellow, orange, or red in color. The highest concentration of zeaxanthin is found in the leaves of green plants, where it acts to modulate light energy. It is one of two primary xanthophyll carotinoids found in the retina of the eye. The other being lutein. Lutein and zeaxanthin have identical chemical formulas, but a slightly different structure (isomers).
The macula contains both zeaxanthin and lutein. The macula is responsible for the central, high-resolution, color vision that is possible in good light. Beta-carotene can be converted to vitamin A in the liver, but the conversion of beta-carotene to zeaxanthin cannot be done in the body.
Click here for 10 foods high in beta-carotene.
Click here for foods high in zeaxanthin and lutein.
What is astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin comes from zeaxanthin. It is also a carotenoid and xanthophyll. It is produced naturally in the freshwater microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis and the yeast fungus Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous (now try to say that three time fast!). It is a powerful antioxidant because it does not convert to an oxidized form in the body, which would increase oxidative stress. Unlike other antioxidants (vitamin C or beta-carotene), it can cross the blood-retinal barrier to protect cells in every part of the eye. However, it does not make up the pigments found in the retina and macula.
Various research studies have also shown an association between the use of astaxanthin with other health benefits:
1) protecting pancreatic beta-cells, 2) improving the metabolism of sugar, 3) helping to lower blood pressure, 4) reducing LDL levels, 5) increasing HDL, 6) regulating nitric oxide and relaxing blood vessel walls, 7) decreasing DNA damage, 8) improving immune response, and 9) protecting the gut lining and neurological function, as well as other positive outcomes due to its antioxidant effects.
So, that is zeaxanthin and astaxanthin in a nutshell.
Usually, eye supplements contain both lutein and zeaxanthin. However, other important nutrients that support eye health are vitamin A, E, C, B complex, and omega fatty acids.
Some supplements for eye health also contain bilberry. There are some studies that indicate improvement in eye health with bilberry extract. One study used bilberry extract for 12 weeks in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group comparison trail and found significant improvements in those who took bilberry.
Click here for a helpful review article.
Click here for the bilberry study.
A good supplement with all of the helpful supports needed for the eyes is Vision Alive Max by Holistic Health Labs.
Personally, I began taking a supplement for eye health about a week ago, and it's made a positive difference for me already.I'm typing this weekly insight very late at night (won't say just how late), but my vision is definitely better than it normally would be at this hour.
May your vision be forever clear and sharp!