Herbs to maintain healthy vision
Question : I HAD a cornea transplant two years ago. However, my
vision is still blurred. I can make out objects but not the
details. Are there any herbs that can improve my vision?
Answer : A CORNEA transplant involves replacing a diseased or
scarred cornea with a new one. When the cornea becomes cloudy,
light cannot penetrate the eye to reach the light-sensitive
retina. Poor vision or blindness may result. Bilberries, the
herb eyebright, and lycium fruit and spinach are very beneficial
to help maintain healthy vision. They improve various eye
conditions including cataracts.
Bilberry extract contains anthocyanidins, which are potent
antioxidants, with particular affinity to the eye and vascular
tissues.
Bilberry also helps strengthen the tiny blood vessels, thus
facilitating the oxygen and nutrients to travel through the
blood to the eyes. Eyebright, lycium and spinach provide
synergistic effects in improving blurred vision.
Besides that, nutrients such as beta-carotene, vitamins C and E,
zinc and selenium help neutralise the harmful free radicals in
our body.
These antioxidants protect us from degenerative diseases caused
by excessive free radicals, such as cataracts. A well-balanced
combination of antioxidants works better than just one
antioxidant due to its synergistic action.
To help manage your vision problem, you should eat plenty of
fresh fruits and vegetables.
Exercise your eyes. Rotate them in a circular motion without
moving your head. Blink your eyes. Do not stare at the
television and computer screen for too long. Get your eyes
checked regularly (at least once a year) by an optometrist.
Protect your eyes from strong UV rays with a pair of UV-coated
sunglasses.