Unfortunately, with age, the quality of our vision tends to deteriorate. Stress and environmental pollution can accelerate free-radical damage to the eyes when we have a lack of the protective antioxidant nutrients.
The good news is that there are certain herbs that have been shown in studies to have beneficial activity in the eye area, such as Bilberry, Ginkgo and Eyebright, which seem to have general strengthening, antioxidant and circulatory benefits.
The carotenoid lutein is also thought to be important, as a high level of lutein in the eye serves to protect tissues by minimising free-radical damage and by absorbing blue light rays. Researchers at the Eye Institute of Harvard University found that blue light is particularly damaging to the eye and can cause oxidation in the macular region. Bilberry Scientific studies on Bilberry confirmed the effects noticed by RAF pilots in World War Two, showing improved night blindness, quicker adjustment to darkness and faster restoration of visual acuity after exposure to glare. Bilberry appears to improve the delivery of oxygen and blood to the eye and increases the delivery of nutrients to the tissues.
Ginkgo Biloba is well known for research studies showing benefits in improved blood circulation, especially to the brain. However, as well as improving general brain function (including memory), relieving tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and vertigo and helping to reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, it also appears to improve circulation in the eye and has a protective effect against free-radical damage to the retina.
Eyebright Used for many centuries, Eyebright is especially useful for eye strain, general vision and eye inflammation.
Lutein has been researched for its ability to protect against age-related macular degeneration, as those with the disease had lower levels in the macular region than those who did not.