Vision may be the most precious of our five senses. Yet most of us may take it for granted…until it begins to deteriorate with age. As we get older we likely need greater amounts of light to perceive details clearly, and reading glasses to discern fine print which would otherwise be fuzzy. Night driving becomes difficult due to sensitivity from bright lights and glare, and it’s challenging to visually adapt to the darkness. These are common examples of “normal” ocular aging in otherwise disease-free eyes that will not severely impact quality of life in the senior years. But the problem is, with advancing years also comes a higher risk of developing age-related diseases, including eye disorders such as macular degeneration, cataract, and glaucoma, which could lead to vision loss and potentially blindness − a devastating consequence. The good news is, like many other degenerative aging processes, there is something (actually, many things) we can do about it. Let’s examine how to ensure lifelong healthy vision, or at least stop the progression of, and even reverse existing disorders.
Two deleterious processes exacerbated by aging that affect the body as a whole, including the eyes, are oxidation and glycation. Oxidative stress occurs when the over-activity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as free radicals, by-products of normal cellular metabolism, exceeds the body’s capacity to neutralize them. As their name implies, ROS are highly reactive, and can damage proteins, lipids, and DNA, and destroy cells and tissues if not kept in check by the body’s production of endogenous antioxidants (i.e., SOD, catalase, glutathione). Disease and aging can alter the oxidant/antioxidant balance, resulting in an excess of ROS that overwhelm the body’s waning antioxidant defenses. This damaging process is often compounded by another mechanism known as glycation, in which glucose or other molecules form irregular bonds with proteins, modifying their structure and function. Glycated proteins can then go on to chemically combine with other proteins in a process called “cross-linking.” Glycation and cross-linking result in the formation of toxic products, including advanced glycation endproducts (AGE’s), further aggravating oxidative stress, leading to tissue damage and dysfunction throughout the body and a variety of age-related diseases. Elevated blood glucose in diabetics, or even prolonged exposure to normal levels of glucose over time in aging non-diabetics, sows the seeds for the consequences of increased rates of glycation throughout the body.
Structures within the eye have a high metabolic rate and are particularly susceptible to glycation and oxidation, processes which underlie the development of cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma, among others. Although in this article we’ll mainly focus on strategies to combat the generation of ROS and AGE’s, other mechanisms, such as inflammation, vascularization (the abnormal formation of blood vessels), and mitochondrial dysfunction can further complicate and worsen eye damage, leading to vision loss.
So we now know that oxidative stress and glycation are implicated in the development and progression of age-related eye diseases. Cataracts are formed when oxidation of lipids and cross-linking of proteins in the lens of the eye cause the normally transparent lens to become opaque or cloudy, impairing vision. Cataracts left untreated are a major cause of blindness worldwide. Another serious disease associated with oxidative damage that leads to vision loss is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is characterized by damage to the macula, a pigmented yellow spot near the retina that is responsible for central vision. There are two forms of the disease, wet (in which newly formed blood vessels leak blood or fluid) and dry (in which cells atrophy or die). AMD impairs the ability to read, drive, and perform other activities that require fine, sharp, forward-directed vision. In glaucoma, another disease linked with oxidative stress, peripheral vision is hindered due to damage to the optic nerve from an increase in eye pressure.
It’s clear that in order to protect our vision, and our health in general, the goal is to reduce the impact of oxidation and glycation. Thankfully, we can take steps, including lifestyle changes, targeted nutritional supplements, and drug therapies when needed, to prevent, slow, or even reverse age-related eye diseases.
A good foundation of antioxidant support to neutralize oxidative damage, provided through the diet and supplements, is vital to the health of the body and eyes. A diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, lean meats, dairy, fish, and nuts supplies a range of antioxidant vitamins and minerals. (We’ll see more on optimizing diet later.) For further antioxidant support, a comprehensive multi-vitamin/mineral supplement and carotenoid formula is recommended; antioxidant vitamins A, C, E and minerals such as zinc have all been shown, individually and combined, to block oxidative damage and protect vision, as have carotenoids (phytochemical antioxidants found in dark green or yellow fruits and vegetables), including β-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin.
Let’s look at one of these antioxidants, vitamin C, for example. Several studies have shown that greater intake and higher blood levels of vitamin C, which is found in high concentrations in healthy eye tissues, are linked with lower rates of cataracts, (1) and deficiencies have been reported in glaucoma and AMD patients. (2)
Other studies have shown that combined nutrients act synergistically. A large-scale long-term placebo-controlled trial known as the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, sponsored by the National Eye Institute, evaluated the effects of an antioxidant mix on disease progression in 3640 participants with AMD, aged 55-80 years. Researchers found a statistically significant reduction in the risk of developing advanced macular degeneration in patients receiving a combination of vitamin C (500 mg), vitamin E (400 IU), beta carotene (15 mg), zinc (80 mg), and copper (2 mg), compared with placebo. (3)
B vitamins are important to vision as well as cardiovascular health; they prevent high levels of homocysteine, a toxic amino acid metabolite that contributes to increased risk of heart disease and AMD. A seven year-long, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial at Harvard Medical School on 5442 female health professionals over 40 years old with preexisting cardiovascular disease, or at risk for the disease, examined the effect of B-vitamin therapy on lowering homocysteine and reducing the incidence of AMD. Researchers found that a daily combination of folic acid (2.5 mg), B6 (50 mg), and B12 (1 mg) reduced the risk of developing AMD by 33%. (4)
Omega-3 fatty acids are long-chain essential fatty acids (EFA’s), derived from marine and vegetable sources. EFA’s are classified as “essential” because they cannot be synthesized in the body and must be obtained from the diet or supplements. Important omega-3’s are the parent compound, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and its metabolites, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are derived from cold water oily fish such as salmon, sardines and albacore tuna. Omega-3’s have been shown over the past few decades to be crucial to various aspects of health, including vision; they protect against oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascularization. Several studies have shown that higher intake is associated with lower risk of AMD. In another large-scale study by Harvard researchers on over 38,000 women (average age of 55) who completed a food-frequency questionnaire, regular consumption of DHA, EPA, and fish was associated with a significantly decreased risk of AMD. (5). Omega-3’s may also lower the risk of progression of macular degeneration to late stage, (6) and protect against cataract formation or progression. (7)
ALC is the acetylated ester of the amino acid derivative l-carnitine. Like l-carnitine, ALC shuttles long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane to produce energy in the form of ATP. Besides its role in enhancing mitochondrial energy metabolism, which is altered in age-related diseases, ALC has demonstrated powerful antioxidant and anti-glycation properties, and so is a useful agent in preventing or treating ocular diseases. ALC guards against cataract development by preventing depletion of endogenous antioxidant enzymes and inhibiting lipid peroxidation within the lens, (8) and reduces glycation of lens proteins known as crystallins. (9) And in patients with AMD, ALC was shown to improve visual function. (10)
Like ALC, CoQ10 is a necessary cofactor in mitochondrial energy production and a potent free radical scavenger, blocking oxidative damage of DNA, lipids, and proteins. Its production wanes progressively with age, which increases the risk of degenerative diseases and accelerated aging. One study found a significant decline in CoQ10 concentrations in the retinas of donors over 80 years old compared to donors under 30. Researchers believe that the decrease in both antioxidant capacity and ATP synthesis in the retina resulting from a CoQ10 deficiency may be linked to the progression of macular degeneration. (11)
PQQ is another mitochondrial energizer and potent antioxidant that may have potential in supporting eye health.
In another placebo-controlled clinical trial on the efficacy of synergistic nutrients in improving vision, the combination of ALC, omega-3 fatty acids, and CoQ10 was administered to 106 patients with early AMD. After 12 months, patients receiving this “cocktail” showed significant improvement in four parameters of visual functions, with only 2% of cases worsening, compared to 17% of cases worsening in placebo group; in other words, in the majority of treated patients, the disease did not progress to late stage, but instead, partially reversed! Researchers concluded that an appropriate combination of nutrients which enhance mitochondrial metabolism may improve and stabilize vision in patients with early AMD. (12)
Can-C eye drops is a major innovation in cataract treatment and prevention, and vision health in general. The drops contain the substance n-acetylcarnosine (NAC), a naturally occurring precursor to carnosine, a potent inhibitor of glycation and oxidative processes. (Note: carnosine is not to be confused with l-carnitine; they are two distinct substances.) The acetyl group on the precursor NAC molecule allows it to penetrate the cornea and enter the aqueous environment of the eye, where it is then de-acetylated into carnosine. Once in the eye, carnosine accumulates in the lens, where it combats free radical activity while preventing the cross-linking of lens proteins, both of which, as we’ve seen, are implicated in cataract development.
Several clinical studies on cataract patients using the drops have demonstrated its efficacy and value as a non-invasive alternative to cataract surgery, which involves the removal and replacement of the lens. In a placebo-controlled study on 49 patients with cataracts (average age of 65), 90% of those receiving Can-C (NAC 1%) eye drops twice daily for 6 months showed improvement in visual acuity and 89% showed improvement in glare sensitivity. (Note: visual acuity is a measure of clarity or sharpness of vision, determined by the ability to read the Snellen chart, the chart in the eye doctor’s office with letters that progressively decrease in size; for example, a result of 20/20 is considered “normal” vision.) After 24 months, the treated group exhibited no further cataract development, in contrast to the control group in which vision deteriorated. Tolerability of the drops was good, with no reported adverse events. (13) In another placebo-controlled study on 137 older adult automobile drivers, 4 months of eye drop use improved visual acuity and glare sensitivity in those with cataracts, also with good tolerability. (14) This study has important implications for improving both vision and driving safety in older adults.
According to the researchers, Can-C eye drops “help the aging eye to recover by improving clarity, glare sensitivity, color perception, and overall vision,” (15) and show promise in the treatment of a range of ophthalmic disorders including cataracts, glaucoma, dry eye, vitreous floaters, and complications associated with diabetes. (16)
(Note: Carnosine may also be taken as an oral supplement to inhibit glycation and oxidative reactions throughout the body; Can-C eye drops produce targeted tissue-specific effects.)
Can-C Plus is an add-on product to be used in conjunction with Can-C eye drops in more advanced stages of cataract development. The oral tablets contain N-acetylcysteine (another powerful antioxidant and enhancer of endogenous glutathione production), carnosine (in an oral form rather than drops), vitamin E, zinc, and other ingredients.
Resveratrol, an antioxidant phytochemical found in grapes and other sources, has gained popularity over the past few years for its widespread beneficial effects on health and longevity. It has been shown to protect various organs against aging by activating SIRT1, one of the sirtuins (SIRT’s), a family of enzymes with key roles in metabolic homeostasis and life span regulation. Upregulation of SIRT1 in animals has been shown to protect against several eye diseases related to oxidative stress, including cataract, retinal degeneration, and glaucoma. (17) Specifically, resveratrol counters free radical activity in lens epithelial cells and suppresses cataract formation, (18-19) protects against oxidation-induced glaucoma, (20) and controls neovascularization processes in AMD. (21) In a small case study on octogenarians with macular degeneration, improvements in retinal structure and visual function were obtained with daily administration of a resveratrol-based supplement. (22)
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland and within the retina with diverse physiological functions. Besides its role in regulating circadian rhythms such as sleep, the hormone has been shown to prevent premature aging and increase life span, with strong antioxidant and anticarcinogenic actions. The decline in production of melatonin with age is one of the leading mechanisms of aging and age-related diseases.
In the eye, melatonin is synthesized by photoreceptors in the retina, with high levels at night and lower levels during the day; it acts as a scavenger of free radicals generated in ocular tissues. Dozens of studies have demonstrated melatonin’s favorable effects on eye health. In rats, it was shown to increase antioxidant activity and decrease the incidence of cataracts (23) and retinopathy, (24) a pathology similar to AMD. These results suggest that melatonin may prevent or treat cataracts and AMD in humans. A clinical study did indeed show that 3 mg melatonin, given orally at bedtime to 55 AMD patients for 6 months, stabilized visual acuity, protected the retina, and delayed further macular degeneration, and without side effects. (25) Besides cataracts and AMD, melatonin also shows promise in the treatment and prevention of glaucoma. (26-27)
In addition to scavenging reactive oxygens within eye tissues, melatonin may combat macular degeneration by another mechanism: stimulation of telomerase activity in the retinal pigment epithelium, a pigmented layer of the retina. (28) Telomerase is the enzyme that enables chromosomes to maintain their length and structural integrity at their ends (called telomeres) when cells divide. Telomere shortening due to inactivity of telomerase leads to cellular senescence, aging, and degenerative diseases, and the identification of agents like melatonin that activate this enzyme is a key area of ongoing research into the mechanisms involved in the genetic control of aging.
Because of its diverse range of physiological functions, from retarding aging to protecting vision, melatonin should be included in any comprehensive longevity regimen.
So far, we’ve discussed a variety of vision-supporting nutrients and supplements, many of them antioxidants, though we’ve covered two that protect against both oxidation and glycation. Now, let’s focus specifically on combatting glycation. As with antioxidant support to neutralize free radicals, we must also establish a strong physiological foundation that limits the formation of destructive AGE’s. This can be accomplished by maintaining blood glucose levels within the normal range for non-diabetics and within an acceptable range for diabetics receiving treatment (there’s controversy over what the “normal” range is, but let’s say a fasting blood glucose level less than 100 mg/dL, and optimally less than 85 mg/dL). Hemoglobin A1C, a blood test that measures levels of glycation in the body, specifically glycated hemoglobin, should also be monitored. In diabetes, elevated glucose in the blood speeds up the formation of AGE’s (since excess glucose is available to form higher levels of glycated proteins), leading to diabetic complications throughout the body, including the eyes. In fact, diabetes is a form of accelerated aging because this destructive process happens faster than it ordinarily would; but even in those with normal blood sugar, the rate of glycation increases with age due to prolonged glucose exposure over many years. A nutritional strategy to control blood sugar that should be followed by diabetics and non-diabetics alike is a low glycemic index diet that replaces simple carbohydrates such as super-sized sugary drinks, white bread, and sweets, with complex carbohydrates from whole grains, fruits and vegetables. This low-glycemic diet coupled with the antioxidant-rich diet discussed earlier is a solid preventive nutritional base. In addition, avoid food preparation that triggers the production of dietary AGE’s (yes, they are even formed during cooking, and then ingested, further adding to the body’s toxic burden!). Frying and grilling foods at high temperatures should be replaced by lower temperature methods that also involve liquid, such as boiling, poaching, or stewing, which produce significantly fewer glycotoxins. Following these measures, coupled with the use of appropriate nutrients, supplements, and drugs when necessary, will help protect against glycation-induced damage.
In addition to ALC and carnosine (oral and eye drops), two other glycation inhibitors, both vitamin derivatives, are benfotiamine and pyridoxamine. The anti-diabetes drugs metformin and acarbose (used to lower blood glucose), and aminoguanidine (used to treat diabetic kidney disease), have all been shown to inhibit the formation of AGE’s at various points in their production. By reducing glycation throughout the body, every organ will benefit, including the eyes.
Up to now, the nutrients, supplements, and drugs we’ve reviewed promote eye health by combatting pathological aging processes, including oxidative stress, glycation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Now, let’s look at agents that support vision by unique mechanisms.
Vinpocetine, a derivative of the periwinkle plant, is a nootropic and vasodilator that improves blood flow in the brain. Since blood vessels of the eye are in direct connection with the cerebral circulation, vinpocetine also increases microcirculation in the eye, which is beneficial in treating various eye disorders. In a placebo-controlled trial on 40 patients with AMD, aged 40 to 65, those who received 10 mg vinpocetine for 2 months, in addition to conventional therapy, demonstrated better visual acuity, improved retinal function, and increased ocular blood flow. (29)
Another nootropic, picamilon, also increases circulation in the brain. The structure of picamilon consists of the vitamin niacin bonded to the neurotransmitter GABA. The molecule can cross the blood-brain barrier into the brain where is broken down into its components GABA, an anxiolytic, and niacin, a vasodilator. And again, since the circulation of the brain is in close proximity to that of the eyes, the vasodilation action has a positive effect on vision. In Russia, picamilon is used to increase cerebral blood flow and treat glaucoma, among other applications.
The last novel agent we’ll discuss is the peptide bioregulator visoluten. A major innovation in anti-aging therapies over the past few decades was the development of peptide bioregulators − short chains of amino acids (peptides) isolated from various animal tissues and organs. When administered to other animals or humans, these peptides act at the genetic level to regenerate age-damaged tissues and restore the function of a particular organ. For example, retinal peptides initiate the formation of retinal and pigment cells in patients with retinal degeneration, thymic peptides stimulate immunity, and pineal peptides induce the aging pineal gland to manufacture melatonin. The mechanism behind these rejuvenating effects is complex: each short-chain peptide interacts with a gene’s DNA, transferring information encoded in its amino acid sequence and stimulating a process called protein synthesis, the manufacture of proteins according to the encoded genetic information. By “switching” on genes to synthesize specific proteins, peptide bioregulators can recover functions of tissues and organs undergoing age-related deterioration. IAS carries a full range of 21 of these bioregulators (for organs ranging from adrenals to thyroid), including visoluten (eye tissue peptides), which has a regenerative effect on the eyes.
This plethora of nutrients and drugs to support eye health and treat existing conditions may seem mind-boggling, and you may wonder where to start, and how to formulate your healthy vision plan. We stressed a few times that the health of the body impacts the health of the eyes, so minimizing the generation of destructive free radicals and AGE’s system-wide is essential, with an antioxidant/low glycemic index diet along with additional antioxidant support from a comprehensive daily multivitamin and one or more nutrients to combat glycation, like carnosine or benfotiamine. Because ALC inhibits both oxidative and glycation-induced damage and enhances mitochondrial function, it would be a wise addition to a general strategy. So would melatonin which has so many favorable effects, from antioxidant support to promoting eye health and longevity, that it should be considered (and used!) by everyone. The synergistic use of these suggested supplements would form the foundation of your program. (Of course you can substitute, or add any of the others, such as omega-3’s, CoQ10, and resveratrol, all of which will benefit your eyes and body.) Onto this foundation you can add products for specific eye conditions. For those with cataracts, Can-C eye drops should definitely be included in your regimen; those with glaucoma and other eye conditions will benefit as well. We discussed many agents helpful for AMD, like the ALC/Omega-3/CoQ10 cocktail which can be added to your program. Those who seek to boost their brainpower as well as their eyesight can try vinpocetine and picamilon. And at the top tier of innovative vision products is visoluten. Fortunately, all of the supplements and drugs we reviewed are available from IAS.
As far as lifestyle factors, keep in mind the importance of keeping blood sugar within the normal range. If you have diabetes, talk with your doctor about the use of metformin acarbose, or aminoguanidine; these drugs may also be used by non-diabetics to reduce the negative impact of glycation, but medical supervision is suggested. In addition, limit your exposure to UV light, and when you do go out in the sun, protect your eyes with high quality sunglasses. Don’t smoke, and be sure to exercise regularly and schedule routine vision exams.
A combined strategy of nutritional supplements, antioxidant/low-glycemic index diet, lifestyle modifications, and drugs when necessary, will help you maintain (and possibly improve) your eyesight and support your overall health, while combatting several degenerative aging processes.
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