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Lab-Tests:
Recommended clinical tests
include:
- ESOD (erythrocyte superoxide dismutase,
an antioxidant enzyme, below 9.5 units/mg hemoglobin)
- EGPx (erythrocyte glutathione
peroxidase, another antioxidant enzyme, either below 4.6 or above
6.6 micromoles NADPH/min/mg Hb) An elevated level indicates response
to a challange, such as exposure to methylmercury, which can eventually
deplete Selenium or glutathione reserves.
- EGR (Erythrocyte Glutathione Reductase
- an enzyme needed to regenerate the anti-oxidant glutathione
to its active form once it is used to quench a free radical)
- GSH (Reduced Glutathione - an
antioxidant factor made of three amino acids)
- lens GSH (non-invasive measurement
in the living eye by resonance spectroscopy)
- Ery Catalase (yet another antioxidant
enzyme, below normal)
- EGPT (Erythrocyte Glutamate-Pyruvate
Transaminase)
- G-6-PD (Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase
- an enzyme which helps to �recycle� antioxidants like gluthatione
and vitamin C: high levels indicate increased risk of certain
types of cataract, while low levels may increase risk of other
types; normal balanced levels are best)
- Glyco Hb A1C (Glycosylated hemoglobin
shows time averaged blood sugar regulation) Elevated levels indicate
increased risk for sugar-related cataracts.
- GPUT (Galactose-1-Phosphate Uridyl
Transferase) Low levels indicate type 1 Galactosemia which causes
cataract when dairy products are eaten.
- Galactokinase activity (low indicates
type 2 Galactosemia) Cataracts result from high milk or lactose
(milk sugar) intake.
- Uric acid (elevated in blood)
- BUN (blood urea nitrogen, elevated)
This is usually from eating excess protein.
- FIGLU (Formimino-Glutamic Acid/24
hour urine, elevated) This test shows a need for more folic acid
in the diet, from fresh, green leafy vegetables.
- blood albumin/globulin ratio (low
ratio is a risk factor for mixed cataracts)
- Beta carotene (below 1.7 micromoles/liter)
A low level of plasma carotenoids increases risk of cortical cataracts
by 720%.
- Vitamin C (below 90 micromoles/liter,
equivalent to supplementing about 500 mg/day)
- Vitamin C (low blood level, below
0.7 mg%, increases risk of subcapsular cataracts by 1130% compared
to high level over 1.6 mg%)
- Vitamin C/WBC (white blood cell
vitamin C, another important antioxidant vitamin) Low levels following
12 hours of fasting can be due to either deficient or excess intake
of ascorbic acid.
- Serum Vitamin E (low levels below
0.8 mg% nearly double cataract risk compared to levels above 1.3
mg%)
- Platelet Vitamin E (an important
antioxidant vitamin, low)
- Ery Hg (erythrocyte mercury, elevated)
Both organic and inorganic mercury should be measured.
- Hair Hg (mercury above 1.6 ppm
greatly increases cataract risk, especially when the enzyme glutathione
peroxidase is low)
- Se (Selenium low or above 1.27
micromoles/liter)
- Hair Se (Selenium, low) Level
can be artificially elevated with use of Selsun Blue shampoo.
- Plasma Zn (Zinc, low compared
to age matched controls)
- Lymphocyte Zn (Zinc - required
for the enzyme SOD, along with copper and manganese, as well as
for sugar regulation, immunity and many other important functions)
- Hair Zn (Zinc, low) Low levels
are significant, although normal to high levels do not rule out
marginal zinc deficiency. Hair level can be artificially elevated
due to Head & Shoulders shampoo.
- Hair Cu (Copper, low) Low levels
are significant, but levels can be artificially elevated by copper
from pipes or swimming pool chemicals.
- Fe (low Iron increases risk of
cortical cataracts)
- Cr/RBC (red blood cell Chromium
below 0.3 mcg/mL) Also the Chromium to Vanadium ratio (Cr/RBC
to V/RBC) should be approximately 1.0 and not lower. Measurement
of hair levels require special digest and sensitivity procedures
to provide meaningful results.
Additional-Risk-Factors:
- Dietary servings of fruit or vegetables
less than 3.5/day increases cataract.
- Over age 42, eating three 3 ounce
servings of tuna per week has 3 times the risk of subcapsular
cataract as a person eating less than one serving every 2 weeks.
- Overweight: Body Mass Index =
weight in kilograms/(height in meters)2 (BMI of 27.8 or higher
increases risk in men by over 200% compared to BMI less than 22)
- Excess UV-B exposure/(ESOD + EGSH-Px)
(ESOD = Erythrocyte Superoxide Dysmutase; EGSH-Px = Erythrocyte
glutathione peroxidase)
Following is a chart which provides
a comparison of the ingredients and dosages in five preventive nutritional
supplements recommended by eye doctors:
Comparison of recommended formulations:
| Ingredient |
Icaps Plus |
Ocucaps |
Ocuvite |
Ocudyne |
Star Gold |
| vitamin A |
- |
- |
- |
7,500 I.U. |
15,000 I.U. |
| Beta carotene |
6,000 I.U. |
5,000 I.U. |
5,000 I.U. |
25,000 I.U. |
10,000 I.U. |
| Vitamin B1 |
- |
- |
- |
20 mg |
70 mg |
| Vitamin B2 |
- |
- |
20 mg |
25 mg |
70 mg |
| Vitamin B3 |
- |
- |
- |
10 mg |
25 mg |
| Niacinamide B4 |
- |
- |
- |
50 mg |
50 mg |
| Vitamin B5 |
- |
- |
- |
100 mg |
70 mg |
| Vitamin B6 |
- |
- |
- |
30 mg |
70 mg |
| Folic acid B7 |
- |
- |
- |
800 mcg |
400 mcg |
| PABA B9 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
70 mg |
| Biotin B10 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
300 mcg |
| Inositol B11 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
70 mg |
| Vitamin B12 |
- |
- |
- |
50 mcg |
70 mcg |
| Choline B13 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
70 mg |
| BetaineHCl B14 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
25 mg |
| Vitamin B15 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
125 mg |
| Octacosanol |
- |
- |
- |
- |
1000 mcg |
| Vitamin C |
200 mg |
400 mg |
60 mg |
500 mg |
1000 mg |
| Vitamin D |
- |
- |
- |
- |
400 I.U. |
| Vitamin E |
60 I.U. |
200 I.U. |
30 I.U. |
400 I.U. |
400 I.U. |
| Vitamin K |
- |
- |
- |
- |
5 mcg |
| Lecithin |
- |
- |
- |
- |
100 mg |
| Bioflavonoids |
- |
- |
- |
400 mg |
250 mg |
| EFAs |
- |
- |
- |
- |
100 mg |
| RNA |
- |
- |
- |
- |
10 mg |
| Fiber |
- |
- |
- |
- |
25 mg |
| Enzymes |
- |
- |
|
- |
28 mg |
| Amino acids |
- |
5 mg |
- |
1050 mg |
1200 mg |
| Boron |
- |
- |
- |
- |
1 mg |
| Calcium |
- |
- |
- |
100 mg |
750 mg |
| Chromium |
- |
- |
- |
- |
50 mcg |
| Copper |
2 mg |
2 mg |
2 mg |
3 mg |
50 mcg |
| Iodine |
- |
- |
- |
- |
105 mcg |
| Iron |
- |
- |
- |
- |
13 mg |
| Magnesium |
- |
- |
- |
250 mg |
410 mg |
| Manganese |
5 mg |
- |
- |
- |
5 mg |
| Molybdenum |
- |
- |
- |
- |
50 mcg |
| Nickel |
- |
- |
- |
- |
0.5 mcg |
| Phosphorus |
- |
- |
- |
- |
360 mg |
| Potassium |
- |
- |
- |
- |
83 mg |
| Selenium |
40 mcg |
40 mcg |
40 mcg |
200 mcg |
67 mcg |
| Silicon |
- |
- |
- |
- |
6 mg |
| Vanadium |
- |
- |
- |
- |
20 mcg |
| Zinc |
40 mg |
40 mg |
40 mg |
50 mg |
23 mg |
| Glandulars |
- |
- |
- |
- |
124 mg |
| Pyruvate |
- |
3 mg |
- |
- |
- |
Cataract-Prevention:
| Factor |
Prevention |
Risk |
| Diet |
whole, natural foods |
refined, processed & junk food |
| Specific Foods |
fresh fruits (raw, well chewed pineapple,
apple, pear, orange), vegetables (raw, well chewed carrot, spinach),
preferably local organic produce, small cold water fish, plain
yogurt with L. bifidus (Friendly Flora), garlic (Garlic Oil),
whole grains, fresh juices |
sugar, dairy (30% of cataracts), wheat,
soy, eggs, fried foods, fats, margarine, excess protein especially
if meats eaten well-done, tuna, swordfish, shellfish from polluted
waters |
| Vitamins |
A (Lemongrass A), B complex (especially
B2) (in Star Gold), C & bioflavonoids (Triple Ascorbate C & Ginkgo
Q), D (from full spectrum light), E (succinate as in Dry E400
or mixed tocopherol), DMG (in Star Gold), flower pollen extract
(in Energessence) |
stress (Stamina Plus), alcohol, caffeine,
chocolate, sugar and smoking (20% of cataracts) deplete nutrients
(take Energessence to help ease elimination of caffeine or chocolate;
take GTF Chromium with any sugar exposure) |
| Minerals |
Calcium (Structural Integrity), Magnesium
(Magnesium Glycinate), Selenium, Zinc (Zinc 50) in bioavailable
forms, plus Copper if deficient |
Cadmium, Lead, Mercury: coffee methylates
Mercury making it 1000 times more toxic |
| Body Chemistry |
Give natural support to antioxidants,
thyroid regulation, liver metabolism, kidney function, digestion,
elimination, protein (important for vegetarians) (Star Gold) |
"Just say no to drugs*:" many drugs cause
cataracts, especially cortisone & other steroids, antibiotics,
sulfa drugs, even in ointment or eye drop form |
| Fluids |
4 ounces of water every half hour (at
least 30 minutes before meal & 2 hrs after) (Microwater), perspiration |
excess or deficient fluids, alcohol, carbonated
beverages, undiluted fruit juice, diuretics (25% of cataracts) |
| Herbs |
Emphasize herbs high in bioflavonoids
such as Quercetin (red onion), Ginkgo, Pycnogenol (pine bark or
grape seed), rutin, Bilberry. Also used are Cineraria maritima,
American Ginseng, Chaparral, Celandine and Eyebright, plus Chinese
herbs Rehmaniae, Dioscorea, Cornus, Poria, Alisma, Paeonia, Moutan,
Lycium, Polygenum, Semen cuscatae, Eclipta, Privet fruit and Chrysanthemum. |
Use herbal programs to help quit smoking. |
| Homeopathy |
Consider: Calc. carb., Caust., Cineraria
maritima, Mag. carb., Phos., Puls., Sil., Sulph. |
Protomer or homeopathic Merc. sol. for
removing Mercury; Heavy Antitox for heavy metals |
| Light |
Color therapy (may see functional changes
in a few minutes), sunlight, full spectrum lighting (Ott lights) |
Artificial light, excess or deficient
UV |
| Exercise |
Vision Training (Neuro-Fitness Training),
swim, rebound, walk; reduce body mass index |
Sedentary lifestyle |
| Stress and Circulation |
Stress reducing lenses (Performance Lenses
if not wearing glasses), visual hygiene, alternating 5 minute
hot/10 minute cold compresses (half hour daily) |
hypertension (take Garlic Oil & GTF Chromium),
lack of eye movement in reading (Pursuit Reading NFT activity),
TV, driving (shift vision to dash & mirrors) |
| Attitude |
Relax and smile! |
Muscle tension |
Supplement-Dosages:
The suggested range of typical
doses (written as dosage x frequency) is recommended for the following
products, with the essential products and the common reasons for adding
the other products in bold:
| Product |
First |
Time |
Later |
Notes |
| Acetyl-L-Carnitine |
1x2 |
----- |
1x1 |
use if cholesterol,
brunescent |
| Allium-sativa
|
1x1 |
----- |
1x1 |
bedtime; use if
cardiovascular risk |
| Beta-Carotene |
1x3 |
----- |
1x1 |
use if skin, membrane
problems |
| Chromium |
1x3 |
----- |
1x3 |
diabetic, brunescent,
cardiovascular |
| Digestzymes |
.5x2 |
1 mo |
none |
use if digestive problems |
| Energessence |
.5x2 |
----- |
.5x2 |
.5x4 with PSC cataracts |
| Ester-C |
1x3 |
----- |
1x3 |
use if glaucoma
history/suspect |
| Friendly-Flora |
1x3 |
----- |
1x1 |
1x3 if take meat
or tap water |
| Ginkgo |
1x2 |
----- |
1x2 |
if no change in
4 wks, double dose |
| Magnesium-glycinate |
1x2 |
6 mo |
1x1 |
use if cardiovascular
problems |
| Maxogenol
|
1x2 |
1 mo |
1x1 |
2x2 if UV
exposure |
| Shark-Essence |
1x2 |
1 mo |
.5x2 |
use if arthritis
history |
| Stamina-Plus |
.5x2 |
----- |
.5x2 |
use if stress,
other nerve problems |
| StarGold |
1x3 |
----- |
1x3 |
increase slowly
if detox symptoms |
| Structural-Integrity-Plus
|
1x1 |
----- |
1x1 |
double if osteoporosis
history |
| TMG |
1x3 |
----- |
1x1 |
in addition to
Star Gold for PSC cataracts |
| Unique-E |
1x1 |
1 wk |
1x2 |
increase slowly; use if heart
problems |
| Vitamin-A |
1x1 |
3 mo |
none |
(separate from
E) if vegetarian |
| Xiao-Yao-Wan |
1x1 |
3 mo |
none |
use if deficient
on Zinc taste test |
| Zinc |
1x1 |
3 mo |
none |
use if deficient
on Zinc taste test |
At any time, if you would like
to explore additional tests or therapies, please do not hesitate to
call the office.
Cataract:
Cataracts form in a myriad of
different patterns, and are caused in at least as many ways. Cataracts
can be found at birth due to toxic conditions in the prenatal environment.
Cataracts can be caused by trauma. Posterior subcapsular cataracts
can advance rapidly in middle age, and are usually related to digestion
and immune function. Poor regulation of sugar metabolism causes many
cataracts, as does impaired liver function. Most cataracts change
slowly over time, eventually disturbing vision so much that surgery
is needed to remove the entire lens from inside the eye. Prevention
is especially effective in the early stages, where most people can
begin to attain improved lens health in the first four weeks.
Cataract-Types (grade
with the scale: 0-4):
- Posterior sub-capsular (PSC) cataracts represent a hard deposit,
which often forms rapidly in young and middle-aged people. It
greatly interferes with vision especially in bright light and
for near viewing due to pupillary constriction. It seems to be
related to immune stress, including allergy, food sensitivity,
chemical toxicity and steroid drugs. Nutrtitional protection together
with avoidance of offending toxins (e.g. smoking) or allergens
can support the body in dissolving these deposits.
- Anterior polar cataracts are generally small and non-progressive,
but usually indicate difficulty digesting dairy products, as well
as poor calcium handling.
- Opalescent cataracts show a generalized cloudiness highly indicative
of metabolic problems. It can be due to intolerance of dairy products.
Almost total reversal can be achieved if caught early.
- Cortical spoking and water clefts indicate nutritional deficiencies
and often stop progressing with optimum preventive nutrition.
Reversal of water clefts, early cortical haze and swelling is
frequently seen, while more advanced spoking often involves rupture
of certain lens fibers (cells), leaving a dense, discrete scar
even when reversal of surrounding haze is achieved.
- Nuclear sclerosis is associated with the oxidative damage related
to aging. Nutritional support is typically effective at stopping
progression. Partial reversal is sometimes seen as well, but this
typically takes many months or even years. Some individuals, including
my grandmother (at age 98) never experience this type of cataract.
- Brunescent cataracts are yellow to brown in color due to a
build-up of fat-soluble wastes called lipofuscin. This can be
due to absorption of excessive infra-red, UV or sunlight as well
as chemicals that produce free radicals. While these changes can
sometimes be fully reversed, it generally takes many months or
even years.
Extra therapeutic support for
those with underlying conditions, such as diabetes, cerebrovascular
insufficiency or heart disease, is essential. Conventional drugs and
surgery do not correct or eliminate the causes of disease, which are
individual and multi-factorial. Learning more about one�s biochemical
individuality and how to be a good steward of your unique body is
necessary in order to achieve the optimum potential for health and
longevity. A comprehensive individualized evaluation and program is
highly recommended. If cataract surgery is needed, enhanced biochemistry
will also support increased resistance to intra-operative stress factors
(e.g. anesthesia, surgical lights, reduced circulation due to pressure
on the globe of the eye, etc.), as well as generally better wound
healing and surgical recovery.
____________
Endnotes (see print version
for placement in document):
Lane B, Nutrition and Vision,
273-274, in Bland J, Ed. 1984-85 Yearbook of Nutritional Medicine
(New Canaan, Connecticut: Keats, 1985).
A laboratory which provides most
of the recommended tests is Monroe Medical Research Laboratory, Southfield,
NY 10975, telephone 800-831-3133 or 914-351-5134.
Taylor A. Various nutrients studied
for cataract prevention. Geriatrics 46(1):24, 1991
Schoenfeld ER, et al. Recent epidemiological
studies on nutrition and cataracts in India, Italy and the United
States. Journal of the American College of Nutrition 10(5):540/Abstract
22, 1991.
Robertson J. Cataract prevention:
Time for a clinical trial? British Journal of Clinical Practice 44(11):475-6,
1990.
Jacques PF, et al. Epidemiological
evidence of a role for antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids in cataract
prevention. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 53:352S-355S, 1990.
Willis J.A., Schleich T., �Non-invasive
analysis of lenticular glutathione synthesis and metabolism by C magnetic
resonance spectroscopy,� Investigative Opthalmology 34:ARVO Abstracts
542, March 15, 1992.
Jacques PF. Effects of Vitamin
C on high density lipoprotein cholesterol and blood pressure. Am J
Coll Nutr 1992; 11(2):139-44
Vitale S, West S, Hallfrisch J,
et al. Plasma antioxidants and risk of cortical and nuclear cataract.
Epidemiology 1993: 4(3)195-203.
The recommended test, Nord Technique
Cold-Vapor Mercury Analysis, is available by special request from:
Doctor�s Data, P.O. Box 111, 30 W. 101 Roosevelt Road, West Chicago,
IL 60185, telephone 800-323-2784.
Bhat K.S., Plasma calcium and
trace metals in human subjects with mature cataract. Nutr Rep Int
1988:37:157-163.
An excellent dietary history evaluation
is available from Omegatech (King James Medical Lab) at 800-437-1404.
Lane BC. 1992 abstract.
Glynn RJ. Report on Physicians
Health Study, Archives of Ophthalmology, Sept. 1995.
Lane BC. Dietary & Nutriture
Risk Factors for Change in Cataracts and Macular & Vitreous Diseases.
Presented to the College of Syntonic Optometry, 1995.
Abel R. Can Eating Right Preserve
Your Sight? Review of Optometry, July, 1993, p. 65-68.
Gaby AR, and Wright JV. Nutritional
factors in degenerative eye disorders: cataract and macular degeneration.
(Baltimore, Maryland: Wright/Gaby Nutrition Institute, 1991).
Swartwout GM, Henahan JL. Cataract
Prevention: A Nutritional Approach, The Holistic Optometrist, July/August,
1986; 1-5.
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