September 2002

Myopia develops as a result of adaptation. Our visual system copes with increased nearpoint demands by adjusting the way we focus and see. Humans before the Industrial Revolution used their eyes for activities that were predominantly distance viewing. The incidence of myopia in these cultures was very low. Today myopia affects more than a quarter of the population and in near point occupations, like computer programmers and college students, it can be well over sixty percent.



Words from us…

Wayne’s World
    Oh Say can you see! Natural substances are taking on a greater part of eye health, especially in prevention stages. Knowledge of the nutrition, anatomy and functions in the eye has helped researchers hone in on treatments and preventative substances for eye diseases and conditions. The presence of many nutrients in the eye is good indication of the potential for nutritional alternatives in relieving and evading visual damage. So far the research on many natural substances indicated for use in eye health has been limited, but that is changing as increased attention to these supplements is driving an upsurge in clinical trials. Diseases and conditions that may benefit the most from nutritional support include cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Please now refer to our Stay Healthy! staff suggestions contained in this Wellness Letter for nutrients and other modalities that play an expanded role in eye health and disease management. Remember also to call us with your questions (702-877-2494) or visit our website at www.stayhealthy.info, and please be sure to listen to herbalist James Sloane bimonthly on the “Lou Epton Show” (1230 AM Radio 9:30-11am). Good eye health for aging vision can be sustained by natural healing.
Thank you so much for your patronage. Stay Healthy!

The Evelyn Files…
     Because we depend on our eyes from the time we awake in the morning until we go to bed at night, we need to nourish them with the best foods and products on the market.  I recommend Dr. Bob Martin’s “OPTIALL” and Mountain Mist Botanicals “EN-VISION FORMULA”.    It is also important to do eye exercises daily.  Dr. William Bates book Better Eyesight Without Glasses. gives excellent advice on eye exercises.  Dr. Bates reversed his own sight problems and helped thousands of others to do likewise.  Drop by our store and pick up one of Dr. Bates books. You’ll be amazed at the information you’ll find in it.
Good health to you always. Evelyn J

James Sloane answers questions:
  Eyesight changes as we age for several reasons. Changes in the shape of the lense and the consistency of the fluid in the eye, weakening of the optic nerve, cataract formation, and degeneration of the macula are just a few of the problems that may develop, leading to a loss of vision.  I personally lost the majority of my vision when I was 26 years old due to the measles. I brought back my vision using juniper berries, which strengthen the optic nerve. For macular degeneration I recommend berries, especially amla berries, and silica to strengthen the blood vessels in the back of the eye. For glaucoma I recommend forskohlii, internally or as eye drops, and amla berries. Astigmatism responds well to schisandra berries. Bilberry and juniper berries work very well for night blindness. Cataracts are easier to prevent than to treat after they form. Vitamin E can help prevent the formation of cataracts, though I do not recommend more than 400IU daily. Vitamin E builds up in the liver, and higher than 400IU daily of vitamin E can adversely affect female hormones. Though not an herb, shi ju ming (abalone shell) is used in Chinese medicine to dissolve cataracts. If the person is diabetic the diabetes needs to be addressed because the elevated sugar in the lens can lead to cataract formation. – James Sloane

Tarah’s Corner-  

Our eyes are our windows to the world. Vision is our most precious sense. Over 80% of our learning is mediated through our eyes, that’s why it’s so important to keep our eyes healthy. Eating the proper foods that will benefit eye health is optimal.  Green leafy vegetables contain high amounts of lutein and antioxidants essential for the eye functions.  Carrots contain carotenoids, which are great for your vision, and berries such as blueberries, bilberry and so on are great for the eyes.  If you don’t get these things from your food I would recommend using a vision complex.  Jarrow Formulas’ “Vision Optimizer” is one of my favorites.  You can also do some easy exercises to strengthen your eyes.  
Reading a book or counting the leaves on a tree are great.   
Come to Stay Healthy! and we will show you some easy ways to improve your eyesight.

“The difference between crazy and normal....the crazy speak their mind.  The normal are afraid of what might happen if they do.”      

J.C. Speaking Words of Wisdom
Are eyes the windows to the soul or does the soul shine through the windows of the eyes?
Look at the world around you. What do you see? Are you looking down at the ground at the pavement or are you looking up at the trees and the mountain silhouettes? The key to a healthy outlook in the city is to look around at the bushes, green grass and natural things around you, take notice of the flowers blooming, the clouds changing in the sky. Man made material things tend to be square and have sharp edges. Nature on the other hand has soothing colors, soft non-uniform shapes that relax the eyes and mind. Is this going to improve your eyesight? Probably not, but it shows that what you look at can affect you mood and perspective. We need to train the eyes just as any other muscle in the body. Simple exercises can do wonders for aiding focus and concentration. I can show you a few Chi-Kung eye exercises to help strengthen the eye muscles, for this to me is just as important as the nutritional aspect. In most cases our eyes are being strained from watching to much TV and computer work. Try to limit your time with artificial intelligence and look for something natural to do. People develop poor sight from wearing glasses and not using their eyes enough, and of course a lack of essential nutrients that strengthen eye functions. Berries (blueberries, raspberries, amla berries, juniper berries, schisandra berries, and lycii berries, etc.) are my favorite foods for the eyes.
Look to Stay Healthy! as your source of information on eye health.
Knowledge applied is wisdom…

NIK Notes:  Try to wear your glasses and contacts only when you really need them, by constantly using instruments to magnify, you atrophy the eyes ability and motivation to work correctly without help.  Wear your glasses less and really see results!
Art by NIK