Diabetes, both type 1 and type 2,
has been found to be the major
reason for this potentially blinding disease, hence the common name
‘diabetic retinopathy’. This is actually absolutely true as almost
95% of those diabetic patients who have had the disease for more
than 25 years develop retinopathy. The percentage is quite high at
70 for even those who have been suffering from diabetes for more
than just 15 years. Other main causes include high blood pressure
and obesity.
The main reason for diabetics developing retinopathy is the
structural changes taking place in the tiny blood vessels of the
retina. The changes make these vessels weak and cause them to leak
vision-impairing particles of fat and protein, the exudates, which
eventually deposit on the retina. This disrupts the all important
blood supply to the retina while stimulating the growth of abnormal
blood vessels in the retina. This stage is known as proliferative
diabetic retinopathy.
This causes partial blindness which may worsen
if and when these abnormal blood vessels hemorrhage (the hemorrhage
is massive, considering the place and quantum of the blood involved)
and leak blood into the fluid (vitreous humour) of the eye.
Usually the blood leaked out by these abnormal blood vessels is
reabsorbed by the retina but in the process it gets badly bruised as
this blood leaves scars all over it. These scars then begin their
task of dragging or pulling the retina away from its position. Now,
although certain sections of the retina are tightly bound to the
back of the eye, some sections are held against the eye wall mainly
by the pressure of the fluid within the eye. When these scars do
succeed in ripping it off at these weak points, the fluid rushes in
behind the retina and lifts it off. This is known as retinal
detachment and obviously results in major skewed vision. Detached
retina, just like retinopathy, can also strike people with no
diabetes also, like those subjected to a severe blow to their eye or
head, a tumor, after removal of their cataract or some infection.
Surgery is the only cure of retinal detachment.
Coming back to retinopathy, as this disease is fairly common in
people with diabetes for a long time, a regular check up of vessel
damage is very important. Your ophthalmologist will perform
fluorescein angiography to detect this damage by injecting a dye
into your blood stream and photographing the back of the dye with a
special camera to locate the leaking, if any, blood vessels.
Currently, the only cure is photocoagulation (a laser treatment) in
which the laser surgery shrinks these abnormal blood vessels and
therefore slow the progression of the disease. Side effects include
impaired night vision, reduced peripheral (side) vision, color
blindness and rarely, diminished central vision. Photocoagulation
cannot restore a damaged retina or keep the disorder form recurring.
Below
mentioned are the herbs which when taken alone or in combination improve
eye health, strengthen blood capillaries in the eye, counteract cell
damage caused by free radicals, help the retina adapt to
both dark and light, and prevent and treat retinopathy. Diabetics
suffer due to poor circulation, weakness in the capillary walls and
lack of nutrients and oxygen supply to the eyes. The below mentioned
herbs take care of these aspects as well. Not to mention, these
herbs will do well when other herbal supplements for treating
diabetes are also taken along with. See
Diabetes.
·
Vaccinium myrtillus (Billberry) - Most famous use of
bilberry is in the treatment for vein and lymphatic
disorders. This is achieved by the berries of bilberry
which are rich in anthocyanins that strengthen the
capillaries and reduce their permeability. This
facilitates delivery of essential oxygen and nutrients
to the eye and has been shown to be effective in the
prevention and treatment of retinopathy. Other
constituents of the bilberry berry are vitamin C,
tannins and catechin, a polyphenol. Anthocyanins, which
are antioxidants, along with vitamin C fight against the
free radicals present in the food and the atmosphere. These, together with vitamin E, have proved to be very
good in treating eyesight related problems like
cataracts. It also reduces the incidence of hemorrhage
in the eye which is usually associated with diabetes.
The naturally occurring antioxidants appear to have
numerous potentially important actions within the eye.
By supporting routine strength of the tiny blood vessels
of the eye, bilberry also helps to support delivery of
essential oxygen and nutrients to the eye and has been
the subject of numerous research studies related to
ocular health. Studies have also suggested that certain
eye symptoms, normally associated with the natural aging
process can be effectively managed using bilberry. In
addition, Vaccinium myrtillus has been shown to be of
great benefit with regards to supporting eye health when
particular underlying conditions are present.
·
Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos) - This herb is found in the Cedarberg mountains in the Western Cape of South
Africa., Rooibos, just like bilberry, also has powerful
anti-oxidant properties, mainly due to its supeoxide
dismutase (SOD) mimetic properties. SOD is an enzyme in
the body which is especially designed to neutralize
unstable free radicals as soon as they occur and can
therefore help to prevent retinopathy. It is also
considered an effective all round tonic and restorative
and the one that balances blood sugar levels. Rooibos’s
high mineral content helps in maintaining healthy
metabolism. It also helps in lowering blood pressure and
enhancing immunity. It is an extremely nutritious herb,
containing Vitamin C, Alphahydroxy Acid, potassium,
copper, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, manganese and
fluoride. These minerals have been shown to have great
benefit with regards to eye health.
·
Sutherlandia frutescens (Kanker Bossie) was originally
used by the indigenous Khoi and San peoples of Southern
Africa and is indigenous to this region. Research has
shown that Sutherlandia contains the active ingredients
canavanine, pinitol, and the amino acid GABA. Recent
research has confirmed the adaptogenic properties of
Sutherlandia as well as its anti-oxidant effects.
·
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) - Leaves of ginkgo are the ones
having medicinal qualities and their main constituents
are ginkgolide terpenes and flavonoids-antioxidants that
strengthen the blood vessels and improve the
circulation. Terpenoids (such as ginkgolides) improve
blood flow by dilating blood vessels and reducing the
stickiness of platelets. Hence, the herb is widely used
for treating eye disorders, including cataracts, for
both, antioxidant support as well as blood flow.
These are many a minerals and vitamins with some
excellent properties that help in countering this
disease. The important ones are:
Vitamin C supplements and/or diet rich in this vitamin
have been found to have a protective effect on the blood
vessels of the diabetics. Vitamin C is a very powerful
antioxidant as well.
Several forms of retinopathy owe their existence to
free radical damage. Cell metabolism along with the
effect of rays (especially light rays) produce these
highly unstable and reactive atoms or group of atoms.
There occurrence in large numbers degrades cell
membranes. Antioxidant enzymes and nutrients (vitamins
and minerals) in the blood gobble up these free radicals
and render them harmless. Vitamin E and A (vitamin A is
found in the form of beta carotene in plants) as these
two are believed to be very effective in protecting from
free radical damage.
Similarly selenium is also considered vital for
protection against the development or progression of
retinopathy.
Flavonoids (such as quercetin and rutin, specifically
quercetin) may also play a role in preventing
retinopathy or delay the progression of retinopathy if
you already have this eye condition.
Foods rich in the above vitamins and minerals are:
›Vitamin C: Diet containing fresh fruits and
vegetables should provide you with enough vitamin C in a
day although
emphasis must be given on citrus fruits
(fresh fruits in totality and not their juice only) like
grapes and blackberries,
as they also contain bioflavonoids. Some important fruits and vegetables are
blackcurrant, vegetables (broccoli,
potatoes), red
capsicums and chillies, strawberry, kiwifruit and
rockmelon.
›Vitamin A: Usual sources of vitamin A (in the form of
beta carotene) are whole milk, curds, egg yolk, pumpkin,
carrots, leafy vegetables, tomatoes, mangoes, and
papaya.
›Vitamin E: Its sources include avocados, nuts, seed
oils, sunflower seeds, green leafy vegetables, eggs,
pumpkin
seeds and wheat germ.
›Selenium: wholegrain cereals, fish, liver, shellfish,
red meat, chicken, garlic
›Quercetin: Red wine and dark berries such as blue
berries, dark cherries and blackberries are rich sources
of this
flavonoid.
·
Instead of red meats, go for more lean meats, cold-water
fish, tofu (soy, if no allergy) or, still better, beans
for protein.
·
Use light and healthy cooking oils, such as olive oil or
vegetable oil.
·
Avoid excessive consumption of stimulants like tea,
coffee, alcohol, and tobacco.
·
Go heavy on fluids - Drink at least 7 - 8 glasses of
water daily
Quit smoking – Smoking is supposed to exacerbate the
progress of retinopathy. This is even more true in the
case of diabetics. Therefore, quit smoking which is also
responsible for oxidative damage in your eyes.
·
Stay lean– Obesity may trigger retinopathy. So this
gives you another reason to make yourself leaner.
Exercising regularly is the key here, as it will also
help in keeping the blood pressure under control.
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