Night Vision

Poor Eyesight Vision at Night
As we age, many of us notice that our eyesight may be deteriorating at night. Some researchers say we lose 10% of our rate of dark adaptation every decade. Today many experts believe that a combination of exercises, herbs and/or supplements, and overall healthy diet may be the panacea we were looking for.

During daylight, our retinal cone photoreceptors allow us to see in colors and to discriminate fine details. However, at night, when there is very little light present, the images that we see are primarily relayed to the brain by rod photoreceptors. They deflect light and are scattered throughout the periphery of the eye. Gradually, an individual can lose his or her ability to adapt to night time vision and become sensitive to glare, such as oncoming headlights while driving at night.

During World War II British Royal Air Force Fighters were given a tasty jam made of bilberries to eat. One such noted side effect of this jam was that the pilots experienced better night vision and were able to adeptly complete tactical maneuvers at night. After the war, scientists conducted studies on the diets of the RAF pilots and found that bilberry contains natural bioflavonoids and anthocyanosides. While these antioxidants did what any other antioxidant would do including preventing damage by free radicals, it also led to an improved rod photoreceptor function and adaptation to the dark.

How to Treat Poor or Declining Eyesight at Night
While there are many treatment options, you have to find the right combination that works for you. There are three key principles behind these recommendations.

• Strengthen cell membranes.
• Improve circulation to the eye.
• Protect the eye from damage caused by free radicals.

The five key supplement items are DHA, Vitamin A, lutein, bilberry and zinc.

I have created Eye Complex CS (clinical strength) which includes 23 Nutrients important for both eyes and general health. Rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, Eye Complex CS also serves as an excellent multivitamin.

DHA is a major part of retinal cell membranes and improves electrical conduction. Vitamin A and vitamin E support cell membrane function. Lutein, the most concentrated member of the carotenoid family in ocular tissues, and its isomer zeaxanthin, protect the cone cells from UV and short wavelength radiation.

For general eye health, consider taking vitamin C, a water-soluble antioxidant that refurbishes the fixed cell membranes. Magnesium is a vasodilator to improve circulation. Silymarin protects the liver, the nutrient warehouse for the eye. Quercetin is a natural antihistamine.