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Your eyesight is probably the most important of your five senses. Your risk of developing an eye disease increases as you get older. One of the leading conditions that threaten the vision is retinitis, inflammation of the retina in the eye. The retina is the eye’s “sensing” tissue. Retinitis is one of the leading causes that lead to vision loss in people between the ages of 20 and 60. This condition may be caused by an autoimmune disorder that affects multiple systems within the body or by an infection or trauma to the eye.
There are two types of the disease: retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR). Both conditions result in the swelling and damage to the retina. However, the major difference is that the former is a genetic problem inherited from one or both parents while, the latter (cytomegalovirus) develops from a viral (herpes virus) infection in the retina. Most people have been exposed to the virus, but it usually causes no harm. When a herpes virus is reactivated in people with weaker immune systems, it can cause retinitis. Cytomegalovirus retinitis is a prime cause of blindness in AIDS patients.
Symptoms of Retinitis
For the inherited retinitis, one is most likely to get a diagnosis of this condition as a teen or young adult. Vision loss is slow, and the rate of vision change varies from person to person. How quickly it moves depends on the genetic makeup of the person’s RP. Loss of night vision, making it harder to drive at dusk or night or to see in dimly lit rooms. Loss of central vision that may also affect color vision; making reading or doing close work difficult. Loss of side vision, leading to tunnel vision (it appears as if one is looking through a straw).
The cytomegalovirus retinitis causes no symptoms in the early stages. One may develop symptoms, first in one eye, over a few days. There is also loss of central vision, which affects reading and perception of color. Floaters in the eyes (specks or clouds in your field of vision), which may occur in one or both eyes.
Sensitivity to light. Blurred vision as well as loss of side vision.
It is important to seek expert attention if you experience any of these symptoms. There are specialists dedicated to the management and treatment of inflammatory eye disorders. Following a full examination, prescriptions would be given depending on the severity and cause of the disease.
While retinitis is believed to have no cure, nature has provided us with vision boosters that may support your sight. There are also steps you can take to protect your vision from worsening.
Let’s see some of them
Carotenoids – these have antioxidant properties that help keep eyes healthy. Carotenoids are unsaturated compounds of yellow to red pigments that are found in many fruits and vegetables, especially those with deep, rich colors.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are especially important to preserving vision. These two carotenoids collect in the back of the eye. It is thought that eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily should provide sufficient lutein and zeaxanthin. Great sources include: spinach, parsley, kale, basil, red peppers, guava, carrots, orange sweet peppers, broccoli, corn, dark leafy greens, tangerines, and oranges.
While carotenoids help prevent blindness associated with retinitis, they also work to strengthen your immune system – Double Boosting Power! So up your intake of carotenoids from today. You may also go for quality carotenoid supplements available at health stores.
Marigold- extracts from the flower petals have shown to contain lutein and zeaxanthin, both of which have the function of protecting the eyes as already noted. Tea made from the dried blossoms of the plant is full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties when ingested. To make the tea, infuse one TBSP of the dried petals in a tea cup of freshly boiled water for 10-15 minutes. Take 2 x daily for better vision!
Garlic – You may need an antiviral and anti-inflammatory botanical such as garlic (especially for cytomegalovirus retinitis). Research has shown that garlic’s anti-microbial property makes it effective against microorganisms that cause eye-threatening conditions. In addition, garlic rich in sulfur is a natural lens protector that’s loaded with important antioxidants. You might take garlic fresh, in powder form, or capsules.
Cranberries- protect the eyes from diseases and disorders, not limited to retinitis. The fruit contains natural anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant quercetin, and carotenoids such as lutein, known to promote eye health. If you are able to lay your hands on this amazing fruit, you can use it as a snack, grind them into juice and blend into elixirs, or just use it as a sauce over desserts.
Goji berry (wolfberry)– as shown in a research, patients with the hereditary degenerative retinitis may delay their loss of daytime vision by taking this traditional Chinese plant remedy. Raw goji berries are a great source of antioxidants and contain vitamin C, vitamin E, and fiber. Goji berries are also a great source of the carotenoid zeaxanthin. This amazing ‘wonder’ is available in powder form, tea, dried whole fruit, juice, and as supplements.
Omega-3 fatty acids- help the body fight inflammation and may slow down the progression of the disease and alleviate symptoms. Great plant sources include walnuts, kidney beans, chia, flax, and hemp seeds. People who experience high levels of inflammation may benefit from taking omega 3 supplements.
My favorite vision booster mix:
Ingredients – carrot + kale + parsley + olive oil.
# Two carrots (scraped and diced) # A few stalks of kale (shredded coarsest)
# Sprig of parsley # one cup olive oil
Wash the vegetables properly and place them in a blender. Pour one cup (200ml) extra virgin olive oil and blend to a smooth consistency. Transfer the mixture to a glass jar. Take 1 teaspoon 2- 3 X daily. You can also use this as a salad dressing but do not forget about contraindications. Ask/consult your physician. Store/keep the mixture in the refrigerator
It is extremely important to see your ophthalmologist regularly. In addition to the remedies mentioned above, it may pay to get devices such as low-vision magnifiers, which are used to aid vision in patients with despaired vision due to retinitis. It may also help to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light.
