The Sharon Kleyne Hour Power of Water is interested in the complex links between dry eye disease, dry air, polluted humidity, climate change, indoor and outdoor environments and the need to drink more water.

During the interview, Sharon Kleyne asked Dr. Paden about the status of dry eye disease in the United States and worldwide. He indicated that the five worst US cities for dry eye are, in order, Las Vegas, Lubbock, TX, El Paso, TX, Midland/Odessa, TX and is Dallas, TX.

Outside the US, according to Dr. Paden, the situation is much worse. He said that in Argentina, the air is so bad, partly because of ozone layer thinning, that they recommend spending no more than three hours a day outdoors. Air quality is also problematic in China, India, Mexico, Brazil and Australia.

The eye’s tear film, he said, has been taking a beating and the main culprit is lack of air moisture, or polluted humidity from climate change, technology and population growth. Dry air and polluted humidity increase water evaporation from the tear film.

Regarding nutritional suggestions for maintaining a healthy tear film during the dry eye crisis, Dr. Paden recommended dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, chard, spinach and leaf lettuce. He also recommends flax seed oil and omega-3 fatty acids.

Sharon Kleyne asked about children’s visual health and pediatric vision care. Dr. Paden indicated that barring injury or major illness, children’s eyes are pretty resilient. Most problems develop as we age. He added that retinal blastoma, or melanoma of the eye, which occasionally turn up in infants, used to be invariably fatal and now usually no longer is. Eye cancer symptoms include inflammation of the outside of the eye, diminished peripheral vision, etc.

Regarding macular degeneration, Dr. Paden explained that the disease usually occurs in older people but occasionally turns up in teenagers. The retina loses pigment and deteriorates. The good news is that studies show that proper diet can reduce the chances of macular degeneration by 50% or more.

Sharon Kleyne, Founder of Bio Logic Aqua Research, on dry eye education, allergy relief, and tear film education.

Allergy Eye.

It is one of life’s paradoxes: Your eyes drive you crazy from itching due to spring or summer allergies. And yet-as you know all too well-the one thing you must not do is scratch or rub them.

This article will not tell you it is finally OK to scratch or rub itching eyeballs. That is irritating, inflammatory, and embeds the offending pollen and irritants in the cornea and conjunctiva. The article will, however, offer alternatives to scratching and present recently developed information about the condition known as “allergy eye.”

The Tear Film.

The eye’s first line of defense against allergies is the complex and extremely thin tear film that covers the optical surface. Numerous environmental factors, from air pollution to air conditioning, can cause evaporation that result in slight, moderate or even severe tear film moisture loss (dehydration). This may be so slight that you don’t feel any symptoms. However, if you happen to be sensitive to allergens such as pollen, the allergic reaction will be more severe if your tear film is not functioning at full capacity. Bio-Logic Aqua Technologies Biomedical Research has discovered that the best (and least expensive) way to mitigate the effect of allergens and other airborne irritants on the eyes is to pay attention to the health of your tear film.

What is an Allergy?

An “allergy” may be defined as “an adverse immunological reaction to a substance that normally does not produce such a reaction.” Adverse reactions to things like pollen, mold spores and pet dander (called “allergens”), are an allergy because most people are not bothered by them. An adverse reaction to cigarette smoke or bee stings is not technically an allergy because nearly everybody reacts to them.

The typical allergic reaction produces symptoms in the eyes, breathing passages and skin. Some allergens only bother the eyes. This article will concern itself only with the effects of allergies on the eyes — even if the same allergy also affects other areas — and how to help defend the eyes not only against allergens but all airborne irritants.

A New Discovery.

It is common knowledge among specialists that allergy eye (especially pollen allergies) is worse in hot, dry weather and better in cool, humid weather. That is because many allergy eye symptoms result from dehydration of the tear film’s aqueous (water) layer, thereby creating an over-concentration of irritants and allergens. Reflex tearing tries to wash out these irritants and restore the tear film’s chemical and moisture balance. However, the reflex tears themselves may contain histamines and chemical imbalances.

Standard remedies such as eye drops and redness relievers may be ineffective against allergy eye because they can wash away the natural tear film, including the evaporation-slowing lipid layer. Chemicals in these products can create their own adverse reactions.

The best way to soothe allergy eye, and mitigate the effect of environmental challenges that dehydrate the tear film, is to emulate cool, humid weather by adding add pure, pH-balanced humidity to the air around the eyes. The humid mist will find its way into the tear film’s aqueous layer in just the right amount (two to five nanoliters) to help alleviate symptoms naturally and without harsh medicines, drops or chemical formulations.

Dr. Allen Taylor, a chemist, became interested in eyesight while researching the molecular structure of the eyes’ cornea and lenses. The cornea and lens are living tissues but they lack blood vessels and when healthy, are absolutely clear so that light can enter the eye. This research led Allen Taylor to an interest in diet, nutrition and eyesight and to the Tufts University Laboratory for Nutrition and Vision.

According to Dr. Taylor, “There is more to food for the eyes than just carrots.” The goal of his food and nutrition research is to prolong vision. By taking care of your eyes and eating the correct “food for the eyes,” you can lessen the chances of age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration, cataracts and chronic dry eye. Improved diet and nutrition also prolongs health and life.

Sharon Kleyne noted that age related macular degeneration is increasing and is expected to be out of control by 2030. The computer age is not helping. She also noted that water is one of the most important eye foods.

Allen Taylor stated that healthy food and nutrition, including water, can be helpful in natural sight preservation. His recommendations for eye health are the same as for overall health: Keep weight down, get plenty of exercise, drink sufficient water and eat five servings of fruits and vegetables a day for anti-oxidants and fiber. He recommends cutting down on most other foods. Also, free oxygen is harmful to cells and is removed by antioxidants. Free oxygen can also damage the heart and make the cornea and lenses less clear. Vitamin C is an excellent anti-oxidant.

Vegetables are best eaten raw but frozen or cooked vegetables are better than nothing. Juice is fine if there is no added sugar or additives. Sugar is associated with macular degeneration. Many meat proteins are modified in the body to sugars that accumulate interfere with absorption of beneficial proteins.

The role of sodium in eyesight, according to Dr. Taylor, is inconclusive. Too much sodium can be unhealthy but a certain amount is required for tears and perspiration.

Dr. Allen Taylor is a supporter of drinking plenty of water to avoid aging and dehydration diseases such as chronic dry eye. He is a supporter of eye misting to supplement natural tear film water content and help keep eyes healthy and well nourished.

Listen to the Sharon Kleyne Hour Power of Water Mondays, 10 a.m., PST/PDT. The syndicated talk radio show is heard on Voice America/World Talk Radio, Green Talk Network and Apple iTunes. Go to SharonKleyneHour.com for written summaries and replays of past shows. Also visit naturestears.com, whatistheeye.wordpress.com, “Nature’s Tears EyeMist” on Facebook and “Bio-Logic Aqua” on Twitter.

Nature’s Tears® EyeMist® and Bio-Logic Aqua Research are sponsors of the Sharon Kleyne Hour Power of Water. Nature’s Tears® EyeMist® is available on Amazon.com, Drugstore.com and NaturesTears.com.

© 2011 Bio-Logic Aqua Research

More information can be found online at http://www.biologicaqua.com

On June 1, 2009, Dr. Marguerite McDonald was interviewed on the Sharon Kleyne Hour Power of Water, an Internet radio talk show hosted by Sharon Kleyne. The interview may be heard on World Talk Radio, Voice America, Green Talk Network, Apple iTunes and Amazon.com.

Computer Eye Strain

Dr. McDonald observed that computer eye strain is a common and rapidly growing complaint among her patients and that the number of patients who can no longer use computers as a result of computer eye strain and serious dry eye symptoms is also growing rapidly. Symptoms should always be taken seriously and alleviated when possible, both by soothing the eyes and by taking prevention measures.

Soothing computer eye strain

Dr. McDonald notes that rubbing is bad for your eyes. If dryness or itching of the eyes is caused by allergies, rubbing can further entrench the allergen and cause a release of chemicals that are even more uncomfortable.

For dry eye symptoms, Dr. McDonald recommends a cool, wet compress, lying down and relaxing, with eyes closed. Moisture from the compress will absorb into closed eyes and eyelid skin. Dr. McDonald also recommends Nature’s Tears EyeMist (a sponsor of the Sharon Kleyne Hour Power of Water) to soothe dry eyes. While performing eye surgery, Dr. McDonald has her eyes misted occasionally.

Predisposition

Dr. McDonald pointed out that many factors can predispose computer users to develop dry eye and computer eye strain symptoms. These include arthritis, Parkinson’s, scleroderma, Sjogren’s syndrome, allergies, numerous medications (especially blood pressure medications and anti-depressants), osteoporosis, gout, blink disorders, thyroid problems and the first few days after LASIK eye surgery.

Other factors affecting tear film moisture content during computer use include common office conditions such as indoor air, forced-air heating and cooling, cleansing fluids, detergents, poorly ventilated buildings and excessive computer use.

Preventing and alleviating

According to Dr. McDonald, the most serious eye problem associated with computer use and computer eye strain is reduced blink rate. The normal blink rate is 20 to 30 times per minute whereas somebody deeply absorbed in computer work may blink only three times a minute. This greatly increases moisture evaporation from the eye.

Dr. McDonald suggests keeping the computer screen low so that you have to look slightly down on it and therefore do not open your eyes as widely. She also recommends frequent short breaks to rest the eyes and regular breaks away from the computer. Also important are sleep, stress reduction, exercise, adequate daily water intake and a proper diet including eye foods such as dark green leafy vegetables and foods with omega-3 fatty acids. .

© 2011 Bio-Logic Aqua Research

Nature’s Tears® EyeMist® e-commerce commitment.

Sharon Kleyne, Founder of Bio-Logic Aqua Water Research and international water advocate, is announcing an increased emphasis on e-commerce and retail Internet accounts for Nature’s Tears EyeMist, the company’s patented, all-natural breakthrough product for dry eye, eye allergies and computer vision syndrome.

“E-commerce,” explains Mrs. Kleyne, “is global, open 24 hours a day, and has a unique ability to quickly reach consumers of all ages and categories, including targeted subgroups such as sports participants, allergy sufferers, and people experiencing computer eye irritation. That’s why we are placing the highest priority on acquiring new Internet retail accounts.”

Nature’s Tears EyeMist, according to Mrs. Kleyne, has been extremely successful selling in 70,000 brick-and-mortar drugstores, doctor’s offices, hospitals and the military. Internet sites such as Amazon.com have been especially effective in helping the product reach consumers looking for a dry eye product and education.

Water is the ONLY method to humidify dry eyes.

This new category product is the result of two decades of research by Sharon Kleyne. She discovered that dry eye syndrome is a global health crisis and that the only correct way to re-humidify dry and irritated eyes is with water rather than formulated products. Her research led to the discovery of Bio-Logic Aqua tissue culture water, the only known all-natural water with the correct pH, osmolarity, mineral solute content and application technology for dry eye application.

The water is now Bio-Logic Aqua Research’s “trade secret” and the only ingredient in Nature’s Tears EyeMist, which contains no formulated chemicals, preservatives, saline solution or potential allergens.

New global discovery: Nature’s Tears® EyeMist®.

According to Mrs. Kleyne, “Nature’s Tears EyeMist is an all-natural, personal hand-held device that humidifies the air in front of the eyes, which the tear film then naturally absorbs.”

Endorsed by ophthalmologists, optometrists, pharmacists and dry eye researchers around the world, this American product received a United States patent in April, 2009, for its description of misting the eyes and tear film with 100% natural water to soothe dry eyes (see www.naturestears.com for product demonstration, description and references).

Dry eyes, dry air and the environment.

“Worldwide,” Mrs. Kleyne explains, “the air we breathe is too dry. Everyone knows the air is polluted and dirty but few realize that our air is also losing its life-giving clean water (humidity). This is the number one environmental threat to health. The good news is that my company’s personal hand-held water misting devices will empower every individual to provide their own instant humidity supplement, regardless of how dirty or dry the air.”

“Earth is always changing,” she concludes, “and for human life to survive, we must learn to adapt to those changes. In the current global environment, with the help of our wonderful Internet partners, Bio-Logic Aqua’s business of water products such as Nature’s Tears EyeMist will one day be as indispensable as drinking water, clothing, sunscreen and lip balm.”

Don’t miss The Sharon Kleyne Hour – Power of Water at www.worldtalkradio.com, Apple iTunes and Green Talk Network, Mondays at 10 a.m. PST/PDT. Sponsored by Nature’s Tears EyeMist and Bio-Logic Aqua Research.

The eye’s first line of defense against allergies and other irritants is the complex and extremely thin tear film that covers the eyes’ exposed surface. The tear film is 99% water. The remainder of the tear film consists of salt, proteins, antibodies, lipids, etc.

Factors such as air pollution, dry air, heat, wind, forced air heating and cooling and even stress can cause your tear film to lose water. If you happen to be sensitive to allergens such as pollen, the reaction will be more severe if your tear film is too dry and not functioning at full capacity. It is common knowledge among specialists that allergy eye (especially pollen allergies) is worse in hot, dry weather and better in cool, humid weather when it is easier to maintain the tear film’s natural moisture balance.

Standard eye drops may be ineffective against allergy eye because the large drops can wash away the natural tear film, including the evaporation-slowing lipid layer. Also, chemicals in these products can create their own adverse or allergic reactions.

Allergy Eye and Dry Eye Symptoms.

Itching, redness, blurred vision, burning, eyelid swelling or redness, excessive tearing, grainy feeling, eye strain, fatigue, heavy eyelids,  and light sensitivity are some allergy eye and dry eye symptoms.

Reducing allergens/minimizing symptoms.

• Stay indoors when the pollen count is at its peak, especially in mid-morning and early evening.
• Keep windows closed and use air-conditioning during peak allergy seasons.
• Wear glasses or sunglasses outdoors during peak seasons.
• Allergy-proof your home; put dust-mite-proof covers on bedding and pillows; clean surfaces with a damp mop, rag, or shampooer rather than dry sweeping or dusting.
• Keep pets outdoors as much as possible if you have pet allergies.
• Reduce molds by keeping indoor humidity moderate. Shoot for 40% to 50% relative humidity at 70 degrees.
• Remove contact lenses as soon as symptoms appear.

Standard remedies.

• Cold compresses on the eyes.
• Oral antihistamines (may cause drowsiness).
• Eye drops and redness relievers.
• See your doctor about mast cell stabilizers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and immunotherapy.

Maintaining tear film health.

• Put bowls of water in your house, especially when heater or air conditioner is on.
• Take frequent long, luxuriant baths and/or showers.
• Let as much fresh air into the house as you can, especially the bathroom.
• Apply a pure-water mist before and after facial cleansing and any time eyes or face feel dry and/or uncomfortable.

© 2010 Bio-Logic Aqua Research

“Eye Misting” Is a New, All-Natural Discovery for Senior Dry Eye

Seniors and aging eye.

As you age, it is normal to become concerned about the many serious eye diseases to which seniors are susceptible. These diseases are collectively called “aging eye.”

Managing aging eye.

Ideally, your parents will have taken you for regular eye exams and made sure you ate properly, obtained sufficient sleep and exercise, and drank enough water (hydration is important because recent research is discovering a link between aging eye diseases and chronic dehydration). If you maintain and eye healthy lifestyle as an adult, your chances of developing serious aging eye diseases could be considerably reduced.

Bio-Logic Aqua Research has discovered that age related eye disease can be minimized by proactively managing your eye health and lifestyle.

The company recommends:

• Regular eye exams (to catch problems early).
• Drinking at least 60 to 80 ounces of water a day to prevent dehydration.
• Eating plenty of dark green vegetables (spinach, kale, arugula and broccoli). Carrots are extremely high in beta-carotene, required for visual functioning.
• Obtaining plenty of sleep and exercise.
• Avoiding excessive sun exposure, prolonged computer use, smoking and other activities that create a high risk for dehydration and dry eye in seniors.

Aging eye diseases.

• Age related macular degeneration.
• Cataracts.
• Diabetic retinopathy.
• Floaters.
• Glaucoma.
• Presbyopia.

Senior dry eye.

Chronic dry eye (loss of tear film water/moisture) is common among seniors and can lead to corneal ulceration, eye cancer and blindness. Research is discovering that dry eye could be a root cause of all aging eye diseases. To prevent dry eye and prolong vision, it is important at any age to drink plenty of water, keep eyes hydrated and be aware of dehydration symptoms. Be especially proactive if you live in a high risk area for dry eye or frequently engage in the high risk activities listed above.

Eye Misting.

Proper eye hydration, maintaining the correct amount of all-natural moisture in the eye’s tear film, could help senior citizens (and everyone else) prevent or alleviate aging eye diseases. A patented new all-natural approach to eye hydration, called “eye misting,” has recently made this much easier. Simply point the gentle, 100% water, hand-held mist applicator towards your face and press a button. There are no eye drops, eye droppers, chemicals, preservatives or saline solution. Your eyes absorb the all-natural water mist from the air exactly as they absorb natural humidity.

The only all-natural water eye mist currently available is Nature’s Tears® EyeMist®, from Bio-Logic Aqua Research.

CONTACT:

Bio-Logic Aqua Research – Rogue Media Division. 
1-800-FOR-MIST (367-6478)
RogueMedia@biologicaquaresearch.com
www.naturestears.com 
whatistheeye.wordpress.com 
www.biologicqua.com 

Original article: http://www.naturestears.com/articles/article_Senior_Citizens_Eye_Diseases.php

From our sister site, http://oneeyeatatime.tumblr.com. Take a peek!

USDA Food Pyramid Is Now “My Plate”

Healthy Eyes in Children – What to watch for and what to do.

Watery Eyes a Symptom of Dry Eyes

Computer Vision Syndrome and Computer Eye Strain

The eye’s first line of defense against allergies and other irritants is the complex and extremely thin tear film that covers the eyes’ exposed surface. The tear film is 99% water. The remainder of the tear film consists of salt, proteins, antibodies, lipids, etc.

Factors such as air pollution, dry air, heat, wind, forced air heating and cooling and even stress can cause your tear film to lose water. If you happen to be sensitive to allergens such as pollen, the reaction will be more severe if your tear film is too dry and not functioning at full capacity. It is common knowledge among specialists that allergy eye (especially pollen allergies) is worse in hot, dry weather and better in cool, humid weather when it is easier to maintain the tear film’s natural moisture balance.

Standard eye drops may be ineffective against allergy eye because the large drops can wash away the natural tear film, including the evaporation-slowing lipid layer. Also, chemicals in these products can create their own adverse or allergic reactions.

Allergy Eye and Dry Eye Symptoms.

Itching, redness, blurred vision, burning, eyelid swelling or redness, excessive tearing, grainy feeling, eye strain, fatigue, heavy eyelids,  and light sensitivity are some allergy eye and dry eye symptoms.

Reducing allergens/minimizing symptoms.

• Stay indoors when the pollen count is at its peak, especially in mid-morning and early evening.
• Keep windows closed and use air-conditioning during peak allergy seasons.
• Wear glasses or sunglasses outdoors during peak seasons.
• Allergy-proof your home; put dust-mite-proof covers on bedding and pillows; clean surfaces with a damp mop, rag, or shampooer rather than dry sweeping or dusting.
• Keep pets outdoors as much as possible if you have pet allergies.
• Reduce molds by keeping indoor humidity moderate. Shoot for 40% to 50% relative humidity at 70 degrees.
• Remove contact lenses as soon as symptoms appear.

Standard remedies.

• Cold compresses on the eyes.
• Oral antihistamines (may cause drowsiness).
• Eye drops and redness relievers.
• See your doctor about mast cell stabilizers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and immunotherapy.

Maintaining tear film health.

• Put bowls of water in your house, especially when heater or air conditioner is on.
• Take frequent long, luxuriant baths and/or showers.
• Let as much fresh air into the house as you can, especially the bathroom.
• Apply a pure-water mist before and after facial cleansing and any time eyes or face feel dry and/or uncomfortable.

© 2010 Bio-Logic Aqua Research

Sharon noted that the rate of blindness in the world is expected to double by 2030 and that 80% of this is preventable. People like Dr. Jurkunas could help slow this down.

Dr. Jurkunas is a researcher at the Harvard Medical School’s Center for Cornea Research. The cornea is the clear, hard part of the eye, through which light enters. To function ideally, the cornea must be clear, smooth and well hydrated (lots of water). Most of the water is contained in the complex, protective tear film that overlies the cornea and the sclera (white part). The tear film is the main refractor of light into the eye and retina.

Dr. Jurkunas agreed with Sharon’s assertion that “good hydration equals good vision.”

Sharon asked about dry eye and the environment. Dr. Jurkunas replied that the environment is very hazardous to the eyes and that the cornea is the most vulnerable part of the eye. With too little water in the tear film over the cornea, it becomes irritated, vision becomes blurry and corneal ulcers may form. This can happen to anyone but especially the elderly.

Corneal stem cells are formed on the surface of the sclera and in the corneal epithelium (membrane over the cornea). They are critical to keeping the cornea healthy and clear but they can become depleted or impaired. Causes may be overuse of contact lenses, infection, allergies, chemical burns and immunological disorders. There is currently no treatment for this.

Dr. Jurkunas’ research involved removing stem cells from the mouth and conjunctiva (meaty corner of the eye), or from the good eye, growing them in culture and transplanting them to the affected cornea. Older people with severe vision loss due to corneal damage are the best candidates. It will not help macular degeneration. This procedure is in limited clinical trial and will not be routine for a while.

Regarding computers: Excessive computer use tends to reduce blink rate and therefore effect tear film hydration. Best is to correct this before it becomes serious.

Regarding cataracts and macular degeneration: Eat foods and nutrition supplements high in antioxidants. Also, protect your eyes from UV light. Children should wear wrap around sunglasses. Sharon observed that the sun is the eyes’ worst enemy.

Regarding sleep: Sleep rejuvenates the tear film and cornea to heal up irritation and damage occurring during the day.

Regarding China: There is a lot more dry eye disease and eye infections in China because air pollution is much worse.

Read the original article