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1. Learn how to stop smoking in 1 week!

(retail price was $19.99)
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17 Essential Nutrients

This information is brought to you by our sponsor, Rebuild Your Vision.

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The following list is in alphabetical order and not in any order of importance...

Essential Nutrient #1: Alpha-Lipoic Acid

2006 may as well have been the "Year of the Antioxidant." The latest research has discovered these substances, which prevent or impede cell oxidation (destruction) by free radicals, in everything from red wine to blueberries to chocolate - and now, red meat.

Red meat is the richest food source of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), which has been called the "universal," "ideal," and "ultimate" antioxidant. According to the UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, "What makes ALA special as an antioxidant is its versatility - it helps deactivate an unusually wide array of cell-damaging free radicals in many bodily systems."

ALA also helps "recycle" vitamins C and E and other antioxidants, thus making them much more effective.

ALA is thought to be a powerful weapon in the fight against the oxidative stress we encounter as we age. The incidence of eye problems such as macular degeneration, cataracts and pterygium (a fleshy growth on the cornea that can impede vision) increase dramatically as we age due to free-radical damage from factors such as smoking, poor nutrition, and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.

Essential Nutrients #2 & #3: Bilberry and Bioflavonoids

Bilberry is thought to improve night vision. A close relative of the cranberry, bilberry is high in a certain type of bioflavonoid that speeds the regeneration of rhodopsin, the purple pigment used by the eyes' rods. British air force pilots in World War II ate bilberry jam to improve their night vision during evening sorties.

Bilberry fruits, found in the forest meadows of Europe, western Asia, and the northern Rocky Mountains, contain flavonoid compounds called anthocyanidins.

Flavonoids are plant pigments that have excellent antioxidant properties; they have been shown to help prevent a number of long-term illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss and legal blindness in Americans age 65 and older, according to the eye-health organization Prevent Blindness America.

Essential Nutrient #4: Chromium

Dr. Benjamin C. Lane, O.D., from the Nutritional Optometry Institute in New Jersey, says, “Americans are getting less chromium and much more of its major antagonist, vanadium (a trace element) because of recent dietary trends to large marine fish and poultry.”

In numerous tissue testing and diet assessment studies that Dr. Lane has performed over the past twenty years he has found that “low levels of chromium are a major risk factor for increased intraocular pressure.” Chromium plays a large role in muscle contraction which is why this occurs when deficiencies are present.

And yet another negative effect of near-point activities like computer use, Dr. Lane reports that “the set of muscles we use more than ever before, are those that help focus our eyes.”He has conducted several studies that have shown that straining to focus over a period of time, does in fact increase intraocular pressure. But with proper amounts of chromium in your diet, focusing may be easier and less stressful to your eyes.

The body does not make chromium naturally, so it must be obtained through your diet. The best sources of chromium are beef, liver, eggs, chicken, oysters, wheat germ, green peppers, apples, bananas, and spinach.

Essential Nutrient #5: Copper Gluconate

Copper is an essential trace element that is required for the proper formation of collagen, a component of the connective tissues. It is found in various foods, including organ meats (especially liver), seafood, beans, nuts, and whole grains.

Copper gluconate, a readily absorbable form of copper, is one of the most important blood antioxidants, helping to keep cell membranes healthy and aiding red blood cells to produce hemoglobin.

Since the function of the blood is to carry oxygen and other nutrients, poor circulation causes decreased oxygen delivery - and subsequent damage - to tissues in different parts of the body; some of the most sensitive tissues to decreased blood flow and oxygen delivery include the brain, the heart, the kidneys, and the eyes. Over time, vision loss can occur.

Essential Nutrient #6: Eyebright

Eyebright has been used for centuries to treat eye irritation. Its Greek name, Euphrasia, comes from Euphrosyne, one of the three Graces, who was distinguished for her joy and mirth. The name is thought to have been given the plant because of its valuable properties as an eye medicine that preserved eyesight and so brought gladness into the life of the sufferer.

Eyebright is an antioxidant herb. Its antibiotic and astringent properties tighten membranes and mucus surrounding the eyes, effectively strengthening and improving circulation. Rich in vitamins A and C, eyebright also contains tannins that are beneficial for reducing inflammation.

Essential Nutrient #7: Ginkgo Biloba

The ginkgo is the oldest living tree species, growing on earth for 150-200 million years. No surprise, then, that it's one of the most well-researched herbs in the world. Studies have confirmed that ginkgo, a powerful antioxidant:

• Increases blood flow to the retina.
• Can slow retinal deterioration which results in an
  increase of visual acuity.

Retinal damage has a number of potential causes, including diabetes and macular degeneration. Studies suggest that gingko may help preserve vision in those with macular degeneration.

Essential Nutrient #8: Glutathione

Glutathione is an amino acid that protects the tissues surrounding the lens of the eyes. According to Web MD, "It also has potentially widespread health benefits because it can be found in all types of cells, including the cells of the immune system, whose job is to fight disease."

Numerous studies link glutathione with the prevention of cataracts, glaucoma, retinal disease, and diabetic blindness. Foods that increase glutathione levels include sulfur-rich foods such as garlic, eggs, asparagus, and onions, and glutathione-rich foods such as watermelon, asparagus, and grapefruits.

Essential Nutrient #9: Lutein (containing Zeaxanthin)

Lutein, found in our retinas, is essential for healthy vision. Lutein and a related dietary carotenoid, zeaxanthin (see entry below), accumulate within the retina and imbue a yellow pigment that helps protect the eye.

It lowers the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration (low lutein intake is implicated as a risk factor in age-related macular degeneration), and may also help to prevent or slow down atherosclerosis.

Lutein is found in the red, orange, and yellow pigments of fruits and vegetables; for example, tomatoes, carrots, and squash. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach also contain high amounts of lutein.

Clinical research has determined that lutein along with zeaxanthin are two naturally occurring carotenoids present in the macular segment of the retina.

The concentration of these two is so high in the macula (the retinal region responsible for fine visual activities), that the carotenoids are visible as a dark yellow spot, called the macular pigment, in normal, healthy retinas. They act like sunglass filters to protect the eye.

Research performed at Harvard Medical School has established that dietary zeaxanthin plays an essential role in protecting the retina of the eye from the damaging effects of light.

Epidemiologic studies have shown that people with higher lutein/zeaxanthin levels have reduced risk for advanced stages of macular degeneration.

Blue-eyed individuals need more lutein and zeaxanthin because they have less of these protective pigments in their retinas. Again, dark, leafy greens are the dietary winner here, along with corn, nectarines, oranges, papaya and squash.

Essential Nutrient #10: N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

NAC is an amino acid similar in structure to cysteine, a building block of proteins. In our body, NAC helps stimulate the production of antioxidants by replenishing the body's levels of glutathione (see entry above).

NAC is thought to both stave off disease and play an important role in boosting the immune system.

Essential Nutrient #11: Quercetin

Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant, as well as a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory. It is a citrus bioflavonoid, a natural substance that helps protect capillaries, prevent bruising, and intensify the effect of vitamin C in the body - in fact, bioflavonoids are essential for total vitamin C effectiveness.

In a study of adults with symptoms of macular degeneration, moderate red wine consumption (a source of quercetin) offered some protection against the development and progression of the disease.

Dark berries, such as blueberries, blackberries, and cherries, are also high in flavonoids. Animal studies suggest that quercetin inhibits the activity of compounds that contribute to the development of cataracts.

Essential Nutrient #12: Rutin

Another bioflavonoid, rutin, is found in many plants, especially the buckwheat plant, the flour of which is used to make pancakes. Other rich dietary sources of rutin include black and green tea, and citrus fruits.

Rutin is considered to be an important nutritional supplement because of its ability to strengthen capillaries. The American Journal of Ophthalmology notes that rutin has been used with success to treat retinopathy in preliminary research.

Essential Nutrient #13: Selenium

Selenium is a trace mineral that our bodies need to boost immunity and fight off infections. It can also help prevent cataracts and macular degeneration by acting as an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals that can damage the eye's lens and macula; studies have identified low selenium levels in cataract sufferers.

Selenium also helps your body to absorb vitamin E. Fish, shellfish, red meat, grains, eggs, chicken, liver, and garlic are all good sources of selenium, as well as brewer's yeast and wheat germ.

Essential Nutrient #14: Vitamin A

Vitamin A is absolutely essential for eye and vision health. In our bodies, vitamin A is required by the retina for its proper functions - in fact, one of the two sources of dietary vitamin A goes by the name "retinoids."

The other source is carotenoids, obtained from fruits and vegetables containing yellow, orange, and dark green pigments, including that old standby, beta-carotene. When Mom told you to eat your carrots for good vision, she wasn't kidding!

Vitamin A is necessary for the production of rhodopsin, the visual pigment used in low light levels. One of the causes of night blindness is vitamin A deficiency; supplements of that vitamin are often recommended for those with poor night vision, along with a diet emphasizing Vitamin A-rich foods, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, mangoes, spinach, and cantaloupe.

Vitamin A also helps:

• Your eyes adjust to light changes
  
  
• Moistens the eyes, which can enhance visual acuity
  
  
• It has been shown to prevent the forming of cataracts
  
  
• It has been shown to help prevent blindness from macular degeneration.

Essential Nutrient #15: Vitamin C

Vitamin C's importance as an antioxidant cannot be overstated. The Web site All About Vision even calls this vitamin the "Vision Superhero"!

Vitamin C has been linked to the prevention of cataracts - one study has shown that taking 300 to 600 mg supplemental vitamin C reduced cataract risk by 70 percent - the delay of macular degeneration, and eye pressure reduction in glaucoma patients.

It's an interesting fact that, while most animals produce their own vitamin C, we humans do not have that ability. In addition, we can't store this vitamin in our bodies for very long, so it needs to be constantly replenished to obtain its benefits.

Most of us think of orange juice as the quintessential source of vitamin C, but many vegetables are actually even richer sources: chili peppers, sweet peppers, kale, parsley, collard, and turnip greens are full of vitamin C, as are broccoli, Brussels sprouts, watercress, cauliflower, cabbage, and strawberries.

Essential Nutrient #16: Vitamin E

Because of its antioxidant action, vitamin E helps protect against cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. A clinical study has showed that taking vitamin E can cut the risk of developing cataracts in half. Another study also showed that the combination of vitamins C and E had a protective effect against UV rays.

Symptoms of vitamin E deficiency include muscle weakness, loss of muscle mass, abnormal eye movements, and impaired vision.

Uveitis, an inflammation of the middle layer (uvea) of the eye, is another disorder for which the antioxidant vitamins C and E may be helpful. The uvea contains many of the blood vessels that nourish the eye; inflammation of this area can affect the cornea, the retina, the sclera, and other important parts of the eye.

The richest source of vitamin E is wheat germ. Dark green leafy vegetables (such as spinach, kale, and collard greens), sweet potatoes, avocado, asparagus, and yams are also good sources of vitamin E.

Essential Nutrient #17: Zinc

Our eyes actually contain the greatest concentration of zinc in our body. This essential element is required for the conversion of beta-carotene into vitamin A. Oysters contain more zinc per serving than any other food, but red meat and poultry provide the majority of zinc in the American diet.

This information is brought to you by our sponsor, Rebuild Your Vision.

The Ocu-Plus Formula is a proprietary blend of 17 of the highest grade nutrients that research has shown are essential in improving the clarity of your eyesight and protecting your visual system. Specifically designed to Improve Your Vision Health, Prevent Cataracts, Restore The Clarity Of Your Eyesight, Improve Macular Degeneration, and Prevent Glaucoma.

The Rebuild Your Vision Ocu-Plus Formula not only contains all
17 of the vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements that are essential to healthy vision, but these nutrients are a "grade 2a pharmaceutical" which means your body can process and use these nutrients more effectively.

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7 Common Things That Rapidly Deteriorate Your Vision

Here is a little something that I've received with my subscription to Rebuild Your Vision and I want to share them with you.

This information is brought to you by our sponsor, Rebuild Your Vision.

Click Here to go to see what our sponsor has to say.

Exclusive Report: "7 Common Things That Rapidly Deteriorate Your Vision"

"7 Essential Vision Improvement Techniques" is taught in the Rebuild Your Vision program. These 7 techniques are simple yet incredibly powerful ways that you can help save your eyesight from further deterioration!

Let's get started...

#1: Wearing Glasses or Contacts

Some highly respected doctors have stated the following about the continued use of glasses and contacts:

"Minus lenses are the most common approach, yet the least likely to prevent further myopic (nearsighted) progression. Unfortunately, they increase the near-point stress that is associated with progression."

-B. May, OEP Publications

"The emphasis on compensatory lenses has posed a problem for many years in our examinations. These lenses do not correct anything and may not serve the patient in his best interests over a period of time."

-CJ. Forkiortis, OEP Curriculum

"Single-vision minus lenses for full-time use produce accommodative insufficiency associated with additional symptoms until the patient gets used to the lens. This is usually accompanied by a further increase in myopia and the cycle begins anew."

-M.H. Birnbaum, Review of Optometry.

Now, glasses are a great fix for many people, but the fact is they are a crutch. Glasses do not repair your vision. They simply put a band-aid over the condition.

Have you ever gone in for an eye-exam and had the doctor say: "great news, your vision improved another 2 diopters. Looks like you need a lower prescription."

I didn't think so!

Glasses are a "prescription," and like any prescription drug, they can be abused. You must learn how to use your glasses as a tool to help rehabilitate your eyesight, rather than continue to contribute to its deterioration.

#2: Reading

Yes, reading a book, newspaper, or anything up close can make your vision permanently worse!

"Myopia" or nearsightedness (the inability to see distant objects clearly) now affects more than 30% of the U.S. population.

The leading cause of its progression: "Near-Point Stress" - a condition that's highly preventable.

Although most of the time you don’t feel the damage being done, I'm sure you've felt near point stress. It’s the pain and discomfort in your eyes after hours of reading, studying, or any prolonged close vision activity.

The American Optometric Association defines the cause of nearsightedness as follows:

"There is also growing evidence that nearsightedness may be caused by the stress of too much close vision work. It normally first occurs in school age children. Since the eye continues to grow during childhood, nearsightedness generally develops before age 20..."

-American Optometric Association

Here it is - plain as vanilla - the American Optometric Association telling you that too much close vision work causes over 30% of the U.S. population to wear glasses.

Think about everyone you know that wears glasses or contacts (for distance vision). These people very likely:

• Are educated (lots of studying = near point stress).
  
  
• Have a job that requires a lot of time on the computer (another near point stress).
  
  
• Or, may simply be intently focused individuals who engage themselves in a project, book, or video game for hours upon hours without ever looking up. (Any prolonged near point activity can cause near point stress).

Close vision work is now a part of our daily lives. We cannot change that.

But...

You don’t need to eliminate close vision work to eliminate near point stress and its associated effects! You simply need to learn how to do close vision work properly - something most people will never bother to do.

#3: Aging

This is as inevitable as the sun rising in the morning. You can't stop aging, but you can prevent the negative (and sometimes downright cruel!) effects that it causes.

When you age, the internal components of your eye become stiff and rigid, losing their flexibility. These components are responsible for focusing the images that enter your eye.

Because they become stiff and rigid, they cannot fully focus as they did when you were younger. Suddenly everything within an arm's length becomes blurry and you're rewarded with your first pair of reading glasses.

The bad news is it only gets worse with time!

The good news is you can do something to prevent it and improve upon it.

What would you do if the muscles in your legs became so stiff that you couldn't walk or run?

You would stretch them of course!

The same principle applies to the components inside your eye. All they need is to regain the flexibility they once had.

This is easily achieved through specially designed optical exercises that are actually pretty fun and very easy to do!

#4: Using the Computer

Computer Vision Syndrome is reported to effect 50% - 90% of all computer users. Its symptoms include:

	Headaches
	Focusing Difficulties
	Burning Eyes
	Tired Eyes
	General Eyestrain
	Aching Eyes
	Dry Eyes
	Double Vision
	Blurred Vision
	Light Sensitivity
	Neck and Shoulder Pain

The treatment of these symptoms represents more than 2 billion dollars to the optical industry every year.

And, prolonged computer use without incorporating some simple viewing habits into your life can cause permanent damage to your distant vision.

Every hour you spend on the computer can contribute to vision loss. Computer use causes "near-point stress," and the permanent effects of it. Not to mention many other things such as decreased blink rates and insufficient tear flow which leads to dry, burning eyes.

Protect Yourself From Vision Loss Caused By Computer Use With: "The 10-10-10 Rule" Here we reveal to you one example of a simple way you can eliminate near point stress associated with reading, watching television, and computer use. This rule could save your eyesight from ever deteriorating again! Every time you are performing close vision work for over 10 consecutive minutes, look up and focus on anything that is at least 10 feet away, for at least 10 seconds. 10-10-10... Incorporate this technique into everything you do up close. This will allow your internal "ciliary muscle" to expand for a few seconds and relieve the near-point stress. This technique, along with a few more simple ones just like it will help to save your vision for years to come! The Vision Defense Software (included in the Rebuild Your Vision Progam) helps to remind you to perform the 10-10-10 rule and other simple habits to prevent near-point stress and Computer Vision Syndrome!

#5: Lack of Proper Nutrients

Proper nutrients are essential to a healthy, long life. Just the same, your eyes require certain nutrients to maintain clear eyesight and proper operation.

Click here to check out our "17 Essential Nutrients" page!

#6: Squinting or Straining to See

Internal muscular stresses put upon your visual system are a major cause of vision problems. Have you ever tried to read in dim light or tried to see something very small by squinting your eyes? These simple viewing habits create a stress upon your eyes that can cause tension, headaches and irritated eyes.

Just a few specially designed optical exercises and relaxation techniques can relieve visual stress, relax the internal components of your eye, and strengthen the muscles responsible for focusing.

#7: Not Exercising Your Eyes

Just like your body, your eyes can be strengthened. Specially designed optical exercises can reverse the cycle of deterioration your eyes experience everyday, and dramatically improve the clarity of your vision.

Here’s how they work:

1.	Due to many stresses put upon the visual system, the use of glasses and contacts, and the natural aging process, your eyes can become weak and distorted, causing blurred vision.
2.	The Rebuild Your Vision Program is designed to strengthen and relax your eyes just as you would any other weak part of your body, improving your vision and helping you to see clearly -- naturally.
3.	This is easily achieved through a specific series of optical drills and eye exercises that done for 25 minutes a day stimulate integral components of the eye in a manner that would never be achieved through normal daily use.
4.	Within just a few weeks, even days, you'll start to notice improvements in your vision and your eyes will feel stronger. Things will begin to appear much crisper and sharper.
5.	Depending upon how bad your vision problems are it may take just one month or it may take many months to achieve your vision improvement goals.
6.	Once you've achieved your goals you can perform the exercises a couple times a month to maintain your improvements.
7.	You will also learn 8 special techniques in addition to the eye exercises that are essential in preventing further deterioration of your eyesight and preserving your vision for years to come.

These optical exercises stimulate the integral muscles of the eye in a manner that would never be achieved through normal daily use. These exercise can:

-	Improve your reading and close up vision that you've lost as you've gotten older.
-	Save you thousands of dollars on stronger glasses or contacts every year.
-	Improve your distance vision.
-	Prevent further vision loss year after year.
-	Reduce or eliminate the need for glasses and contacts.
-	Improve or completely restore your vision even if you suffer from: 1. Nearsightedness (blurry distant vision) 2. Farsightedness and Aging Vision (blurry near vision) 3. Astigmatism (blurry distant and near vision)
-	Improve your night vision.
-	Improve the overall health and function of your visual system.
-	Reduce or eliminate the damaging effects of computer use.

More ...

While the 10/10/10 rule and the information contained in this report are a good start to helping you take care of your eyesight, it will not reverse the cycle of deterioration your eyesight is now experiencing. If you don't take action to improve your eyesight - it's only going to get worse.

Did you learn a lot from this article? This is a piece of information I've received by subscribing to Rebuild Your Vision program.

You can stop the cycle of eyesight deterioration without glasses, surgery, or contacts by using special eye exercises and eyesight building techniques that worked for thousands of students that enrolled in this program.

You can learn all of these eye exercises and eyesight building techniques through the Rebuild Your Vision Program, which I will be signing up for lessons soon, and get rid of my glasses once and for all.

And right now they give you a FREE bottle of the Rebuild Your Vision Ocu-Plus Formula when you get the Rebuild Your Vision Program! So I think it is an awesome deal if you sign up sometime soon before this offer ends.

Click Here to go to see what our sponsor has to say.

Smoking and Vision

Smoking deteriorates your vision. A research published in Review of Optometry shows that smoking increases the risk of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Macular degeneration is the degeneration of central portion of the retina in your eye, which causes blurred vision.

(picture from from lighthouse.org)

Researchers connected the relationship between AMD and smoking by examining previous studies done on 1000 subjects (individuals) who were former smokers. Results showed that quitting smoking reduces the risk of Age-related Macular Degeneration and blindness [3]. Risks of getting AMD for current smokers relative to never-smokers were 4.55 times higher; these risks were approximately halved in ex-smokers, which suggests that adverse effects of smoking may be reversible[2]. Dr. Gerson, an optometrist at West Glen Eye Care & Omni Eye Center of Kansas city, agrees with this research by stating that smoking accelerates macular degeneration in an individual [1].

In addition, the lowered risk of AMD, due to discontinued purchase of tobacco, also lowers the cost and purchase of medical treatments and medication as a remedy for AMD; which in turn, would save $2.5 million dollars altogether for the 1000 individuals tested - that's $25,000 per person! So if a person uses a program that costs a whopping $200 or even more to cure his or her vision, this would be considered one of the smartest investments regarding how much money they will save (to buy their spouse something nice) in their lifetime.

In our download page, we are offering a free ebook:
"Learn to quit smoking in 1 week"

Click here to check it out!

Sources:
1. Gerson, Jeffry. "Nutrition and the Eye." Review of Optometry (17 Nov. 2008): 19-20. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. [Library name], [City], [State abbreviation]. 15 Jan. 2009 .\
2. Hurley, Susan F., Jane P. Matthews, and Robyn H. Guymer. "Cost-effectiveness of smoking cessation to prevent age-related macular degeneration." Cost Effectiveness & Resource Allocation 6 (Jan. 2008): 1-10. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. [Library name], [City], [State abbreviation]. 25 Jan. 2009 .
3. "Stop Smoking, Prevent AMD, And Save Money." Review of Optometry 145.10 (15 Oct. 2008): 12-12. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. [Library name], [City], [State abbreviation]. 25 Jan. 2009.

Introduction

Over 100 million Americans today wear some form of corrective lenses, whether they are glasses or contact lenses. They are frequently told from their optometrists that visual acuity is not curable and it naturally occurs as people age. Maybe they really do believe what they are saying; maybe they are trying to profit by selling you glasses, or maybe they just don't know better. The bad news about going to an optometrist is that most of them, yes there are exceptionally knowledgeable ones out there, are only trained to put corrective lenses on people with bad eyesight. This is their only solution for curing vision.

However, there are ways in which the eye can become healthier and improve visual acuity. By studying nutrition, exercises and researches made by scientists, we will examine just what causes the eye to lose its health and efficiency - that is the purpose of the creation and existence of this blog.

No, I am not a professional. I am not an optometrist, nor do I know too much about the eyes. I am just an ordinary university student on a journey to improve the health and the visual acuity of the two poor-sighted brown-eyeballs stuck in my head. While I venture out and study and find ways to cure the eyeballs, I would like to share my findings with you. Another reason why I am doing this is because my parents are getting as old (they call themselves wise) as they get, and they are slowly losing their vision. With this research I want to find ways that can prevent, if not reverse, the degeneration of the health of their eyes.

Please tune in every now and then to read and support this blog. I will be occasionally posting new findings that are relevant to this blog.
Maybe the information I will share may benefit your eyes too!