Getting older has its challenges, for sure. First the memory starts to go, and now you're squinting to identify a friend across the street, fumbling for reading glasses every time you try to settle down to a good book—or worse, you've developed cataracts. Most of us take for granted that deteriorating sight is an inevitable part of the aging process, but if we take steps as soon as possible we can reduce the effects of age-related eye disease www.alternativemedicine.com Eating vegetables like spinach and broccoli that are rich in the antioxidant lutein www.alternativemedicine.com, deep orange and yellow vegetables like carrots that are rich in beta-carotene and fish high in DHA, an essential fatty acid will lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration. Onions and garlic contain sulfur, which helps the body form glutathione, an antioxidant that protects the lens from cataracts. Studies also show that olive oil and taking a B-complex vitamin supplement greatly reduces your chances of getting cataracts. Now, if you could just remember where you put your glasses...

"Eye exercises are part of an overall program of eye health," says Mark Grossman, O.D., an optometrist and licensed acupuncturist in New Paltz, N.Y., and author of Magic Eye Beyond 3D: Improve Your Vision (Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2004). They won’t take away the need for glasses or contacts, or prevent or cure eye disease, but they will improve circulation to the eyes and increase eye muscles�?adaptability and flexibility.

Do these exercises several times a day, especially when you’re reading or using the computer.

1. Palming - Rub your hands together, then cup your palms over your closed eyes, forming a tight but not uncomfortable seal. Keep your palms in place from 30 seconds to three minutes.

2. Near-far focus - Hold your index finger 6 to 8 inches in front of your nose. Look at your finger for two breaths, then look across the room for two breaths.

3. Framing - Place your index finger on your nose, vertically, then move it 6 inches away. Now, focus on an object 10 feet away, such as a lamp. When you look at your finger, you should see two of the distant object, one on either side of the finger. Now, look at the distant object. You should see two fingers, one on each side of the distant object. Shift focus back and forth between finger and distant object as fast as you can, but still allowing your eyes time to focus at each distance.
-Julia Van Tine

If you’re worried about your eyesight, now’s the time to take a little extra precaution. Studies have shown that DHA slows the risk of age-related vision problems. Equally important, we think, is the newest study showing women who increase their intake of DHA during pregnancy (400 mg daily) have more DHA in their breast milk and can help improve their baby’s eye sight. Try NOW’s MaxEPA Fish Oil Concentrate www.nowfoods.com, which is a combo of EPAs and DHAs. You can order it on their website, which has loads of information about the health benefits of DHA.

From: The Alternative Medicine E-Newsletter | Week of Friday August 4, 2006