Diwali is a constant reminder of how grateful I am to my eyesight. There is really no other way to truly experience the beauty of light and fireworks.

Nothing scares the strongest of men as much as the thought of going blind.

As we cross over to our 40s, most of us will begin to experience marginal deterioration of vision…the blurriness, the inability to see from the corner of our eye (like we used to)- sometimes even impacting our driving reflexes, we even require brighter light and bigger font to read. My wakeup call came when I began noticing black spots or cobweb like strings in my vision. All these are initial signs of a gradual loss of vision classified under ‘Age Related Degeneration’. It could lead to almost 70% of loss of vision and the most terrifying part…it happens so gradually that you almost don’t see it coming!

We don’t know what causes it. Lenses cannot fix it. When you consult an ophthalmologist, the only solace you get is that you are not alone…its normal…it is just an age-related degeneration. While there are more invasive surgical options, most ophthalmologist do not recommend it, due to other complications involved in the procedure.

I wanted to do everything in my ability and power, that even gives me a remote chance of reversing or at the very least stopping further deterioration. All I did was to change a few eating habits, dug deep into the wonders of vitamins and minerals and cleared my body off some toxins. I did see marginal improvement within 3 months and some miraculous improvement within 6 months. If you are like me and want to do something, instead of just sitting around waiting for gradual blindness and helplessness to seep in, read on.

Can you tell if you have this problem?
Stare at the center of image below. Do you see the lines wavering or the black spot blurring out or absolutely vanishing?

Stare at a blank wall preferably painted white. Do you feel like you are seeing through shadows/blackspots or cobwebs lines?

Do you have diabetic retinopathy or know somebody who is battling gradual vision loss due to diabetes?
Here are some simple yet elegant tips to care for your eye in general and a huge ounce of advice to help reverse vision related degenerative process.

Nutritional Supplements: There are loads of multivitamins targeted specifically for the eyes. Make sure the ones you take have the following in the required quantity.
Vit C: your obvious first stop for vitamin choice. Post the pandemic era, I think Vit C supplements have taken a permanent stand in all our medicine cabinets. If it hasn’t, then its about time you made some space. Vit C prevents the blood vessels in the retina from breaking. For those with marginal degeneration 2000mg to 10,000mg of Vit C should be the daily dosage.

Magnesium: 300 to 500mg of Magnesium at bedtime will not only enhance blood flow to the eyes but also ensure comfortable bowl movement the next morning.

Vit E: Oxidation is what causes aging. Vit E keeps oxidation away from your eyes. An entire layer of your retina is made up of Alpha Tocopherol (a form of Vit E). This is exactly where macular degeneration begins. 800IU of daily intake of Vit E will prevent and even reverse the degeneration.

Vit B: any deficiency of any form of Vit B and your eyes will suffer. Make sure the multivitamin you take contains Vit B1,B2,B3,B5,B6,B12, Choline and Folic Acid.

Vit A: Most eye specialists recommend consuming 25,000IU of Vit A to protect your eyes.

Chromium: This wonder mineral has made huge difference in reversing early stage of macular degeneration and even cataracts. Chromium also enhances the absorption of Vit C in the body.

FOOD: You would be amazed to see the huge change in your energy levels and bowl movement just by consuming fresh vegetables and fresh meat (both…preferably organic). In fact, when you bite into organic non-GMO produce, is when you realize the veggies actually have a taste.
Consume in abundance carrots, green leafy veggies, yams, tomatoes, cabbage and cauliflower. Add almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and black eyed peas to your list of daily consumables. If you are tired of crunching carrots through the day, juice it…you will be able to consume a lot more. Make sure your juice doesn’t mix fruit and vegetables.

Garlic: Most people love garlic for its taste. Its time you loved it for the health it can add to your eyesight. 1 pod of garlic a day…and yes natural breath mints with it too!

Zeaxanthin and Lutein: aaha…those tongue twisting antioxidants found in the retina and macula of the eye, fight free radical damage…they are also found in saffron, corn, kale, spinach, egg yolks. They save your eyes and improve brain circulation. If not, you can find them in any supplement store online.

Herbal Extracts: Bromelain an extract from pineapple is fantastic to heal floaters in the eye. Grapeseed extract strengthens your retina. Asphalatus has been used for thousands of years by South African Bushmen to maintain healthy eyesight. Gingo-Biloba is an ancient cure known for enhancing circulation throughout the eye.

Sun Glasses: Using the right sunglasses protects your eye and prevents it from further damage. Those with macular degeneration or floaters in the eye, usually are extremely photo sensitive and experience severe headaches due to eye strain. Sunglasses come to your rescue here. Here’s how you should choose your sunglasses:

1. Pick the lenses that block UV-A and UV-B 100%.

2. While using the sun glasses, you should be able to identify green and red colored objects.

3. Focus on an object with straight lines like a door or a window. When you move your head while staring at the object, if the lines begin to look wiggly then there is some imperfection in the lenses of the pair you picked up.

4. When you try on the glasses and look into the mirror you should be able to see your own eyes.
Eyebath: Dip your face into a bowl filled with lukewarm water and rock salt. Open your eyes under water for about 30 seconds. Make a tea out of Fennel and wash your eye to slow down macular degeneration. It even slows down cataract.

Reflexology: There are some fabulous reflex points that enhance vision. Find a therapeutic reflexologist who can guide you through this process. I have seen reflexologists help even young children get rid of their glasses, with reflexology and eye exercises.

Liver Detox: Surprised? Oh yes…your liver and your eyes really are linked in many ways. In Chinese medicine, when the specialist considers treatment of the eye, they almost always begin with the evaluating the health of the Liver Meridian. Blurry vision, floaters in the eyes and dry eyes are all reflections of liver blood deficiencies…in other words toxic liver or more commonly termed

Fatty Liver. When you improve the health of your liver…it dramatically enhances your eyesight. Those who prefer the company of alcohol, this is probably the first step in protecting your eyes from further degeneration. For those harboring long spells of anger, the first organ that gets scarred is your liver, which in turn affects your eyesight. I strongly prescribe a periodic detox for your liver and for your emotionally state.

Remember, the body does not work as a series of parts in isolation, our body is a dynamically integrated living system. The health of your eyes are doorways to what the rest of your organs are experiencing.

Exhausted seeing the long list of recommendations for your eye health? Try evaluating the helplessness you would experience, as you maneuver through basic life activities, as you begin losing vision. As Ralph Emerson beautifully worded it, “The health of the eye seems to demand a horizon. We are never tired, so long as we can see far enough.”

Dr. Ashmita Boopathy Moturi
M.D (Alternative Medicine),
PhD. (Psychology)
M.S Medical Engineering
Director – Wishing Well Healthcare
Detox Specialist – NineO2 Detox and Wellness Center