Visual Disturbances

Any type of abnormal visual problem. For example:

• Spots (floaters): These are a common adult complaint. The spots are a result of vitreous debris from the degeneration of the membranous attachment of the vitreous body to the optic nerve and retina early in life. The spots are worse in bright light and with Valsalva straining. Although potentially bothersome, they are without pathological significance.
• Retinal detachment: Usually from trauma to the head or eye, it is typically preceded by a shower of

sparks in one quadrant of the visual field, followed by the sensation of a curtain falling over the eye. Also manifests as a degenerative problem with aging.

• Scotomas: A (-) scotoma is a blind spot in the visual field. It can often be unnoticed by the patient unless it occurs in the central vision. A (+) scotoma is described as a light spot or scintillating flash and occurs as a response to abnormal stimulation of some portion of the visual system (e.g. during a migraine prodrome).
• Myopia (near-sightedness): This occurs as the visual image strikes in front of the retina due to an

elongated eyeball or excessive refractive power. The patient can see near objects but not far ones.

• Hyperopia (far-sightedness): This occurs as the visual image strikes behind the retina due to a

shortened eyeball or weak refractive power. It is the most common refractive error, and permits patients to see far objects but not objects that are near. Presbyopia is a hyperopia that occurs with advancing age as

the lens becomes less pliable.

• Astigmatism: Refraction of the eyeball is unequal in its different meridians.
• Anisometropia: A different refractive error in each eye.
• Strabismus (cross-eyes): Deviation of one eye from parallel view. If the condition is congenital, there

is no diplopia, as the vision in the deviated eye is suppressed by the brain. This suppression results in

amblyopia, which is reduced visual acuity. Correctable if caught early.

• Diplopia (double-vision): This can occur for a variety of reasons. It is often seen in acute

ophthalmoplegia and extraocular muscle palsies.

Refractive errors and astigmatism are treated with either corrective lenses or eye exercises to compensate. In almost all cases but the most severe (those who are considered ‘legally blind"), 20/20 vision can be recovered.

��etinal detachment is a medical emergency. Prompt surgery markedly improves prognosis.

Nutrients Involved

Vitamin A, B-complex (esp. vitamin B2), kelp, copper, zinc, calcium

Suggested Nutritional Supplementation

• Visio PlexTM - 8 capsules daily with food.

Nutrients and Herbs to Nourish the Eyes

• Thyrosol - 1-2 tablets 2 times daily on an empty stomach.

Nutritional support for thyroid function

• EPA-DHA Extra Strength - 2 softgels 2-3 times daily. (see EPA-DHA section in the appendix) Essential fatty acid support for optimal eye function.

Itchy Eyes Due to Contacts

• Glycogenics - 3 tablets daily with food. Homocystein/balanced B-complex formula
• HP 1 Pain & Inflammation Remedy - 4 tablets 3 times daily on an empty stomach.

A high quality, hand-made homeopathic formula, designed to relieve fever, swelling, pain, earaches,

dermatitis, poison oak, or bee stings

Dietary Suggestions

• FirstLine Therapy® Diet
• Increase foods rich in vitamin A and B-complex (blueberries, carrots, black beans)