We all know that stress can be a major hindrance to our daily lives, but did you know that it can also harm our eye health? A new study from the University of California, Irvine, suggests stress is an important component of retinal ganglion cell death in glaucoma, as it causes damage similar to aging.
Aging is a universal process that can affect all cells in an organism. However, in the eye, it can be a major risk factor for a group of neuropathies called glaucoma. With an increase in aging worldwide, current estimates show that the number of people over the age of 40 will increase to over 110 million in 2040.
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The study published in Aging Cell showed how stress, such as intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation in the eye, can cause the retinal tissue to undergo changes similar to natural aging. In young retinal tissue, researchers found that repetitive stress induces features of accelerated aging.
Long-term IOP fluctuation has previously been a strong predictor of glaucoma progression. This new study helps to show that the cumulative impact of the IOP fluctuations is directly responsible for the aging of the tissue.
“Our work emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and prevention as well as age-specific management of age-related diseases, including glaucoma,” said researcher Dorota Skowronska‐Krawczyk, Ph.D.
“The epigenetic changes we observed suggest that changes on the chromatin level are acquired in an accumulative way following several instances of stress. This provides us with a window of opportunity for the prevention of vision loss, if and when the disease is recognized early.”
Eye aging is inevitable as we age. However, as this study shows, an aging retina can be caused by repetitive stress. With new tools to estimate the impact of stress on the aging status of retinal tissue, experts can now measure the epigenetic age of retinal tissue and use it to find the optimal strategy to prevent vision loss in aging.
The Effects of Stress
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Stress can take a toll on various parts of the body, including the eyes. It can also affect the brain, affecting concentration, memory, and overall brain function. The Smart Pill can help counteract these effects through nine ingredients that help support, nourish, and maximize brain health and cognitive function. These include ginkgo biloba, huperzine A, bacopa extract, rosemary extract, and a B vitamin complex. This unique formula helps boost circulation, fight free radicals, and help to promote clear thinking and mental health.
As this research proves, it is vital to take steps to ensure vision is kept as healthy as possible as you age. One of the primary causes of age-related vision loss is low levels of lutein and zeaxanthin. These natural pigments have been shown to protect the eye from oxidative damage caused by ultraviolet light and environmental factors. Some of the best sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, but it is challenging to get enough of these pigments from diet alone.
20/20 Vision contains 20 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin to help give your eyes the nutritional support they require. In addition to those two ingredients, this unique formula contains various vitamins, minerals, and herbal ingredients to help support and maximize vision and eye health.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
