Detached Retina

The cause of detached retina is not known. When vitamin E is deficient or when iron salts, which destroy this vitamin, are given to pregnant women, however, infants are often born prematurely and their retinas frequently become detached if they are exposed to an oxygen concentration greater than ordinary air. A few years ago, putting such babies in oxygen tents caused thousands to become permanently blind. This abnormality could be prevented by giving 150 milligrams of vitamin E daily starting immediately after birth or by breast milk, which supplies this vitamin. If vitamin E is inadequate, the essential fatty acids in the cells forming the walls of the capillaries in the retina--only one cell thick--are so harmed by oxygen that these cells disintegrate.

Studies of newborn kittens exposed to air with a high oxygen content show that the tiny blood vessels in the retina break down first and scars form afterward; as the scar tissue contracts, it pulls the retina away from the underlying part of the eye, forcing it to become detached. Since vitamin-E deficiencies are not uncommon, this same process may cause detached retina in humans.

Other Eye Abnormalities

A number of additional eye abnormalities can be influenced by nutrition. Blurred vision, produced in volunteers deficient in vitamins B6 and pantothenic acid, was quickly corrected when the vitamins were given.. Paralysis of muscles both inside and behind the eyes has been corrected by B vitamins, particularly vitamin Bl; and weaknesses in these muscles, crossed eyes, blurred vision, and double vision have been alleviated by taking vitamin E or liver and yeast. Vitamin C has been used successfully in stopping hemorrhages of the eyes; and retinal hemorrhages have cleared up after yeast and vitamins B2, C, E, and niacin amide were given. Retinitis occurs when the diet is low In protein45 and has been corrected by a high-protein diet.

Infections of the eyes call for the same dietary improvements as any other infection. I have worked with a few persons who had such severe eye infections that their physicians had recommended removal of their eyes to prevent the brain from becoming involved. In each case recovery occurred a few days after large amounts of vitamin C were taken around the clock with an adequate high-protein diet.

Protruding eyes are characteristic of people and animals alike deficient in vitamin E. They are a commonly recognized symptom of toxic thyroid, which may in part be caused by a vitamin-E deficiency.

When eye surgery is unavoidable, the preparation should be the same as that for any major operation. All nutrients that speed healing, give protection from stress, and prevent hemorrhages and scarring should be particularly emphasized.

Emotional Factors

There are times when persons can no longer bear to look at situations life has forced upon them. Totally without their awareness, the unconscious mind often arranges to "solve" such a problem by the same method a child uses when he closes his eyes to prevent seeing something intolerable. In such cases, any abnormality that can cause blindness may "purposely" be produced.

About The Author
David Crawford is the CEO and owner of a Male Enhancement Reviews company known as Male Enhancement Group which is dedicated to researching and comparing male enhancement products in order to determine which male enhancement product is safer and more effective than other products on the market. Copyright 2010 David Crawford of Natural Male Enhancement This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.