Eye Care for Aging Baby Boomers

Is it Natural to Need Reading Glasses? -- No, It's NOT!

TYPICALLY the need for reading glasses comes on in the 40s or 50s. This is the symptom. The common cause of this is a loss of flexibility in the eye's lens. We know several things about this process now, however. The fact that it is a common occurrence does not mean that it cannot be treated IF IT IS CAUGHT SOON ENOUGH. Equally important is that the process of decline is also associated with the development of cataracts and general declines in overall health, so one basic treatment helps the body's overall health. (Note that there might possibly be other problems, and consulting with a physician is always wise where critical health concerns are an issue).

A shortage of the amino acid L-glutathione is the primary culprit in the eye decline noted above. Glutathione slows down the breakdown of DNA within the lens. It protects certain proteins in the lens from oxidizing. It aids in the transport of calcium, potassium, and sodium into the lens. Declines in these are all contributors to the decline in the health of the lens, its increasing rigidity, and the develoment of cataracts.

What is to be Done?

Supplementation of L-glutathione will resolve the problem -- if done soon enough after the decline in vision is noted. Increasing the glutathione level in the eye may actually restore some flexibility. However, if the lens is too rigid, reversing the damage is not possible. At least, though, further decline and develoment of cataracts may be prevented.

A complete course of supplementation should include something like the following:

(1) A daily dose of 500 mg. of L-glutathione (or 500-600 mg. of N-acetylecysteine, a precursor of L-glutathione).

(2) Be sure that you are also getting selenium (a trace mineral) since it is necessary for the successful operation of glutathione.

(3) Take at least 1000 mg. of vitamin C daily, since it helps in recycling glutathione.

Note also that you can obtain L-glutathione from natural sources, particularly the cruciferous vegetables -- Brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, bok choy, horseradish, watercress, mustard, turnips, kohlrabi, and rutabagas. Also note that if you obtain a source of DL-glutathione, only half of it is the usable form L-glutathione.

[This suggested supplementation regimen comes from Dr. David G. William's newsletter "ALTERNATIVES", pg. 156, 1997. To subscribe to it, contact Mountain Home Publishing, 2700 Cummings Ln, Kerrville, TX 78028; phone (210) 367-4492. This website has no commercial connection with this publication.]