Seeing is believing

I started having trouble reading and watching TV a year ago. For a while I need binoculars to watch TV, until my optometrist gave me glasses. He diagnosed macular degeneration and a cataract, both in my right eye. He said the other eye is OK but I think it is getting blurry. Can you help? I’m on Tamoxifen (had surgery for breast cancer 4 years ago) and Fosamax (for osteoporosis). I have no other health problems.

First, let me describe these eye conditions. Cataracts are opacity of the liquid within the lens. Macular degeneration involves the centre of the retina (the fovea), corresponding to loss of central vision. I looked up Tamoxifen in the Drug Information Handbook, to check for side effects involving the eye. Under Tamoxifen:
“Adverse reactions
1% to 10%
Ocular: Ophthalmologic effects (visual acuity changes, cataracts, or retinopathy), corneal opacities”

The list of side effects for Fosamax does not show eye problems.

It is unusual to have a cataract and macular degeneration (a type of retinopathy) in one eye. Tamoxifen may be the cause. Please discuss with your oncologist ASAP. He has other drugs for reducing the likelihood of breast cancer recurrence, and switching to one of them should not be a problem.

You need a vigorous program for eye regeneration. Some ways to do this:

A mix of herbs selected for the following properties:

  • nourish and protect the retina
  • increase blood flow to the eyes
  • reduce excessive blood thickness
  • reduce spasming of the optic arteries thus normalizing blood flow
  • provide bioflavonoids that nourish the optic arteries and veins.

    • Avoid fast carbohydrates and sugars. A diet high in these raise blood sugar levels which has a particularly inimical effect on the eyes. Eat lots of blueberries and cranberries – fresh, dried, juice or concentrate. Be sure they have little or no sugar or fructose etc. These berries are rich in flavonoids that are particularly beneficial for the eyes.

    Supplements that nourish or protect various eye tissues include Vitamin E, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), taurine, lipoic acid, B-complex vitamins, lutein, zeaxanthein, zinc and selenium.

    Hydrotherapy, consisting of alternating hot and cold compresses, to both eyes, to stimulate circulation.

    Acupuncture, with adjacent and distant points specific for the eyes.

    My reply is intended not as a guide with specific steps, but to show you ways to proceed.

    These steps are intended to stop and reverse eye degeneration. The commitment of a few months is needed. You could see your optometrist (the same one for consistency in testing) in 2 or 3 months to track progress.

    Think of this problem as one that requires a team of professionals: the oncologist, the optometrist, and the doctor that specializes in natural medicine.