Some exciting eye health advances have hit the news within the past couple of weeks, with a couple of surprising ways to protect your sight!

Researchers at the Hong Kong Eye Hospital have found the Green tea could help in the prevention of the eye disease Glaucoma. Glaucoma leads to loss of peripheral vision due to excess production or inadequate drainage of fluid within the eye. This leads to an increase in pressure within the eyeball, which damages the Optic nerve. The study examined Rat’s eyes, where it was found that catechins, active constituents in green tea, are absorbed by the eye. This helped to protect against oxidation, the cause of some eye diseases.

A test that can be purchased and used at home can help patients to find out their risk of Age Related Macular Degeneration. This eye disease leads to loss of central vision and fine detail. The kit uses a small saliva sample for analysis, which is then checked and a full report issued. A free counselling service is also offered, with suggestions to protect against and prevent ARMD.

For sufferers of ARMD, research has proven that Saffron can reverse the disease. Saffron is a spice used as a colouring in Spanish and Indian cuisine, which derives from Crocus Savitus flowers. Pound for pound it can cost more than Gold, due to the vast quantities of delicate filaments needed to make a pound of Saffron. It is a well known anti-oxidant and is presently used to treat cancer and depression. It encourages oxygen flow, and in the eye affects fat storage to make the cells of the retina more resilient to damage. Patients on the trial showed a reversal of symptoms while taking the Saffron, and researchers are now working on finding the optimum dosage.