January 17, 2023 - Eye Exercise Protocols
In this article, I discuss the relationship between our eye health and these power centers called Mitochondria.
What are Mitochondria?
Mitochondria are organelles found in all eukaryotic cells, including those in the brain and eyes. They are known as the “powerhouses” of the cell because they produce the majority of the cell’s energy through a process called cellular respiration.
In the brain, mitochondria are essential because they provide power to neurons, which are the cells that transmit signals throughout the nervous system. In the eyes, mitochondria are crucial for adequately functioning the retina, which is responsible for converting light into electrical signals sent to the brain. Mitochondrial dysfunction links to several neurological and ocular disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and age-related macular degeneration. Therefore, maintaining mitochondria through a healthy lifestyle and diet is essential for overall brain and eye health.
Mitochondria are organelles found in the cells of all living organisms. They are responsible for producing the energy needed for the cell’s functions, including the brain and eye. In the brain, mitochondria play a crucial role in maintaining the health and function of neurons, the cells that transmit information in the brain. In the eye, they provide energy to the cells that make up the retina, responsible for sensing light and sending visual signals to the brain. Damage to or dysfunction of mitochondria in the brain or eye can lead to various health problems, including neurodegenerative diseases, retinal degeneration, and vision loss.
These powerhouses are responsible for generating most of the cell’s supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is a chemical energy source. In the brain and eyes, the high energy demands of neural and visual processing require large amounts of ATP, making the health and function of mitochondria vital in these tissues. Damage or dysfunction of mitochondria in the brain and eyes can lead to various neurological and ocular disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases and retinal degeneration. Some research suggests that certain nutrients, such as CoQ10, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids, may help support healthy mitochondrial function and potentially reduce the risk of some of these disorders.
They are significant in cells that require a lot of energy, such as brain and eye cells. In the brain, mitochondria provide power to nerve cells to support their function, including the transmission of signals. Mitochondria in the eyes give energy to cells that form images, such as the rods and cones in the retina. Mitochondrial dysfunction has links to several neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and also age-related eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration. Therefore, maintaining the health of mitochondria is vital for maintaining brain and eye health.
Red light therapy improves eye health by increasing blood flow to the retina, reducing inflammation, and potentially slowing or reversing age-related degeneration. It treats certain conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of red light therapy on eye health. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using red light therapy for eye-related issues.
Mitochondria function increases ATP using Red light therapy. ATP activates specific photoreceptors in the cells, such as those in the mitochondria, which respond to red and near-infrared light wavelengths. This activation leads to an increase in cellular energy production and overall improvement in cellular function. Additionally, research shows that red light therapy may also improve the role of the cell membrane, which can further support the health and part of the mitochondria.
Red light therapy increases mitochondrial function ), the primary energy source for cells. Red light increases the activation of photoreceptors in the mitochondria, which triggers a cascade of cellular signaling pathways that lead to increased energy production. Red light therapy may also improve the efficiency of the electron transport chain, which is the process by which the mitochondria generate ATP. Overall, the increase in ATP production and the efficiency of the electron transport chain can lead to improved cellular function and potentially provide therapeutic benefits for various conditions.
Additionally, red light therapy increases the known production of collagen, which helps to reduce inflammation and promote wound healing.
Red light absorbs through the skin. The mitochondria create a cascade of events that leads to an increase in the production of ATP. This increased energy production can improve the overall function of the mitochondria, which can lead to various benefits, such as improved skin health, reduced muscle, and joint pain, and improved wound healing.
Drusen are tiny yellow or white deposits on the retina, the part of the eye responsible for sensing light and sending visual signals to the brain. They are a common sign of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that can cause vision loss or blindness in older adults. Drusen may indicate a problem with the retina’s pigmented epithelial cells, which nourish the retina and help remove waste products. However, Drusen can also be benign and asymptomatic, and not all drusen lead to vision loss.
Drusen are tiny yellow or white deposits that can form under the retina, the light-sensitive layer of cells at the back of the eye. They are a common sign of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness in older adults. While some drusen may not cause any problems, larger or more numerous drusen can damage the retina and lead to vision loss. Drusen can be detected during a comprehensive eye exam and are a crucial factor in diagnosing early and intermediate AMD.
These small deposits of protein and fat that can form on the retina, the part of the eye that detects light and sends visual signals to the brain. The exact cause of drusen is not well understood, but they are believed to be a sign of aging and are more common in people over 60. Risk factors for developing drusen include a family history of the condition, high blood pressure, and smoking. Some studies have also suggested a link between drusen and poor nutrition, remarkably a diet low in fruits and vegetables.
Drusen are tiny yellow or white deposits that form on the retina and are a common sign of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). There is currently no cure for AMD, and treatment options for drusen are limited. However, a few treatments can help slow the progression of the disease and preserve vision.
- Vitamin and mineral supplements: The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) found that a combination of antioxidants and zinc may help slow the progression of AMD in people with intermediate or advanced stages of the disease.
- Anti-VEGF therapy: This treatment involves injecting drugs into the eye that block the formation of new blood vessels, which can help slow the progression of AMD.
- Laser therapy: In some cases, laser therapy shrinks or destroys abnormal blood vessels that form on the retina.
- Surgery: In advanced cases of AMD, a surgical procedure known as a retinal prosthesis may be used to restore some vision.
- Glen Jeffries’s research shows that another significant finding from Jeffrey Lab was that red light reduced drusen in the retina. Drusen is an accumulation of fatty cholesterol that can be deposited in the peripheral retina but can sometimes wreak havoc if the drusen accumulate in the macula.
Since the retina is heavily vascularized and needs many nutrients to stay healthy, drusen can occur as a byproduct of lowered ATP and an increase in ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species). The takeaway is that drusen reduced using the same red light therapy protocol.
To summarize: do the red-light treatment early in the day, at least the first 3 hours of waking. Remember to blink when looking through the red lens. Read Dr. Berne’s other blog: Red Light and Retinal Health. And after many months, I have developed my red-light therapy glasses! E-mail us: hello@drsamberne.com to receive a pair.