August 25, 2019 - Glaucoma
Hey folks, it’s Dr. Sam, and I received the really interesting question today.
There’s a woman who is suffering Drusen in her optic nerve, and she’s relating it partly to having some calcification in her teeth, this is what her dentist has told her, and that she’s clenching her teeth a lot. She’s very worried about the Drusen in her optic nerve. What can she do?
So Drusen and by itself is not an issue, but when it starts to impinge on the optic nerve or the macula then we have to pay attention. So Drusen is waste products, proteins, and lipids that can accumulate in the retina. I have found that there is a correlation between the development of Drusen and interferences with our immune system, and also that there is an inflammatory response going on in the retina.
So to unpack this I would say that number one, it’s very important that you boost your antioxidants. Now with the optic nerve, the optic nerve needs a lot of fats and oils, especially the DHA that we we get from Omega 3s. I also think like lutein and zeaxanthin and astaxanthin, you know those carotenoids, my preference is to get them through our foods – plant based foods, green leafy vegetables and the rainbow diet – really really important. Obviously things like sulfur rich foods and you know things that contain glutathione, very important for the optic nerve and the retina.
But on a deeper level because there is an immune system possible connection, I would take a look at what’s going on in the intestinal system, especially are we getting enough probiotics and prebiotic fiber? Anything to reduce inflammation in the gut and also improve our immune function. Obviously we know that the intestinal tract carries at least 70 percent of our neurological health.
Some other things to think about because this gal clenches her teeth there’s a reduction in circulation going on probably in the whole facial/jaw area – maybe even TMJ. So I would suggest finding a good osteopath craniosacral therapist and get regular craniosacral to start opening up the circulation in and around the face and the eyes. You know any way that you can improve the micro capillary circulation in the retina the better those mitochondria are producing the ATP. Then you’re able to get rid of waste products in the retina and in the eye itself. And increasing the micro capillary circulation whether through lymph drainage, craniosacral therapy, getting more exercise, reducing stress. These are all factors that are involved that reduce our micro capillary circulation, and this is where the Drusen in can start to increase and accelerate. But overall, if you start being proactive at the very least you can neutralize some of the development of the Drusen and so it stays away from these vulnerable areas like the macula and the optic nerve.
So I hope that’s helpful. That’s a great question. Thank you so much.