Toxic Contact Lens Cleaner a Long-Term Problem

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Toxic Contact Lens Cleaner a Long-Term Problem

 

 

 

Several months ago, Bausch and Lomb recalled their multipurpose

contact lens solution ReNu with MoistureLoc after it was connected to

eye infections caused by the fusarium fungus.

 

Researchers had warned of the risks of solutions such as ReNu as many

as nine years ago, but manufacturers of contact lens cleaners,

particularly Bausch and Lomb, downplayed the concerns.

 

In the late '90s, a study showed that Bausch and Lomb's ReNu MultiPlus

did not kill potentially dangerous bacteria as well as other brands.

Bausch and Lomb contested the research, pointing to research they had

conducted themselves that contradicted the study's results.

 

Some researchers are now worried that some solution brands may damage

the surface of the eye, in a process called corneal staining. Studies

have also shown that multipurpose solutions can increase the binding

of bacteria to the cells of the cornea. And a 2005 study found that

lenses left soaking in ReNu with MoistureLoc could end up " covered

with what appeared to be fungus. "

The FDA has promised to re-evaluate its testing methods for contact

lens solutions.

 

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette July 26, 2006

 

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

 

So now contact lens wearers -- in addition to all of the daily hassles

of wearing contact lenses, and all of the costs (from solutions to

replacement contacts to check-ups) -- also have to worry about

bacterial infections and potential eye damage from the solutions.

 

Of all the five senses, most people would least want to lose their

sight. Eyes provide not only a window to the world, but also a means

to discovering new things.

 

There are, however, ways to keep your eyesight without recourse to

expensive -- and sometimes dangerous -- solutions like contact lenses

and glasses.

 

DHA

 

A fat found in fish called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may help protect

and promote healthy retinal function. DHA is concentrated in the eye's

retina and has been found to be particularly useful in preventing

macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness.

 

I don't recommend eating fish due to the concerns of mercury and other

toxins that have been found in fish from oceans, lakes and streams and

farm-raised fish. One of your best choices is a DHA-rich fish or krill oil

..

 

Get Plenty of Lutein

 

Lutein is a carotenoid found in vegetables and fruits. While

beta-carotene, another carotenoid, is commonly thought of as important

for vision health, lutein may be even more important.

 

Lutein, which is found in particularly large quantities in green,

leafy vegetables, acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from free

radical damage. If you eat a healthy diet, you should receive more

than enough lutein from the food you eat. Some excellent sources of

lutein include kale, collard greens, spinach, broccoli, brussels

sprouts and egg yolks, particularly raw egg yolks.

 

Egg yolks also have zeaxanthin, another carotenoid, in an equal amount

to lutein. Zeaxanthin is likely to be equally as effective as lutein

in protecting eyesight.

 

It is important to note that lutein is an oil-soluble nutrient, and if

you merely consume the above vegetables without some oil or butter you

can't absorb the lutein.

 

Eat Dark-Colored Berries

 

Not only do berries taste great, but also the compounds that give them

their dark color are great for your health. The European blueberry,

bilberry, is known to prevent and even reverse macular degeneration,

and bioflavonoids from other dark-colored berries including

blueberries, cranberries and others will also be beneficial.

 

They work by strengthening the capillaries that carry nutrients to eye

muscles and nerves.

 

Avoid Trans Fat

 

A diet high in trans fat appears to contribute to macular

degeneration. Trans fat may interfere with omega-3 fats in your body,

which are extremely important for your eye health. Trans fat is found

in many processed foods and baked goods, including margarine,

shortening, fried foods like french fries, fried chicken and

doughnuts, cookies, pastries and crackers.

 

How You Can Toss Out Your Contacts or Glasses for Good

 

In spite of taking all of the above steps, about eight years ago I

still started noticing a progressive worsening of my eyesight. After

many years of searching for a way to correct the problem naturally,

Dr. Larry Clapp told me about an eyesight teacher in California. This

teacher taught me the important visual habits (all covered in the

Secrets of Regaining Your Vision Naturally Program) that helped

restore my eyesight and helped me read without the use of glasses.

 

I learned the techniques of pioneering medical doctor and

ophthalmologist Dr. William Bates, who dedicated his life to learning

why people develop problems with their eyesight.

 

I was so impressed by my own results and the research my team and I

did on the history and success of the Bates Method that I decided to

offer this powerful natural vision improvement training to Mercola.com

readers (at a far more affordable rate than I paid for it, as you will

see).

 

Secrets of Regaining Your Vision Naturally Program requires a

relatively low commitment of time on your part, involves no " eye

exercises, " and has already helped many tens of thousands of other

people improve their vision (check out What Others Have to Say when

you click to the page above).

 

You can fix your vision forever for about the cost of just one eye

doctor appointment and new glasses. I strongly encourage you to learn

more about the Secrets of Regaining Your Vision Naturally Program now.

 

 

 

Related Articles:

 

Eye Fungus Was No Surprise After All

 

New Contact Lens Material Reduces Infection Risk

 

Got Fungus in Your Eyes?