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Vision |
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Vision |
NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT Vision requires that several systems cooperate with each other to insure that the proper signals reach their destinations. In order to work properly, the muscles nerves, optic fibers and eye tissue must be properly nourished. The blood must also be well-nourished, to supply the brain with the nutrients necessary for it to properly function.
Body Balance contains 126 plus nutrients in adequate supplies for the average person. Nutrients furnish the body with the building tools that it requires to maintain excellent health. The following information is provided to help you better understand the role that certain nutrients play in the nourishment of the eyes and the overall health of the body. These nutrients are:
VITAMIN A contributes to the health of nearly every tissue in the body and its role in vision is well understood. A modified light-receptive form of vitamin A, known as 11-cis-retinol, allows a person to see in very low light. 1
THE CAROTENOIDS found in Body Balance, is the preferred source for vitamin A for a number of very mportant reasons. The Carotene group are non-toxic because the body converts them into vitamin A only as it is needed. Also they are one of the antioxidant nutrients, much like vitamins C and E and Selenium.
VITAMIN E with its antioxidant properties, produces benefits in maintaining eye health. It interacts well with vitamin A and is necessary for epithelial health. The function of the epithalamus, located in the brain’s thalamus, s to pass on nerve signals for the senses and movement. 2
B COMPLEX nutrients are required for the maintenance of ocular tissue and, in particular, the cornea and optic nerve.
NIACIN is a B-complex nutrient which is necessary for growth, the proper functioning of the nervous system, and the transmission of impulses to the body’s senses. Other nutrients, while not directly associated with ocular health, contribute to overall health of the body. This in turn, may affect the health and well-being of the sensory functions. Some of these nutrients include:
VITAMIN D is very important because it participates in healthy bone structure and muscular development.
VITAMIN C has many uses in the body. In addition to being an excellent anti-oxidant it increases the absorption of iron, helps in the production of collagen, and is essential for the immune system. Vitamin C is needed for healthy teeth, gums, and bones while strengthening the blood vessels.
CALCIUM is a mineral which is necessary for healthy, strong bones and teeth. Other functions of the calcium ion include its influence in blood coagulation, neuromuscular excitability, and transmission of nerve impulses.
MAGNESIUM is essential for the metabolism of potassium and calcium.
SELENIUM preserves tissue elasticity, and works with vitamin E. Like vitamin A, C, and E it is an antioxidant.
ZINC aids in the digestion and metabolism of phosphorus and protein. Protein is essential for the forming of antibodies, enzymes and hormones.
EYESIGHT
Eyesight contributes to the overall health and well-being of the body. It is one of the five sensory tools persons have to guide themselves through the world. Of course, eyesight has limitations. We all know that good vision is never a guarantee of freedom from harm, and accidents happen every day. Unfortunately, even the best eyesight and sensory perceptions cannot avoid the reckless behavior of others. Sometimes we pay less attention, ourselves, to our surroundings and the many hazards we face, which could result in a setback or injury to our bodies. For the more technical minded I will describe sight through a single pathway, there are actually three systems involved in the function. One system processes the information related to the shape of the object. Another system regards the color and the third system handles information about movement, location, and spatial organization of an image. Together the systems bring the image into focus and the brain reacts to whatever action the image requires. The eyes are amazing instruments. In some respects, the eyes act much like cameras. Muscle contractions control both the focusing of the eyes and the filtering of light. The pupils react to light by expanding and contracting, maintaining the proper exposure for the retina. The retina focuses on images in an inverted fashion; that is, the images are upside down and reversed. An object that appears in the lower right-hand corner of the retina’s frame of vision is actually in the upper left-hand of the field of vision. Early in life, the brain learn to coordinate the images, giving us a true picture of objects. The brain stores memories and automatically turns visual images right side up and right-side around. The ciliary muscles located in the eyeball, control the curving of the eyes, which allows the eyes to distinguish objects from far away or at extremely close range. As the eyes view objects at a distance, the muscles relax and the lens becomes flat. For views up close, the muscles tighten, forcing the lens to tighten and become more rounded. The eyes now have greater focusing power. 4 The eyes communicate with the brain through the optic nerve. Images are processed through the retina and conveyed to the brain through synapses, firing neurotransmitter through a system of cellular cones and rods. As the visual transactions emerge from the optic nerve, they are transmitted to the brain through a system of fibers which are part of the optic tract. These connect to the thalamus, terminating in the cerebral cortex, located in the occipital lobes at the back of the brain. The brain interprets the image, turns it right-side up, and we see. Although I described sight through a single pathway, there are actually three systems involved in the function. One system processes information related to the shape of the object. Another system regards the color and the third system handles information about movement, location, and spatial organization of an image. Together the systems bring the image into focus and the brain reacts to whatever action the image requires.
VISION AND THE SENSES
The body’s senses enable persons to observe what is taking place in the world around us and pass that vital information along to the organs whose health depends upon coping with the environment. The senses of touch, taste, sight, smell and sound play vital roles in our ability to adapt and thrive in the ever changing world. For example, the sense of touch permits us to avoid serious injuries by sending messages to our body to enable us to avoid extreme temperatures and textures. The shuddering you experience when exposed to a freezing rain or the quick muscle reaction you experience when touching a hot stove are simple examples of the manner in which the senses protect the human body.
Fortunately, the abilities of the senses of sight and sound have enabled mankind to transcend a simple existence of being attracted to sensations that are pleasant, like foods, sleep, and procreation. These vital senses function in ways that permit us to absorb abstract or intangible information which, in turn, enables us to read, gain knowledge, analyze and understand the world around us, have ideas and make plans. Our thought processes set us apart from all life forms that inhabit the earth. The senses of sight and sound enable us to obtain written, visual, and audible information and serve as cornerstones of our ability to comprehend, plan and expand our personal horizons to advance ourselves and the entire family on this earth.
1,2 Paige, David M. Clinical Nutrition, 2nd ed. St Louis:Mosby Company, 1988. Pp.333-334.
3,4 Tortora, Gerard and Grabowski, Sandra. The Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, 7th ed. New York; Harper
Collins, 1993. P. 480,485
Age does not depend upon years, but upon temperament and health. Some men are born old, and some never grow so.
--Tryon Edwards Cheerfulness removes the rust from the mind, lubricates our inward machinery, and enables us to do our work with fewer creaks and groans. If people were universally cheerful, probably there wouldn't be half the quarreling or a tenth part of the wickedness there is. Cheerfulness, too, promotes health and immortality. Cheerful people live longest here on earth, afterward in our hearts.
--Anonymous
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