Our Eyes are our Windows to the World . . .
. . . and are exposed to many harmful substances in our polluted
world. Exposure to UV light rays, free radical stress, pollution, dust and
debris, aging processes; all of these things can have an impact on this fragile
organ. It is also not unusual for the eye to age faster than the rest of the
body due to its unique structure and demands for oxygen. It is no wonder that so
many people are concerned about their eye health. Eye health is often associated
with your overall health. I am interested in providing you information not only
about your eyes, but about their connection to your mind and body. Nutrition
plays an important role in eye health, and your eyes may benefit from
concentrated nutrients and a healthier diet.
Able Eyes was formulated by Ophthalmologist Robert
Abel Jr., M.D. Able Eyes provides both lutein and DHA in one easy to
swallow soft gelatin capsule. In addition to these important nutrients, Able
Eyes supplies your eyes with other vitamins, minerals and nutrients that
help promote and support healthy eyes and vision.
Q:
Can I get enough nutrients from my diet to benefit my
eye health?
A:
A balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and
vegetables is the best way to obtain a broad spectrum of nutrients. But because
I also live in the real world, I know that isn't always possible. We skip meals,
lead stressful lives, and eat on the run, none of which is helpful to either
digestion or the absorption of nutrients. It's also very difficult to acquire
from diet alone the quantities of specific vitamins and nutrients shown to be
beneficial to eye health. Therefore, in my opinion, it's often necessary to
supplement the diet with vitamins, minerals and other nutritional substances in
an intelligently designed program.
Q:
What is the best way to support and protect my vision?
A:
A good way to protect vision is to regularly
wear sunglasses, even on cloudy days. A good way to support vision is to
supplement your diet with a good eye formula, such as Able Eyes, which supplies
substantial amounts of DHA and lutein and other nutrients to promote eye health.
Macular Pigment Density is associated with healthy retinas. Able Eyes has both
DHA and Lutein which together have been found to increase macular pigment
density greater than either of these nutrients alone.
Q:
I wear contact lenses, should I take Able Eyes™?
A:
People in high school, of working age, using
computers, exposed to the sun, who exercise, who read a lot and are seniors . .
. many of us can benefit from the eye-supporting nutrients found in Able Eyes.
This is true even if you wear glasses, contact lenses or have had LASIK.
Q: I have heard a lot about
lutein lately. What is lutein and why is it good for me?
A:
Lutein is an essential member of the carotenoid
family of nutrients derived from plants. It is essential because the human body
does not produce it and we must rely on our food supply for it. The carotenoids
lutein and zeaxanthin are found in high concentrations in and around the macula.
It acts primarily in two ways: to filter light to protect the eyes from the
effects of the sun and as an antioxidant to protect the eyes from the effects of
free radicals and aging. Lutein is the most abundant carotenoid in all ocular
tissues. Most people think that carrots with beta-carotene are most important to
vision, but actually lutein found in spinach is critical for the protection of
macular function. Perhaps “Popeye” knew better than “Bugs Bunny!”
Q:
Is there anything I can do to improve my night vision?
A:
As we age, many of us notice a change in night
vision adaptation. Some researchers say we lose 10% of our rate of dark
adaptation every decade. There are three key principles behind my
recommendations to support night vision. One is to strengthen cell membranes,
two is to improve circulation to the eye and, finally, three is to protect the
eye from damage caused by free radicals. I created Able Eyes with these
principles in mind. The five key supplements for night vision are DHA, vitamin
A, lutein, bilberry and zinc. All are included in Able Eyes, along with other
important vitamins, minerals and bioflavonoids critical for eye health and
nutrition.
Q:
How can I support the health of my retina?
A:
The retina is the layer that lines the inside
of the eye. The macula, which resides in the center of the retina, is
responsible for our most detailed vision. To protect these delicate instruments,
you can follow my general suggestions I have listed above to support overall eye
health. In addition, because the macula is so responsive to
free-radical-fighting antioxidant nutrients, nutrition is a big key to helping
promote retinal health. Make sure that you eat plenty of lutein rich vegetables
such as spinach and kale, or take a lutein supplement daily at mealtime. Also be
sure to supply your body with the other nutrients you need such as DHA from fish
oils and bioflavonoids from citrus.
VITAL NUTRIENTS for our eyes. Supplied by ABLE
EYES
VITAMIN A:
is an essential nutrient for visual processes
including night vision. Vitamin A is also necessary for the maintenance and
health of the eye membranes, helps support normal eye moisture and serves as
an antioxidant. Good sources of Vitamin A are cod liver oil, eggs, butter,
milk and spinach.
VITAMIN C: is essential for the production of collagen,
which is a major component of eye tissue. Vitamin C helps maintain the
integrity of ocular blood vessels, helps protect the eye lens and helps
maintain eye tissues by preventing free radical damage. Vitamin C can be found
in fruits and vegetables such as oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, sweet red
peppers and broccoli.
VITAMIN E: is an important antioxidant for the entire
eye, especially the retina and lens. Vitamin E may help protect the eye from
the effects of UV light and also may help decrease oxidative damage to the
lens, retina and other eye tissue. Vitamin E is widely distributed in
vegetables and seeds, but is not found in substantial amounts in any foods.
MAGNESIUM: This mineral supports healthy blood flow to
the eye. Magnesium helps maintain normal internal eye pressures by relaxing
blood vessels. Magnesium is important in aiding the synthesis of glutathione
peroxidase, a powerful antioxidant. Green, leafy vegetables are rich in
magnesium as well as 100% bran cereal, shredded wheat and whole brown rice.
ZINC: is an important mineral critical for retina
health and found in high concentrations in the eye. As we age, important
zinc-dependent enzymes decline, so maintaining optimal zinc levels may become
even more important for eye health. Zinc may protect eye membranes and the
macula from oxidative damage. Zinc is necessary for vitamin A utilization and
important enzymes for eye function require zinc. Zinc can be found in
shellfish, beef, nuts and legumes.
SELENIUM: is a necessary component of the antioxidant
enzyme, glutathione peroxidase, which our cells produce for protection from
free radical damage. Selenium is found in higher amounts in organ meats and
seafood, followed by muscle meats.
CHROMIUM: Studies have shown chromium to be important
for maintaining eye health. Chromium helps maintain healthy lens clarity.
Chromium can be found in varying amounts in foods such as processed meats,
whole grain products, green beans and broccoli.
DHA: This highly unsaturated omega-3 fatty acid is an
important component of the rods and cones of the retina, which enable vision.
Maintaining healthy DHA (DocosaHexaenoic acid) levels support normal visual
acuity. Fish is an excellent source of DHA and DHA can be found in substantial
amounts in herring, mackerel, salmon, sardines and whitefish.
LUTEIN: a pigment, is a vital component of our retina. It
helps protect the retina from the effects of UV light and free radicals.
Lutein can be found naturally in fruits and vegetables such as spinach,
broccoli, green beans, sweet potatoes, squash, red grapes, oranges, kiwi and
mangoes.
ZEAXANTHIN: a pigment, works closely with lutein to help
protect the macula area of the retina from the effects of UV light and free
radicals. Zeaxanthin may also help to maintain lens clarity. Yellow corn,
honeydew melon, squash, oranges, mango, kale, apricots, peaches and orange
bell peppers are dietary sources of zeaxanthin.
BILBERRY,QUERCETIN AND CITRUS BIOFLAVONOIDS: support
capillary strength and collagen within the eyes.
SILYMARIN: Silymarin, derived from the herb milkthistle,
supports liver health. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
properties. Silymarin may also lessen the depletion of glutathione, a natural
antioxidant which our cells make and which is especially important for eye
health.
TAURINE: is found in high concentrations in the retina,
where it can help protect against the effects of UV light. Taurine protects
the lens from
Suggested Use:Take 1 soft gel daily with meals. (May take twice daily).
Product Facts:Serving Size 1 soft gel
Vitamin A (from fish liver oil) 5000 IU 100%
Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid) 180 mg 300%
Vitamin E (as d-Alpha tocopherol) 200 IU 667%
Magnesium (as magnesium oxide) 80 mg 20%
Zinc (as zinc citrate) 7 mg 50%
Selenium (as L-Selenomethionine) 70 mcg 100%
Chromium 120 mcg 100%
Quercetin Bioflavonoid 50 mg
Zeaxanthin 264 mcg
Silymarin Seeds 50 mg
Bilberry (25% Anthocyanosides)(Vaccinium myrt 50 mg
Lutein (FloraGloTM, marigolds, mg) 6 mg
NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) 20 mg
Citrus Bioflavonoids Complex 50 mg
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) 100 mg
L-Taurine 25 mg