Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Dear Terry, “I have nerve damage on my corneas as a result of Lasik surgery. My doctor is doing low level light therapy to try and heal the nerves, but progress is slow and I can’t really tell much difference. Do you have any other recommendations for nerve damage on the cornea? Thanks!”— Diane P., Acworth, GA

A. Dear Diane, I do have some recommendations. However, I would encourage you to talk with your doctor and see what he/she thinks about the protocol I recommend.

My favorite nutrients for eyesight are a group of plant compounds called carotenoids. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated their ability to preserve healthy eye function. I recommend a formula that contains a natural astaxanthin complex with at least 2% astaxanthin, along with other carotenoids like lutein, canthaxanthin and beta carotene, as well as a black currant extract standardized to more than 25% anthocyanins. A powerful natural antioxidant, black currant helps to protect the eyes from the
damaging effects of free radicals. I suggest taking 2 capsules of this formula twice daily.

I believe you would also benefit greatly by taking a blend of nutrients including B vitamins, biotin, alpha lipoic acid, chromium, and zinc, among others. B vitamins (B1-B3, B6, B12, Folate, and Pantothenic Acid) help nerves function better. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) can boost levels of glutathione, one of the body’s natural antioxidants, which helps protect nerves from oxidative damage. Extremely effective as an antioxidant, zinc also helps to promote tissue healing. When looking for a formula, choose one that features B vitamins in their “active” forms, as well as minerals in the form of amino acid chelates. This allows the B vitamins and minerals to be transported directly into the cells of the body, so they can get to work right away. I recommend taking 1 capsule of this formula three times daily. You can then reduce the dosage, when desired.

You may also want to consider adding curcumin and omega-3 fatty acids to further support your vision, as well as enhance your overall health.

Curcumin, a compound found in the spice turmeric, is a potent antioxidant and powerful anti-inflammatory that exerts its effects via multiple pathways. I recommend taking 750 mg of curcumin twice daily. When looking for a formula, keep in mind that standard curcumin is very poorly absorbed, so make sure you choose a curcumin with excellent absorption that has been proven in published human studies. The best form I have ever found uses micronized curcumin blended with turmeric essential oils in a patented process. This curcumin has been shown in published human studies to be up to 10 times better absorbed than standard curcumin.

I also recommend taking omega-3 fatty acids from salmon, naturally bound to phospholipids, which you can find in a tablet form. The advantage to this type of omega fatty acid supplement is that the absorption is increased up to 50 times over the triglyceride-bound omega fatty acids most often found in regular fish oil supplements, and the purity is vastly superior. Therefore, you only need one or two tablets a day. I suggest taking 1 tablet twice daily.

Healthy Regards!

Terry . . . Naturally