Overview:

Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy is a rare condition which can cause loss of central vision. It usually affects men, most commonly in the late twenties or early thirties, but the symptoms can happen at any age, to men or women.

Usually Leber's affects one eye first, so central vision is lost in that eye over a period of a few weeks. One or two months later, the second eye is affected in the same way. The time when someone is losing their eyesight is often called the 'acute' period. After a few more weeks, the eyesight stops getting worse.

Although that describes the most common pattern for Leber's, it can also affect someone very suddenly, or can affect them more gradually over a period of years.

Leber's is a genetic condition, that is, it is passed down through the family. Not everyone in a family affected by Leber's will lose their eyesight, and we do not yet know how to tell who will get symptoms.

We do know that Leber's is inherited through a gene which is only passed on through the egg cell from the mother. Men cannot pass on Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy to their children.

Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy is linked to a number of genes, all in the DNA of structures called Mitochondria. These provide energy to the cells of the body. We believe that the particdular gene changes linked to Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy lower the amount of energy available to the cells of the optic nerve and retina. These cells are damaged and can even die because of this lack of energy. The damage to the optic nerve and retina is what causes the symptoms of Leber's.

Symptoms:

Loss of central vision.

Causes:

Leber's is a genetic condition, that is, it is passed down through the family.

Conventional Treatment:

None

Complementary Treatment:

We recommend the following protocol to help preserve vision for those with Leber's where the cause of the condition is not known. If the optic atrophy is due to a specific condition such as glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa or optic neuritis, then please see those sections for recommendations.

Where possible, we use products that can be taken in liquid form for best absorption.

To order either "Click Here" for the complete product list or click on any product below for a greater description or also to order.

The recommendations are given in order of priority. We suggest the following:

If you are not sure which nutrients you need, we offer free consultations either by e-mail or by telephone (845-255-8222).

Essential: Macula Complete Eye Multivitamin this formula is an excellent eye multivitamin foundation formula recommended for those with any retinal conditions.
Each bottle contains 180 capsules. Cost $60 per bottle ($58 on automatic delivery). Recommended dosage is 8 capsules per day taken with meals.
Essential: Pure Focus offered through Nutritional Focus, is in liquid form and contains lutein, zeaxanthin, vinpocetine and small levels of vitamin E to support absorption. Lutein and zeaxanthin filter light, and serve as potent free radical scavengers for the retina. Vinpocetine improves the utilization of glucose and oxygen in the brain and retina. Cost to patient is $28 per month for the first 2 months ($24 per month on automatic delivery), then $14 per month thereafter. Recommended dosage is 1 pump 5 times per day under the tongue for the first two months, then 1 pump 3 times per day under the tongue thereafter.
Essential: Liquid Taurine offered through BioMax Forumlations, comes in liquid form for better absorption. Studies have shown taurine to reduce the oxidative damage caused by sunlight to the eyes, and stimulates the body's ability to clean up waste by-products that acumulate in the retina. Cost to patient is $20 per month for the first month - loading dose ($18 on automatic delivery), then $10 per month thereafter - maintenance dose. Recommended dosage is 2 half dropperfulls per day for the first month, then 1 half dropperful per day thereafter.
Essential: Carlson's Fine Fish Oil is in liquid form. One bottle contains 6.7 fluid ounces, and 1 teaspoon contains 1600 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids (800 mg of EPA and 500 mg of DHA), plus 14 mg of antioxidants to preserve freshness. Omega-3 fatty acids help improve circulation, integrity of blood vessels, proper brain functioning, flexibility and permeability of cell membranes, and helps protect the retina's photoreceptor cells. Recommended dosage is 2-3 teaspoonfuls per day. Cost is $20 per bottle ($18 on automatic delivery).
Essential: Gingko Biloba Liquid Extract manufactured by Gaia Herbs is in liquid form, and taken by dropper. According to a double blind study (see Research section for more details), Gingko Biloba may be helpful for those with macular degeneration. Gingko Biloba, among other benefits, improves circulation of blood to the brain and extremities. Cost is $22 per bottle ($20 on automatic delivery).
Essential: B12 Sublingual tabs are taken under the tongue to be absorbed through the mucosal lining of the mouth. B12 has been shown in studies to help maintain taste by-products that accumulate in the retina. This form of sublingual vitamin B12 is placed under the tongue, ensuring that virtually all the nutrient is absorbed into the body for usage.There are 90 tablets in each bottle. Each tablet contains 1000 mcg of Vitamin B12. Recommended dosage is 1 tablet per day.
Essential: Microcurrent Stimulation Home Unit (MicroStim or MCS): uses gentle waves of microcurrent around the eyes to promote improved energy and blood circulation in the retina, improved delivery of nutrients and removal of ongoing waste created in the retina by light. It is a therapy that has been helping people with retinal conditions stabilize their condition and preserve vision (click on above for summary of studies and pricing options). Recommended usage is one 5-minute cycle four times per day.

Other Helpful Nutrients Below:

Helpful: PaleoGreens Formula is excellent Green formula with a full array of organic vegetables, organic fruits and wheatgrasses. Cost is $42 per bottle ($40 per bottle on automatic delivery)

Automatic delivery is available. Click Here for more information.

Self Help:

Since we consider most eye conditions to be a reflection of the health of the whole body, lifestyle choices and diet can play a major factor in getting and maintaining good vision. Below are some recommendations:

• Vision Diet recommended in Natural Eye Care, co-authored by Marc Grossman, O.D., L.Ac., helps maintain a healthy lens that easily drains away metabolic wastes and toxins from eye tissues.
• Reduce or eliminate drinking caffeine and sodas, avoid aspartame (labeled diet foods)and man made fats (corn oil and safflower oil, trans fats and hydrogenated vegetable oils including canola oil, and especially margarines).
• Eliminate deep fat fried foods, monosodium glutanate (MSG) used as a flavor enhancer which is a potential retinal toxin (Inv Oph 1996; 37: 1618-24), and fat blockers like Olestra which impair the absorption of carotenoids (Argus, August 1996;19:18:July 1996;19:22). Eating greater amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol appear to increase the risk of AMD.
• Limit your alcohol consumption to 1 glass of red wine at night. Alcohol interferes with liver functions, reducing protective glutathione levels (Alcohol 1993;10;469-75).
• Eliminate smoking. Smoking among other things produces cyanide, a retinal toxin.
• Supplement your diet with a good multivitamin such as Complete Life Food Compound Multi-Vitamin or Colloidal Mineral & Vitamin Formula.
• Limit the amount of medications (both prescription and non-prescription as much as possible. Make sure to work closely with your doctor.
• Exercise daily - do at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise daily. Walking and swimming are two excellent forms of exercise.
• Managing your emotional health is very important in maintaining physical health. Fear (fear of failure, responsibility, of being alone, of death, etc.) is at the root of many of life’s problems, and is a major factor in many diseases. Take up the practice of meditation, yoga, tai chi, walks in the woods or prayer on a daily basis.