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DESCRIPTION
A scotoma is a blind spot (non-functional portion of the retinal field) in the visual field. Unless a scotoma is large or is located in the center of the field of vision, it may not be noticed. Central scotomas may be caused by macular or optic nerve disease. Peripheral scotomas may be the result of choriotretinal lesions or retinal holes. However, a professional can detect scotomas and identify the areas affected with a type of examination called a visual field test.
When scotomas are in the peripheral areas and are not large, they usually do not cause severe problems in general visual functioning. If the scotomas are large or numerous, mobility may be affected. Central scotomas are another situation entirely. Functional acuity is severely affected and educational adjustments are indicated. Magnification or large print may be indicated. Higher levels of illumination and good contrast in reading materials may also be useful. Color perception may be affected. Eccentric viewing may be a symptomatic and spontaneous adjustment to a central scotoma.
Scintillating scotomas often are a symptom of migraine headaches. (I get these myself!) The graphic to the right is a speeded up version of the development of a classic migrainous scintillating scotoma from a small paracentral bright spot to an enlarging bright, curved, zig-zag line (the scintillation) in the left visual field. Inside the line, vision is dark and obstructed (the scotoma). The interval from the onset to the full enlargement of the zig-zag line is usually about 10 to 20 minutes. Soon after its full development, the image disappears. This phenomenon has been called a "fortification spectrum" because of its resemblance to aerial view of the walls surrounding medieval cities. Of his own spectra, Hubert Airy (1854) said that "...at its height it seemed like a fortified town with bastions all round it, these bastions being colored most gorgeously...All the interior of the fortification, so as to speak was boiling and rolling about in a most wonderful manner as if it was some thick liquid all alive." I found that when I have these types of scotomas, I know a migraine headache will soon follow. If I take some over-the-counter pain medication as soon as these visual disturbances occur, I won't have the resulting headache, with nausea, and other symptoms. If I don't take the medication, then I do suffer from the migraines. The well-described scintillating scotoma is not the most common of visual auras, as shown by a recent retrospective study by Queiroz and Coworkers (1996). Among their 100 patients with visual auras, the following number of patients reported these positive visual phenomena:42, Small bright dots
39, Spots of light
20, Scintillating scotoma
17, Other zig-zag lines
15, Colored spots of light
9, Other lines
Scotomas are considered a symptom of disease, not a disease in themselves and are not considered treatable. They may be a sign of a problem with the retina or damage to the optic nerve, such as that caused by glaucoma.
TYPES OF SCOTOMAS:
The scotoma may look light, or dark, or blurred. Sometimes,part of the image may look wavy or distorted.
HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS & NUTRITION
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS FOR HEALTHY EYES - RECOMMENDATIONS
The following nutrients are important for healing once appropriate local treatment has been administered. Unless otherwise specified, the following recommended doses are for those over the age of 18. For a child between 12 and 17 years old, reduce the dose to 3/4 the recommended amount. For a child between 6 and 12 years old, use 1/2 the recommended dose, and for a child under 6, use 1/4 the recommended amount.
NUTRIENTS Supplement Suggested Dosage Comments Vitamin A 25,000 IU daily. If you are pregnant, do not exceed 10,000 IU daily. Promotes healthy skin and hair.
Vitamin A, 10,000 IU, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 100 Softgels,Plus
Natural Beta-Carotene
Or
Carotenoid ComplexAs directed on label. Needed for all eye disorders.
Beta Carotene (Natural Dunaliella Salina), Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 25,000 IU, 100 Softgels,
Multi-Carotene Antioxidant, Nature's Way, 60 SoftgelsPlus
LuteinAs directed on label. Lutein can help protect the retina from harmful ultraviolet (UV) light and free radicals. Needed for all eye disorders.
Lutein Supplement, Nature's Way, 20 mg, 60 Softgels,
Lutein Esters, 20 mg, 60 SoftgelsAnd
ZeaxanthinAs directed on label. Needed for all eye disorders.
Visi Clear With Lutein, Bilberry, Zeaxanthin & Lycopene,
EYE CARE SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Information, supplements and products for eye-related problems.
Beta Carotene (Natural Dunaliella Salina), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 25,000 IU, 100 Softgels
Nature's Way Beta Carotene is 100% all natural from Dunaliella Salina.CamoClear Soothing Eye Wash, Herbal Eye Wash, CamoCare, 10 Single Use Droppers
CamoClear Soothing Herbal Eye wash gives you instant, natural and long lasting relief for dry, tired or irritated eyes, due to dust, pollen, pollution, smoke irritants, sun glare, wind, swimming, air conditioning/heating and computer work.Clear Eye Herbal Tea, 20 Tea Bags
To nurture the eye and pacify the nervous system, protect retina, and improve eyesight.Clear Eye & Sharp Ear, TCM Formula, Shanze Xiaozhi, 60 Caps
Clear Eye & Sharp Ear Chinese Formulas are made of extracts from astragalus root, pueraria root, seashore vitex, common peony root, cimicifuge, phellodendron, licorice, cnidium, Chinese angelica root (Dong Quai) and ginseng.Digestive Enzymes, 750 mg, 100 Caps
Since cooking destroys many of the digestive enzymes in food, taking plant fiber-based digestive enzymes aids in digesting even the heaviest meal.Dry Eye Relief Eye Drops, Homeopathic, 0.33 fl. oz.
Eye Doctor recommended Similasan Eye Drops for dry, red eyes stimulate the eye's natural ability to fight dryness and clear redness due to smog, stress, age, contact lens wear, etc.Essential Fatty Acids, By Deborah Lee
"Woodland Health Series". Describes the benefits and functions of the three essential fatty acids, linoleic acid, linolenic acid and arachidonic acid.EyeFactor HAÖ for Healthy Vision with HA, Hyalogic, 120 Count
Hyaluronic acid makes up 95% of the fluid inside the eye. Acts as a shock absorber for the eye and also serves to transport nutrients into the eye.Eye Support Formula With Bilberry, Lutein & Antioxidants, NOW Foods, 60 Caps
NOW "Health Care Provider Recommended" Eye Support Formula eye supplement offers a full range of antioxidant nutrients which may aid in maintaining some visual functions with Lutein and Bilberry.Fisol Fish Oil Supplement, EPA DHA, Enteric Coated, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 90 Softgels
Fisol, enteric coated, fish oil supplement delivers 30% EPA and 20% DHA. The unique coating withstands stomach acid so Fisol dissolves in the small intestine and maximizes the body's absorption of Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids.Magnesium Citrate Complex, Nature's Way, 250 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way Magnesium Citrate is an advanced chelate from which enhances absorption of magnesium by providing excellent solubility.Nature's Way Ginkgold Eyes Plus Lutein, 20 mg, Vegetarian, Eye Supplement, 60 Caps
Nature's Way Ginkgold eye supplement supports visual function and is the only Ginkgo extract shown to stimulate activity in all areas of the brainNeuromins DHA Supplement (Docosahexaenoic Acid), Nature's Way, 100 mg, 60 Softgels
Neuromins brand high quality DHA Supplement is sourced from microalgae and fortified with Vitamin C and E.Once Daily Multi-Vitamin With Iron, All Natural, Lactose Free, Nature's Way, 100 Tabs
Nature's Way Daily Multi Vitamin with Iron provides many of the essential nutrients that modern diets may lack. They are useful for protection, growth and maintenance of body systems as they age.Selenium, 100% Natural, 200 mcg, 100 Caps
Selenium is an essential component of glutathione, the body's most potent natural antioxidant system. It is a popular choice in many antioxidant regimens.Synthovial Seven, Pure Hyaluronic Acid, Hyalogic, 1 oz.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) has been proven by numerous medical studies to alleviate pain and suffering from arthritis of the knee and other joints.Taurine, Free Form, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 Caps
Taurine is a conditionally essential amino acid which is not utilized in protein synthesis, but is mainly found free in most tissues, especially throughout the nervous system.Visi Clear With Lutein, Bilberry, Zeaxanthin & Lycopene, 60 Caps
Visi Clear Eye Vitamin with Lutein and Bilberry is one of the few products that provide both lutein and whole kale and Zeaxanthin, another powerful carotenoid, to maximize antioxidant activity.Vision Formula With Lutein & Bilberry, Eye Supplement, 60 Caps
Vision formula with Lutein & Bilberry Eye Supplement supports normal eye function by utilizing Lutein, a key carotenoid found in fruits and vegetables, which protects the retina by blocking harmful blue light.Vitamin A, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 100 Softgels
Nature's Way Vitamin A is 100% natural from fish liver oil. It contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives.Vitamin B-12 Supplements & Products
An assortment of various B-12 products.Zinc Chelate, 100% Natural, Zinc Supplement, Nature's Way, 30 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way chelated Zinc supplement is 100% natural chelated with an advanced amino acid complex for superior absorption.
HerbalRemedies: Eye Problem Information
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You or a family member (such as a child) is having problems distinguishing colors or find colors confusing. This member may need to be tested for color blindness.
You or a family member are having problems with vision and/or you suspect an infection. Call your health care provider immediately if you experience severe eye pain or a sudden change in your vision, such as loss of vision or double vision.
You have any increase of symptoms. You may need frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription. If you have blurred or double vision that develops slowly; are having a problem seeing because of daytime glare or have difficulty driving at night because of glare from headlights, you need to see your health care provider.
You have any unexpected or unusual symptoms. There may be underlying health issues that need to be addressed.
Are having vision problems that are affecting your ability to perform daily activities.
Call your child's health care provider if your baby does not look directly at or respond readily to faces or large, colorful objects by age 2 to 3 months or if your child scowls, squints, or shields his or her eyes more than expected when in sunlight, or light seems to hurt your child's eyes.
You and your family members should have your eyesight checked regularly by your health care provider to rule out any problems and to receive a prescription for contacts or eyeglasses, if they are needed. Preserve you vision... it is very important.
TYPES OF EYE PROBLEMS & DISORDERS
Maintaining Healthy Eyes
HELPFUL RELATED LINKS
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Nutrition Basics - Vitamin A
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HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
This is only a small sample of educational materials and products available through Amazon.com. Use the search box provided below to search for a particular item.
HERBS, OILS, & SUPPLIES
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Mountain Rose Aromatherapy Oils
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