However, there is a growing body of research showing promising treatment options. As a functional medicine doctor of optometry, these are the natural management tools I’m most hopeful about. Researchers have also found that patients with higher brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels have a decreased risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders2, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. This was attributed to the critical role that BDNF plays in stimulating the growth neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). So, what exactly does the brain have to do with eye health? Well, by expanding on the findings from the brain, researchers began to explore where else neurogenesis could take place. Since the eyes are also part of the central nervous system, it just made sense to look there. Turns out, the eyes have cells that can regenerate, too. In a study conducted by the National Eye Institute (NEI), they found that cells in the eyes—specifically retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which are responsible for transmitting information from the eyes to the brain—are capable of regeneration. Ocular regenerative therapies3 are therapies which look to regenerate and stimulate the growth of RGCs. In particular, the three unique methods receiving attention from researchers today are: It can take weeks to produce adequate quantities of stem cells, and the storage of stem cells is difficult because you do not know when the patient will need them—and timing is everything. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against unregulated stem cell treatments5, saying they can be “illegal and potentially harmful.” In order to verify their safety, make sure any stem cell treatments you plan to receive are either FDA-approved or being studied under an Investigational New Drug Application (IND). “Recently, transcription factors and microRNAs have been identified to control the formation of new neurons derived from zebrafish and mammalian Müller cells, indicating that cellular reprogramming can be an efficient strategy to regenerate human retinal neurons,” the study states. This approach is being explored by researchers to treat a number of eye conditions, such as macular degeneration and even genetically inherited retinal disorders, but more research is needed to verify its efficacy. Just like in the brain, BDNF is important for the neurons in the eye. One study assessed the effectiveness of boosting BDNF levels in the eye 8after the test subject had suffered an optic nerve crush. Researchers found that applying BDNF to the eye significantly improved RGC survival in cats. One week later, RGC survival was improved by 17% and two weeks later, RGC survival was increased to 55 %. While this is an animal study, researchers cited no reasons that the human eye would respond differently. Given what we know about BDNF’s role in facilitating regeneration of neurons in the brain, the research is promising. In the meantime, there are a number of ways to support overall eye health via lifestyle and nutrition. While I can’t confirm whether any of these measures would be effective, here’s what I’d recommend trying: Berne received his doctorate in optometry from Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He uses Whole Health Methods to give patients approachable, immediately usable, and powerful protocols for improving their vision and wellness. He has developed innovative methods for healing the mind-body-spirit through eye therapy and provides individuals with natural alternatives for reducing disease and improving vitality. These methods offer a holistic solution to children and adults with autism, ADHD, cataracts, dry-eye, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and many other conditions.
