What is the optic nerve and what does it do?

The optic nerve is a bundle of nerve fibers that serves as the communication cable between your eyes and your brain. The nerve fibers have a special coating called myelin.

What are the most common eye diseases associated with impaired optic nerve?

Glaucoma is the most common optic nerve disease. Most cases of glaucoma are called “open angle glaucoma” where the intraocular pressure – IOP – is above normal. Normal eye pressure ranges from 12-22 mm/Hg for most people. Higher pressures can lead to damage to the optic nerve over time, resulting primarily in effecting peripheral vision. Glaucoma is often referred to as the “hidden thief” as there typically are no symptoms until the person suddenly realizes that their peripheral vision is reduced.

In a typical eye exam, the eye doctor will take the eye pressure, and check the health of the optic nerve as well. If there are any issues of concern, the eye doctor will also have the patient do a visual fields test to take a baseline measurement of the peripheral field.

Higher than normal eye pressures may result in the eye doctor recommending the daily application of medicinal eyedrops to reduce the eye pressure.

Chronic inflammation, poor circulation and diet, lack of exercise for example may lead to other optic nerve problems including optic neuritis and/or optic nerve atrophy. Multiple sclerosis may lead to optic nerve damage as well, at least partly due to the breakdown of the myelin sheath.

Glaucoma shares a number of features with degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Lou Gehrig’s disease. In these diseases, age and family history are major risk factors, and specific areas of the brain are damaged over time.

Why are nutrients critical for optic nerve health?

Although the conventional medical community views eye pressure management as the primary method for treating glaucoma, there are many studies that show diet, exercise, and healthy circulation play a critical role in optic nerve and eye health. Just as importantly, researchers have identified which nutrients are needed to maintain optimal health (as well as optic nerve healthy function) and which tend to be deficient in the body and eyes.

There are many cases of glaucoma where the eye pressure is in normal range or even low but damage to the optic nerve continues, partially because in our opinion, the optic nerve is starved for essential nutrients.