Common Vision Disorders

• Macular Degeneration

It is an age-related disorder involving the breakdown of the macular area of the retina of the eye. The retina is a multilayered sensory tissue at the back of the eye. They capture light rays and convert them into electrical impulses interpreted by the brain as vision.

• Cataract

It is a condition wherein the lens of the eye is opacified, unable to properly transmit light, subsequently blurring vision.

• Glaucoma

There is pressure build-up within the eye, blocking the flow of fluid and eventually damaging the optic nerve.

• Myopia

It is also called nearsightedness, in which the person has difficulty seeing clearly when viewing far objects.

• Hyperopia

It is also known as farsightedness. The person can see things clearly when objects are far.

• Diabetic Retinopathy

It is a complication of diabetes affecting the retina due to lack of blood supply from the clogged vessels.

• Retinal detachment

This happens when the retina is separated from the back of the eye.

Acai Berry as an Aid for Vision

The antioxidants in acai berry may protect you from vision problems like those mentioned above. Its high concentration of antioxidants, more than any other fruit, is responsible for the health benefits it brings.

Antioxidants are important for the eyes in keeping the connective tissues surrounding the eye stabilized, making the collagen sturdy. It also minimizes the pressure in the eyes which is encountered in glaucoma. Acai berry has potent antioxidants due to its high anthocyanin content.

Acai contains beta carotene and vitamin C that are important in maintaining the normal function of the eyes.

The omega fatty acids in acai likewise contribute to the beneficial properties aiding vision.  These essential fatty acids allow the cells to absorb nutrients which are needed by the eye to maintain its good health and proper function.

The omega fatty acids and antioxidants are important in preventing plaque formation in the arteries, which may totally occlude the smaller arteries supplying the eyes. The phytosterols in acai are known to help lower cholesterol levels. Oxidized cholesterol is a culprit for clogged arteries due plaque deposits. It is necessary to keep the cholesterol levels down.

Most of the vision problems result as a complication of diabetes. Cataract and retinopathy are most often associated with diabetes. Cataracts occur more frequently among diabetics, and at an earlier age than the general population. Retinopathy occurs in most diabetes type 1 patients, while 60% of those afflicted with diabetes type 2 develop it. Acai berry is useful for diabetics because of its low glycemic index. It means that it converts slower into glucose. It curbs your appetite by telling your brain that you are full, for a longer time. By controlling diabetes, you are also controlling the complications that impair the vision.

Not All Acai Are Created Equal

Now that you have decided to get hold of acai, you have to realize what type of acai supplement would work for you and which would not.

Although acai comes from Brazil, you don’t have to go that far to enjoy its health benefits. Several companies have invested in manufacturing acai supplements in juice or capsule form. If you want to maximize the medicinal uses of acai, go for the capsule form.

The juice form needs to be added with other fruits to improve its taste. In the end, you will be paying for a higher price for a lesser concentration of the main ingredient, which is acai. The capsule form utilizes only acai and does not need preservatives to prolong its shelf life. The preservatives in the juice form may only do you more harm than good.

The sweet tasting juice would aggravate the condition of diabetics. If you have a poorly-controlled diabetes, chances are, you are a strong candidate for developing retinopathy and other visual problems. The capsule form does not contain sugar in its ingredients.

The juice form has to undergo pasteurization which protects you from harmful microorganisms, but also destroys the natural medicinal properties in acai. The benefits you are after may no longer be there in the pricey juice you will be drinking.

When deciding which acai capsule to choose, check the manufacturer’s quality of standards. They must not use pesticides in the acai tree. They should observe cleanliness in handling and processing the capsules. This way, you can be sure that what you are taking in will truly be advantageous to you, without harming your health further.