Todd Whitthorne recently interviewed eye expert, Ophthalmologist Robert Able, Jr., MD. Dr. Abel is the author of The Eye Care Revolution and The DHA Story. In the interview Dr. Abel explains how nutrition and lifestyle impact our eye health. Click here to listen to the interview.

In the world of supplementation, mirtogenol, a combination of pycnogenol and bilberry, is discussed. Pycnogenol is French maritime pine bark, that’s like a powerful vitamin C, and it’s extremely helpful in diabetics and protecting the cross-linking of their blood vessels. In glaucoma patients, pycnogenol helps protect the nerve fibers. Bilberry helps peripheral vision and night vision. Mirtogenol helps lower intraocular pressure.

Dr. Abel also discusses an herbal blend called Ifolia, and how it may positively impact glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure.

There’s a new Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) device that uses optical imaging to assist in diagnosing physiologic and pathologic conditions of the eye. The scanner is hand-held, so can be used in all patients, and comes with interchangeable lenses that allow various parts of the eye, from cornea to retina, to be examined. Using the device and looking at the eye, there's the potential to detect early stage Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. The device is also used for MS detection too, as the thickness of the retina is changed in individuals who have MS. Dr. Abel says retinal testing may also pick up depression, because the eye and brain are so intimately connected.

Our eyes need at least five hours of darkness every day (or night) in order to rest and replenish. Sleep is needed mechanically and functionally. Stroke, increased glaucoma risk, cornea warping, and stroke in the eye, the sudden loss of vision that can occur during sleep, are all discussed.

Dr. Abel identifies the primarily culprits that make our vision worse - they include explosure to Ultra-Violet (UV) light; poor dietary choices; poor lifestyle choices; and stress.

Sunglasses aren't just for fashion. Dr. Abel make recommendations on what kind of glasses to select.

Finally, Dr. Abel discusses eye exams, and make recommendations for how often each of us should make an appointment to get our eyes checked.

In addition to his traditional books on eye health, Dr. Abel has written two thrillers, Lethal Hindsight, and Last Sighting. He is also the author of Lumi's Book of Eyes, a book for children about eye health. The book has QR (Quick Response) codes sprinkled throughout it, with each one teaching a different lesson.