COVID-19 EMERGENCY RESEARCH

DonateNow

A MESSAGE FROM ANTHONY B. NESBURN, DEF PRESIDENT & MEDICAL DIRECTOR

 

The world is being held hostage by coronavirus (COVID-19). The number of cases and deaths are climbing everyday. Scientists and pharmaceutical companies are working feverishly to create a vaccine, but it is at least a year away. There is also hope that existing FDA-approved drugs, such as hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin, may be able to ameliorate the disease and prevent deaths.  These need to be tested now—see below.

During this emergency, DEF Research Director Dr. Cristina Kenney’s laboratory is applying the knowledge gained from her work on age-related macular degeneration to join the search for drug(s) that may be an immediate bridge to treat COVID-19.

Much of Kenney’s research focuses on mitochondria, which play a vital role in disease and death from infections such as COVID-19. Mitochondria may help explain the severity of disease and response to treatment in different ethnic populations and age groups.

Kenney will focus on two crucial COVID-19 studies using her unique laboratory systems:

  1. Determine which promising experimental treatments for COVID-19 patients are most likely to benefit which patients.
  2. Determine the role of mitochondria in susceptibility to severe COVID-19 disease and death in different ethnic/racial populations and age groups.

UPDATE: DEF Researchers Making Progress in the Fight to Defeat COVID-19

Join us and others in supporting this work. At this critical juncture, any financial help you are able to provide to our vital research efforts to stop the scourge of coronavirus is greatly needed and deeply appreciated. 

Click here to  DONATE BY MAIL

Click to DONATE ONLINE:DonateNow

For more information on COVID-19 go to www.coronavirus.gov

10 TOP EYE HEALTHY FOODS

Are you eating the foods that are best for your eyes? Eating a diet low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help not only your heart but also your eyes. This isn’t surprising: Your eyes rely on tiny arteries for oxygen and nutrients, just as the heart relies on much larger arteries. Keeping those arteries healthy will help your eyes.

Do your eyes have all the nutrients they need to help prevent cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma and other sight issues?

Read on to learn which foods boost your eye health and help protect against sight-threatening diseases.

 

1. FISH

Many fish are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Oily fish are fish that have oil in their gut and body tissue, so eating them offers higher levels of omega-3-rich fish oil. The fish that contains the most beneficial levels of omega-3s include:

        • Tuna
        • Salmon
        • Trout
        • Mackerel
        • Sardines
        • Herring
        • Anchovies

 

2. NUTS & LEGUMES

Some studies have found that fish oil can reverse dry eye, including dry eye caused by spending too much time on a computer.

Nuts are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Nuts also contain a high level of vitamin E, which can protect the eye from age-related damage.

Nuts and legumes that are good for eye health include:

        • Walnuts
        • Brazil nuts
        • Cashews
        • Peanuts
        • Lentils

 

3. SEEDS

Like nuts and legumes, seeds are high in omega-3s and are a rich source of vitamin E.

Seeds high in omega-3 include:

      • Chia seeds
      • Flax seeds
      • Hemp seeds

 

 

4. CITRUS FOODS

Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C.  Just like vitamin E, vitamin C is an antioxidant that is recommended to fight age-related eye damage.

Vitamin C-rich citrus fruits include:

        • Lemons
        • Oranges
        • Grapefruits

 

5. DARK LEAFY VEGETABLES

Leafy green vegetables are rich in both lutein and zeaxanthin, can reduce the risk of age-related sight loss and are also a good source of eye-friendly vitamin C.

Well-known leafy greens include:

        • Spinach
        • Kale
        • Collards

 

6. CARROTS

Carrots are rich in both Vitamin A and beta carotene. Beta carotene gives carrots their orange color.

Vitamin A plays an essential role in vision. It is a component of a protein called rhodopsin, which helps the retina to absorb light.

Research on beta carotene’s role in vision is mixed, though the body needs this nutrient to make vitamin A.

 

7. SWEET POTATOES

Like carrots, sweet potatoes are rich in beta carotene. They are also a good source of the antioxidant vitamin E.

 

 

 

 

8. BEEF

Beef is rich in zinc, which has been linked to better long-term eye health. Zinc can help delay age-related sight loss and macular degeneration.

The eye itself contains high levels of zinc, particularly in the retina, and the vascular tissue surrounding the retina.

Meats such as chicken breast and pork loin also contain        zinc, but at lower levels than beef.

 

9. EGGS

Eggs are an excellent source of lutein and zeaxanthin, which can reduce the risk of age-related sight loss. Eggs are also good sources of vitamins C and E, and zinc.

 

 

 

 

10. WATER

It may come as no surprise that a fluid essential to life is also vital to eye health.

Drinking plenty of water can prevent dehydration, which may reduce the symptoms of dry eyes.

 

 

 

A healthy diet is essential for eye health. Maintaining a diet high in antioxidants can prevent the development of serious eye conditions and ensure your eyes work their best.

Try to eat a variety of whole, unprocessed foods on a daily basis. See your doctor if you experience problems with your eyes, as early intervention can prevent more serious conditions from developing.

Click here for eye healthy recipes – EYE COOK
Here you will find recipes that are rich with vitamins and nutrients for better vision and health!