Michael P. Lange O.D. C.N.S. reviews new dry eye/ tired eye management with proper supplementation from Fortifeye Dry Eye Extreme, a new dry eye therapy that is doctor formulated and has been carefully designed to utilize the benefits of combining omega 3 fish oil, gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and astaxanthin. Available in 2012.

A Special Vitamin Formula By Fortifeye For Dry Eye Syndrome

New relief in dry eyes and tired eyes – Fortifeye Dry Eye Extreme for natural dry eye relief

Dry eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) is an imbalance between tear production and tear drainage. This condition affects nearly 60 million Americans.

Dr. Lange at the Norway fish oil factory, tweaking his formula.

What are dry eye symptoms? Eyes that are red, that feel sandy, gritty or burn, or that tear and itch can be symptoms of dry eyes. Fluctuation in vision, contact lens intolerance and recurrent infections can also be related to dry eyes. Dry red eyes, dry itchy eyes, dry sore eyes, dry burning eyes and dry tired eyes are oftentimes the chief complaints of patients coming into see an eye care provider, urgent care center or primary care physician.

Dry eye syndrome and the causes of dry, itchy eyes

Dry eye syndrome is often misdiagnosed as a form of conjunctivitis or pink eye and sufferers are put on unnecessary medications. Many patients with chronic dry eyes or severe dry eyes are looking for a magical cure for dry eyes and see a multitude of different eye and health providers in search for a dry eye cure. There is no cure for dry eye syndrome, however dry eye treatment can be initiated by an eye care provider and proper nutrition can help manage these chronic dry eye patients quite well. What are some examples of dry eye causes? Many things can cause dry eyes such as environmental factors, job, medications, contact lenses, systemic health problems, age and eye surgery. Currently, artificial tears and prescription topical medications are the gold standard for the treatment of dry eyes. In treating dry eyes it is important to address the entire system and not just treat topically. More and more evidence now suggests that proper nutrition may help to decrease the symptoms of dry eye and give significant dry eye relief.

A balance of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, black currant oil, vitamins and astaxanthin

Dr. Lange inspecting the manufacturing facility for Fortifeye Super Omega-3 Fish Oil.

Oral supplementation with essential fatty acids (EFAs) via omega-3 fish oils and gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is now rapidly becoming an effective tool that optometrists and ophthalmologists are using in clinical practice to help with dry eyes. A synergistic balance between omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs seems to work best for dye eye patients. A lot of time and research on the benefits of omega-3, omega-6, GLA, astaxanthin and various other complementary nutrients has gone into the reformulation of Fortifeye’s newest product called Fortifeye Dry Eye Extreme.

Fortifeye’s first dry eye product was called Fortifeye Dry Eye Therapy and was used for years with great success, however the Fortifeye team consisting of physicians from all aspects of health care wanted to make a good thing even better. Fortifeye discontinued their current dry eye therapy product and developed a much more bioavailable and more concentrated omega three fish oil called Fortifeye Super Omega. This is a triglyceride based omega-3 fish oil with an EPA of 860 and DHA of 580 in two gel caps. This fish oil has been used successfully alone to help many dry eye patients with mild to moderate dry eye. Fortifeye decided to add some additional nutrients to further enhance the effects of the product and potentially help the moderate to severe dry eye patients. After careful research black currant oil, vitamin B6, vitamin B3, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc and a super carotenoid called astaxanthin were added to the Fortifeye Super Omega fish oil product creating Fortifeye Dry Eye Extreme.

Triglyceride based fish oil when combined with astaxanthin

Fortifeye Dry Eye Extreme is the first in the industry to use high levels of triglyceride based fish oil combined with GLA from black currant oil and astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is a relatively new nutrient used in supplements that comes from microalga Haematococcus pluvialis and is proving to have multiple health benefits. The carotenoid astaxanthin is the reason lobsters, shrimp and some crabs turn red when cooked. While it constitutes a tiny portion of farm-raised salmon feed (50 to 100 parts per million), astaxanthin represents up to 20 percent of the cost. Astaxanthin is an extremely potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Clinical studies have now proven that 6mg of astaxanthin can improve the blood flow to the eye and actually aid in accommodation (focusing) and in reducing eye fatigue. Astaxanthin reduces inflammatory markers such as nitric oxide synthase (NOS), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). These remarkable aspects of astaxanthin are why Fortifeye Vitamins has incorporated it into their new dry eye vitamin formula called Fortifeye Dry Eye Extreme.

Vitamin D deficiency

Fortifeye Dry Eye Extreme is now recommended for patients with dry eyes and tired eyes. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein found in the blood, the levels of which rise in response to inflammation. Vitamin D deficiency is quite common in America. Patients with vitamin D deficiency are more prone to have elevated CRP and elevated TNF (tumor necrosis factor) and have an increased risk of inflammatory diseases in the body. Vitamin D deficiency is now being linked to many eye related problems. Vitamin D3 has been added to help quell this inflammation. Relatively new research has also indicated that vitamin C along with its antioxidant benefits is capable of lowering C-reactive protein as well. Because of this potential added benefit, vitamin C has also been added along with vitamin D3.

Triple molecularly distilled to remove PCBs and other pollutants

Research has found that high dietary intake of omega-3 EFAs (essential fatty acids) decreases the risk of dry eyes. One must be very careful today when increasing their levels of omega-3 EFAs by consuming more fish. PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) are persistent organic pollutants banned in 1979 but still present in ocean waters. Even fish that are caught in the Arctic regions can be contaminated due to the fact that airborne contaminants within the atmosphere will condense at lower temperatures and precipitate into this environment. Fish can be contaminated with mercury, lead, PCBs, dyes and other contaminants. Molecularly distilled fish oil is a convenient and safe way of getting the omega-3 EFAs and removing pollutants. We would never consider using fish oils that have not been refined to reduce contaminant levels to an undetectable amount.

The benefits of omega-3 fish oil to reduce inflammation

Dr. Lange and Dr. Eiji Yamashita, a world authority on a super carotenoid currently being utilized in new vitamin formulations.

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are the two principal EFAs (essential fatty acids) found in fish known as omega-3 fatty acids. The current research suggests the anti-inflammatory effects of fish oil may help with dry eye syndrome. EPA generates the anti-inflammatory eicosanoids prostaglandin E3 and leukotriene B5. If the concentration of EPA is high enough the EPA blocks the delta-5 desaturase enzymatic step that stops the conversion of omega-6 EFAs to the inflammatory cascade of arachidonic acid (AA). This allows more conversion to anti-inflammatory prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). PGE1 then binds to EP2 and EP4 receptors to activate adenylate cyclase and increase cyclic AMP (adenosine monophosphate) which in turn stimulates a healthier tear production. The increase in omega-3 EFAs have also shown to improve dysfunction in the meibomian gland with a much thinner and clearer meibomian gland secretion thus helping with meibomian gland dysfunction. The increased consumption of a triple molecularly distilled and concentrated omega-3 fish oil will help to get the balance between omega-6 and omega-3 in better harmony and allows for less inflammation in the body and eyes. Americans have a much too high percentage of pro-inflammatory omega-6 in their diet. The addition of a good omega-3 fish oil is the start to a healthier body and visual system.

Omega-6 and astaxanthin for improved tear production

Liquid fish oil being filled into bottles.

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an essential fatty acid (EFA) in the omega-6 family that is found mainly in plant seed oils. The three most common plant seed oils where GLA are found are borage seed oil, black currant oil and evening primrose oil. GLA is broken down in the body to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) and arachidonic acid (AA). DGLA competes with AA and prevents the negative inflammatory effects that AA would otherwise cause. Adequate amounts of magnesium, zinc and vitamins C, B3 and B6 help to promote the conversion of GLA to DGLA rather than AA. Researchers in Japan have shown that astaxanthin may suppress the cyclooxygenase enzyme and decrease the amount of pro-inflammatory PGE2 produced. Once the AA pathway is blocked the DGLA is free to convert to anti-inflammatory prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and stimulation of tear production occurs. Recent studies suggest that oral GLA supplementation improved dry eye both clinically and subjectively in patients with dry eye syndrome. Studies also show that patients who take a combination of linoleic acid (LA) and gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) prior to and after refractive surgery may have better tear production and less dry eye complications. Studies utilizing GLA and omega -3 fish oil have shown an additive anti-inflammatory effect with no elevation in arachidonic acid. Due to the extremely high amounts of omega-6 in most diets, Fortifeye has decided to use a ratio of approximately 10 to 1 omega-3 to omega-6 to maximize the anti-inflammatory effects and gain full advantage of both types of essential fatty acids. If the ratio of omega-6 (GLA) to omega-3 is too high in the omega-6 direction then the possibility of more inflammation related to the high omega-6 low omega-3 ratio exists.

Relief for dry eye sufferers through the latest research

The potential benefits for current and future dry eye sufferers from a carefully designed oral nutritional supplement for dry eye is huge. Fortify Vitamins Inc. has developed a synergistic blend of triple distilled omega-3 triglyceride based fish oil, plus gamma linolenic acid (GLA) from black currant oil, astaxanthin, vitamin D and other nutritional cofactors that is based on the latest research. This formula combines all of the latest developments in nutrition necessary to aid in the alleviation of signs and symptoms of dry eye syndrome and eye fatigue. Fortifeye Dry Eye Extreme is doctor-formulated and has been carefully designed to utilize these nutrients synergistically. Fortifeye vitamins are currently being used by thousands of patients around the world with great success. This formula is great for patients to use prior to and after Lasik and cataract surgery to help minimize post operative dry eye symptoms and inflammation. Many dry eye contact lens intolerant patients may benefit from using this supplement.

Computers users, eye strain and dry eye fatigue

A large population that may be helped from this new health supplement is the computer users. Computer use generates significant eye strain and dry eyes. Computer related dry eyes and eye fatigue ultimately leads to a condition called Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). Fortifeye Dry Eye Extreme may be just what computer users have been waiting for.

The future therapy for dry and tired eyes

Patients who have been diagnosed with dry eye syndrome who want to be proactive in the health of their eyes should consider the natural approach at managing dry eyes with Fortifeye Dry Eye Extreme. This formula is being used clinically along with traditional medical treatment to help decrease the severity of many inflammatory eye problems. Fortifeye Dry Eye Extreme could very well be the future therapy for dry eye and tired eyes. Many patients that have dry mouth and chronic joint pain have also benefited from the nutrients in Fortifeye Dry Eye Extreme. Give it a try and see what it can do for you.

Multiple revisions in the formula of Fortifeye Dry Eye Extreme have delayed its release. We hope to have it available in early 2012.

Dr. Michael P. Lange Board Certified Optometric Physician and Board Certified Nutritional Specialist

Dr. Michael P. Lange
Board Certified Optometric Physician
Certified Nutrition Specialist
Syndicated Daily Talk Show Host (Ask the Doctor)
www.langeeyecare.com
www.fortifeye.com
May 5, 2010

Author: Dr. Michael P. Lange is a Board Certified Optometric Physician and a Certified Nutrition Specialist who started Lange Eye Care and Associates in Ocala, Florida, in March 1993. Lange Eye Care has grown to nine locations throughout the state of Florida with three Lasik centers. The Lange Eye Institute at The Villages in central Florida is home base for many of the nutritional studies that inspired the Fortifeye Brand of vitamin supplements. Dr. Lange is one of the first doctors in the industry to utilize intracellular blood tests and blood absorption studies to improve the Fortifeye vitamin line. Dr. Lange travels the world for nutritional research gathering valuable information to continuously improve Fortifeye vitamin formulations. Dr. Lange is still involved in the clinical practice of eyecare. He is a guest lecturer, contributing author to many eyecare magazines, and a daily syndicated talk show host of ‘Ask The Doctor’ which broadcasts every weekday at 9 a.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m. from Tampa Bay on radio stations throughout the country and video streaming all over the world via the Internet. Detailed information on the nutritional research Dr. Lange has been involved in, and the eye vitamins and whole body formulas he has formulated, are at www.Fortifeye.com. If you are looking for a great group of eye doctors in Florida go to www.LangeEyeCare.com. For more, read this article about Dr. Michael Lange, Ocala optometrist involved in research on nutrition and UV protection, or read this biography of Dr. Michael Lange, Ocala eye doctor (optometrist).

REFERENCES

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