The eye is often likened to an amazingly complex camera. Light passes through micro-layers of tissue and fluid, through cornea, iris, pupil and lens --which changes shape to focus the light reflecting from near or distant objects-- through the jelly-like vitreous humor to the retina, at the back of the eye, which is like a movie screen. At the center of the retina lies the macula, with its concentrated photoreceptors that turn the light into electrochemical signals to be sent down the optic nerve for the brain to process, creating sight.

Miraculous, right? Yet easy to take for granted, and a lot can go awry if we aren't careful (or even if we are). Retinal detachment, for example, occurs when the retina tears away from its supporting tissues, causing the vitreous to leak behind it and impede vision. It can happen as a result of trauma to the eye, such as a direct impact from an accident, or from subtler causes; it can appear spontaneously, or over time. Eyes that are excessively myopic are elongated in shape, making them vulnerable to stretching thin and tearing. Age-related dryness can contribute to the problem, as can conditions such as diabetes or cataracts.

Symptoms of retinal detachment are:

• A marked increased in "floaters" (those black/brown amoeba-like shapes or lines some people have regularly in their field of vision)
• Flashes of light, kind of like lightning bolts or fireworks
• A sense of heaviness in the eye or face
• A darkening of the vision field, almost like a curtain or veil coming down

If you experience any of these symptoms - don't wait, call your ophthalmologist and get examined immediately. It could be an emergency situation that if left untreated could lead to permanent damage, including vision loss

The good news is that in most cases this is fixable through surgery, the complexity of which - and recuperation time from - depends on the severity of the injury.

If you're in one of the susceptible categories, it's important to keep up regular visits with your ophthalmologist, who can refer you to a retina specialist if necessary. Much of the latest nutrition-focused eye research pertains to the prevention of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, a condition that can lead to the loss of central vision; the findings make loads of sense to me for improving overall eye health as well:

• Eat foods rich in the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. These can be found in green vegetables like collards, kale, spinach, turnip greens, broccoli and Brussels sprouts; consume with a little bit of healthy fat, like olive oil to aid absorption of the nutrients, and eat them raw or lightly steamed when possible. Another great source is egg yolks.
• Consume animal-based Omega-3 fats, such as high quality fish oil. The DHA in fish oil is critical to retina health.
• Eat dark-colored berries, such as blueberries, bilberries, blackberries, cranberries and others, which contain bioflavinoids that help strengthen capillary walls.
• Consume brightly colored foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes, peppers and winter squashes. Their vivid orange-yellow color indicates that they're rich in antioxidant nutrients like Vitamins A, C and E, which fight free radical damage in the eyes and elsewhere.
• Avoid artery-clogging trans fats, found in many highly processed foods, baked goods and fried foods and stick margarine - your whole body will thank you!

This is a super-easy recipe I discovered at the Kripalu website. Carrots, of course, are one of the most vision-supportive foods around. Their rich Vitamin A content helps protect against cardiovascular disease and helps especially with night vision. The cashews add protein, the essential minerals copper, magnesium and phosphorous, and healthy monounsaturated fats...plus a buttery rich taste.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chopped organic carrots (approximately 7 medium carrots)
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• ½ cup unsalted cashews (raw, not roasted)

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, combine the carrots and water and bring to a boil. Add the salt. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for about 20 minutes or until very soft. Drain and reserve the cooking water.
2. Let the carrots cool.
3. In a blender or food processor, blend together the cooled carrots and cashews. (Check the consistency and add up to a ½ cup of the cooking water, if a lighter consistency is desired.)
4. Serve with crackers, pita bread, or crudities. Makes a delicious sandwich filling, too.

Saturday 2/9, 1.00 - 2.15 p.m. SHINING LIFE HEALTHY VIBRANCE 101 FOR WOMEN. Confused about what to eat for optimum health, energy and balance? Looking for new perspectives on how to find calm in the midst of your busy, stress-filled life? Learn how to tune into what your body is telling you it needs; and which health-supportive foods, lifestyle changes and self-care techniques can help you feel fantastic and truly nourish you -- body, mind and spirit. This is a great opportunity, too, to find out why so many women love working out at Curves. FREE
Location: Curves, 76 South Orange Ave., Ste. ST03, South Orange
Registration: 973.762.3030

Thursday 2/21, 7.00 - 8.00 p.m.
SHINING LIFE HEALTHY VIBRANCE 101 FOR WOMEN. See description above. FREE Location: The Professional Women's Center, 125 Valley Rd., Montclair
Registration: 973.746.8300

COMING IN MARCH...
Wednesday 3/12, 7.30 - 8.30 p.m. HEALTHY HABITS -- SHORTCUTS AND STRATEGIES Maplewood Public Library FREE

Register NOW through South Orange-Maplewood Adult School for these high value/high content lecture/cooking demos:
Tuesday, 3/4 GLORIOUS GREENS
Tuesday, 3/11 GREAT MEALS WITH GRAINS
Tuesday 3/18 COOKING WITH SEA VEGETABLES

Register NOW through The Adult School of Montclair for:
Monday 3/17 & 3/24 SHINING LIFE HEALTHY VIBRANCE AFTER 40 FOR WOMEN

Do you want to improve your eating habits, feel confident in choosing and preparing better food for your self and your family, find balance in all areas of your life, and experience a lasting increase in your energy? Not sure where to begin -- or how to stay on course? As a Holistic Health Counselor, I am committed to being your guide and advocate on the path toward health and vitality. I can help you clear away the clutter of old food and lifestyle habits so that your best self can shine out to the world. Working together, you'll learn to tune into your body's innate wisdom, find clarity about what really nourishes you, and move closer to the balance that's essential for accomplishing all that you came here to do. Please contact me to schedule a get-acquainted conversation.

email: shininglifenutrition@gmail.com

phone: 973.944.4878

web: http://www.shininglifenutrition.com