It covers how your eyes work and how they develop as you re growing up. Dr. Anshel explains the difference between optometrists, ophthalmologists and opticians, then goes on to describe what they use all those different eye tests for. The next three chapters cover nutrition, herbal therapy and homeopathy. The nutrition chapter is extensive, covering well-known vitamins like A and C, as well as fatty acids, bioflavonoids and more. As for herbs, Anshel says that it s easy for your body to metabolize nutrients from plants.
Alkaloids also help the body to resist disease, strengthen tissues, and improve the nervous system.
Not only does he provide information on herbs that are thought to be good for your eyes, but he also tells you which ones to avoid. For example, saw palmetto has the same anti-inflammatory effects as steroids, says Dr. Anshel, and it can also have the same side effects, like light sensitivity or even cataracts. They both use herbs, but they re prepared differently, he explains. Herbalists are much more likely to improvise, whereas homeopathic physicians stick to tested methods. Dr. Anshel includes interesting facts about nearsightedness, the most common refractive error.