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Turmeric and Eye Health With Frequently Asked Questions

Do you know, turmeric (active component is curcumin) is a reservoir of medicines? Proven or unproven, this flavorful, aromatic century-old Indian spice extends benefits to particular body organs and overall health. It is used as an Anti-biotic, Anti-inflammatory (relieves pain and aches), Anti- mutagenic (helps prevent cancer), and Anti-diabetic (prevents diabetes syndromes). These medicinal attributes connect turmeric and eye health. 

As spice turmeric may not cure eye disease completely. However, several eye diseases, such as

  •  cataracts
  •  chronic anterior uveitis
  • diabetic retinopathy
  • Glaucoma
  • age-related macular degeneration
  • Corneal wound healing
  • conjunctivitis
  •  dry eye syndrome

can benefit from turmeric (1).

Highlights

  •  Turmeric may delay or slow cataracts formation ( A cloudy eye results in blurred vision. Normal eyes offer clear vision)
  • It may help reduce symptoms of chronic uveitis (vision-related inflammation inside in front of your eye)
  • Turmeric curcumin inhibits or slows down Diabetic retinopathy (caused by high blood sugar in type 2 diabetes affecting blood vessels of the retina, which can cause blindness if untreated) 
  • Glaucoma (irreversible optic nerve issues causing blindness by eventual loss of vision)
  • Curcumin has a role in slowing, and in some cases even reversing, age-related macular degeneration (age-related vision impairment and vision loss)
  • curcumin extract exhibits a strong cortisone‑like effect. it shows potential in the prevention and treatment of sclerocorneal scars resulting from surgical excision.  
  • Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva- the transparent, lubricating mucous membrane covering the outer surface of the eye)
  •  Dry eye syndrome (tear deficiency due to the disorder of the tear film in the eye, inadequate lubrication of the eye)
  • The use of turmeric (an anti-oxidant) is one of the most effective ways to rid yourself of eye floaters- Floaters are jelly-like clear fluid that fills the back of your eyes as you age causing a shadow in your vision.

As a spice, turmeric is generally safe to use. They can interact with other medications. So talk to your doctor before using turmeric and/or supplements.

Let’s dip in to know about this amazing spice. We will answer the FAQ with helpful research.

What is Turmeric?

Turmeric is a century-old spice in Indian cuisine used in curries. Over time, It has become the spice of many cultures. The active ingredient of turmeric is Curcumin.  Turmeric has even been termed a superfood because of its arsenal of medicinal benefits. People eat and they are not aware of the benefits. Because they are unproven or have been partially explored.  Proven or unproven, this flavorful, aromatic century-old Indian spice extends benefits to particular body organs and overall health. It is used as 

a) Antibacterial (Anti-biotic),

b) Anti-inflammatory (relieves pain and aches),

c) Anti-mutagenic (helps prevent cancer),

d) Anti-diabetic (prevents diabetes syndromes).

All of these above properties in turmeric come in as help prevent eye diseases. While it may not cure the disease completely, it can assist or prevent healing.

Turmeric and Eye Health

FAQ

  • Can turmeric cure cataracts?

The short answer to this question is “NO”.

However, although turmeric can not cure cataracts, it can slow and delay the progression (particularly the diabetes-related ones) of its formation or may prevent it from forming.

But once a cataract is developed, the only effective option is surgery to remove it. Surgery removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with an artificial lens. If it is not taken care of, cataracts can result in vision loss.

So, how does turmeric help this situation?

Turmeric and its active component curcumin especially help the progression of diabetic cataracts by modifying protein aggregation (that results in clouding) which may lead to lens opacification as well as reducing oxidative stress. 

  • Does turmeric help with diabetic retinopathy?

It is “yes”. Turmeric has been effective in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. However, the mechanism of how it works is not fully understood.

This particular eye disease is the leading cause of blindness.

High blood sugar, inflammation, oxidative stress, and abnormal fat concentration in the blood are among some of the factors responsible (1). Scientific studies have demonstrated turmeric’s contributions as an anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory and get rid of unneeded or abnormal cells in the body.

Not only that but in Chinese herbal medicine, curcumin is known to aid blood circulation and relieve pain.

  • Does turmeric cure glaucoma?
Glaucoma results from optic nerve damage. I was thought to be irreversible damage to the eyes.
However, UK scientists have found that a derivative of the spice turmeric could be used to treat people with early signs of glaucoma. A way of producing ‘curcumin’ as eye drops has been developed, which could help prevent sight loss in people with glaucoma. Talk to your physician to help if suffer from glaucoma.
  •  Is turmeric Good for macular degeneration (MD)?

The short answer is “yes”. Curcumin has found a role in slowing, and in some cases even reversing, age-related macular degeneration.

Blurred vision is the key indicator of MD. It can be due to hereditary, smoking, polluted environment, diet, or obesity-related.

However, studies on curcumin’s efficacy have been limited mostly to animal studies.

  •  Does turmeric help with dry eyes?

Tumeric. Often known as curcumin, the Asian spice turmeric is said to be a protective agent against a number of diseases, including dry eye. In the animal model, use of a special formulation of curcumin, rats showed significant improvement in tear volume (2)

  • Does turmeric help eye inflammation?

In 1989, ophthalmologists in India found that eye drops made from spice turmeric (known as Haridra in India) seemed to work just as well as antibiotic eye drops in the treatment of conjunctivitis, or pink eye.

  •  Does turmeric help uveitis?

Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Has antioxidant properties and may help boost the immune system. One small study suggested turmeric may help reduce symptoms of chronic uveitis, but the study was not well designed. Turmeric may increase the risk of bleeding.

Uveitis is a form of eye inflammation. It affects the middle layer of tissue in the eye wall (uvea). The symptoms include eye redness, pain, and blurred vision. They appear suddenly and worsen quickly.

Turmeric is anti-inflammatory.

Does turmeric help with eye floaters?

What are eye floaters?
Eye floaters are spots in your vision. They may look to you like black or gray specks, strings, or cobwebs. 
 Turmeric has built-in antioxidant properties. As a spice turmeric is one of the most effective ways to rid yourself of eye floaters. These are floaters, if you stare at them, they go away.
  • Is turmeric good for myopia?

The short answer is “yes”.

Turmeric is long known for potentially reducing inflammation within the body. Since inflammation may impact eyesight, it stands to reason that turmeric may improve your eyesight.

Myopia (short-sightedness) is a very common eye condition where you cannot see objects far away clearly

Summary

While many of the eye benefits of turmeric curcumin are unproven, the potential cumulative benefits from this spice and medicinal herb speak a positive tell over the century in Ayurveda and ancient Chinese herbal medicine.

In my perspective, when you don’t experience the negative effects of this spice, get help by using it.

Disclaimer: Consult your health provider or discuss with them using turmeric as a medication and spice.

Anusuya Choudhury

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