Book Reviewed
Grossman M, Edson M. Natural Eye Care: Your Guide to Healthy Vision and Healing. 2nd ed. Kelly K, Miller J, eds. New Paltz, NY: Natural Eye Care, Inc; 2018.
Review
Natural Eye Care: Your Guide to Healthy Vision and Healing by Marc Grossman, OD, LAc and Michael Edson, MS, LAc is a fabulous clinical resource for how to treat eye conditions in an integrative fashion. Designed for integrative practitioners (or very curious and medical-savvy patients), it summarizes the pertinent clinical information for managing both common and rare eye conditions—briefly reviewing pathology, diagnosis, lab testing, symptoms to monitor, conventional treatment options, and complementary approaches. When there is evidence for a given treatment, references are included and precise dosing and expected outcomes are given.
Although empirical strategies are mixed in with evidence-informed strategies, Dr Grossman also draws upon his almost 40 years of practice as a holistic optometrist.
The book is also surprisingly eclectic, including recommendations ranging from physical medicine/microcurrent stimulation, to nutrition, to the most common Chinese formulas for a particular condition, to homeopathic drops, earthing, and nutritional supplements. Although empirical strategies are mixed in with evidence-informed strategies, Dr Grossman also draws upon his almost 40 years of practice as a holistic optometrist. The book distills both his clinical experience and accumulated research into this gem of a book.
Some fun facts from the book: almost 80% of American adults report using digital devices for more than 2 hours per day, with nearly 67% using 2 or more devices simultaneously and 59% reporting eye strain;1 in a pilot study, melatonin 3 mg for 6 months helped stabilize macular degeneration;2 lutein, in addition to protecting the retina and lens from sunlight damage, also reduces glare;3 castor oil can be used topically for blepharitis (empirical plus animal study);4 in a randomized controlled trial, lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin improved macular pigment density;5 and bags under the eyes from reading Grossman’s wonderful book too late into the night can be treated with rosemary tea compresses, cucumber slices, acupressure, or a really good nap!
For the busy clinician, Natural Eye Care is an excellent desktop reference for integrative eye care. It is a wonderful contribution to the field, and a highly efficient clinical resource.
