Diabetic retinopathy is a disease of the eye caused by the degenerative effects of diabetes mellitus. There are basically two types of diabetic retinopathy, the background type and the proliferative type. The background type is characterized by microaneurisms (small sacs which develop as a result of excessive vascular dilation), intraretinal hemorrhages, yellowish waxy exudates, and swelling of the macula. The proliferative type is characterized by the development of new vessels in the retina and disk, proliferation of fibrous tissue, vitreous haemorrhage and detachment of the retina. In either case, diabetic retinopathy is one of the primary causes of blindness, and any agent that can help to stem the effects of this disease is of value.
In a study of 26 diabetic ophthalmic patients, 100 to 200 milligrams per day of Dr Masquelier proved OPC to be of therapeutic value in controlling vascular incidents which are part and parcel of diabetic retinopathy Several weeks of treatment resulted in noteworthy improvement of vascular incidents, with reduced microaneurisms and diminished exudations, and overall improvement in capillary fragility Another study of 30 diabetic ophthalmic patients tested the effects of a daily dose of 150 milligrams of OPC, compared with a placebo. OPC treatment resulted in stabilisation of lesions in 60 percent of cases, versus 47 percent for the placebo group OPC conclusively demonstrates value in controlling key events in diabetic retinopathy by stabilizing microcapillaries in the retinal membranes of a significant number of diabetic people who have this problem. Based on these findings. OPC should be part of the daily nutritional regimen of every diabetic person.
The health of the eyes depends to a great extent on the integrity of the fine vessels that supply blood to that area. Dr Masquelier demonstrates the capacity of OPC’s to improve visual performance in two ways. In a study of 100 workers who sit in front of computer screens or drive for a living, the administration of 200 milligrams per day of OPC enhanced visual adaptation from bright light. This is the ability of the eyes to see well in a low-light situation after being adjusted to bright light. In the eyes, a substance known as rhodopsin, or visual purple, is the agent which affects visual acuity in low light. Rhodopsin is made by vitamin A, which is the reason that vitamin is closely associated with vision. OPC appears to enhance the speed of rhodopsin activity making it easier to go from high to low light. Here we see synergy with yet another vitamin. Just as OPC enhances the activity of vitamin C, it enhances an important function of vitamin A.
In another ophthalmic study of 147 patients, a daily dose of 100-150 milligrams of OPC showed value in the treatment of many retinopathies of diabetic, arteriosclerotic, inflammatory, degenerative and myopic origin.
Furthermore, OPC has been shown to reduce pressure in ophthalmic membranes by preventing abnormal leakage of fluids into the orbital cavity and tissues.
The Mayo Clinic recognizes these OPCs as alternative therapies for diabetic retinopathy.
OPCXtra – Isotonic OPC