Macular
Degeneration vitamins antioxidants natural therapy with herbs
Age related macular degeneration can result in irreversible visual loss and is the commonest
cause of blindness in the Western world. Macular degeneration may be recognized by a
physician in its early stages by the appearance (with an ophtalmoscope) of pigment changes
and drusen within the retina. The retina is particularly susceptible to oxidation as its
need for oxygen is large, it is exposed to high levels of light, and its membranes are
rich in readily oxidized polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly
DHA found in
fish oils. Eating fish or taking Fish oils supplements could reduce the risk for macular degeneration. Smoking contributes to macular degeneration.
Evidence from in vitro and animal studies
suggests that the antioxidants Natural Vitamin
E complex
and Natural Vitamin C
with bioflavonoids can protect the retina against photochemical
damage.
Carotenoids also have antioxidant properties and two of these,
Lutein and Zeazanthin, make up the macular pigment
that is thought to limit retinal oxicative damage by filtering out blue light. Most, but
not all, studies have shown that antioxidant supplements help reduce the progression of
macular degeneration.
Omega 3 fatty
acids for macular degeneration
High dietary levels of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and
fish reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Those with the
highest levels of total omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in their
diet have a reduced risk of neovascular age-related macular degeneration
compared with those with the lowest dietary levels. By contrast, intake of
arachidonic acid, an
omega-6 fatty polyunsaturated acid found in phospholipids, cell membrane and
brain, increases the risk of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. These
findings and those from other investigations suggest that modifying the diet to
include more foods rich in omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids could
lead a reduced risk of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Archives of
Ophthalmology, May 2007.
Lutein and zeaxanthin for macular degeneration
Macular degeneration is a condition in which there is progressive
deterioration of the central area of the retina of the eye, resulting in
gradual sight loss in the center of the field of vision. There are several
carotenoids in the eye, the predominant ones being lutein and zeaxanthin.
In a study of healthy women younger than 75 years, whose diets were rich
in lutein and zeaxzanthin had a lower rate of age-related macular
degeneration.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in green leafy vegetables, corn, and
squash. Zeazanthin is also found in Goji berries.
Many people limit their vegetable intake to a few of their
favorites, such as carrots, tomatoes, lettuce, etc. It's important to have
a wide variety in order to obtain various types of carotenoids.
Macular
degeneration gene
A specific form of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene, called E2, increases the
risk of age-related macular degeneration well beyond the age of 65, whereas
another form of APOE called E4, may confer some protection.
Vitamins for
macular degeneration prevention
Nutritional supplementation in age-related macular degeneration.
Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2007 May;18(3):220-3. Coleman H, Chew E. Division
of Epidemiology and Clinical Research, National Eye Institute/National
Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Persons with intermediate risk of age-related macular degeneration or advanced
age-related macular degeneration in one eye are recommended to take the
formulation proven in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) to be successful
in preventing the development of advanced age-related macular degeneration by
25%. The formulation consists of vitamins C, E, beta-carotene and zinc. In
addition, observational data suggest that high dietary intake of macular
xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin are associated with a lower risk of advanced
age-related macular degeneration. Similarly, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty
acids derived from fish consumption are also associated with a decreased risk of
advanced age-related macular degeneration. SUMMARY: Persons with intermediate
age-related macular degeneration or advanced age-related macular degeneration (neovascular
or central geographic atrophy) in one eye should consider taking the AREDS-type
supplements. Further evaluation of nutritional factors, specifically, lutein
zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids will be tested in a multicenter controlled,
randomized trial - the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2).
Inquiries
One website reports that vinpocetine could be helpful in treating wet macular
degeneration, to help increase available oxygen to the eye. Eyesight Rx
supplement does not list this as an ingredient. Do you believe it would be
helpful. I am currently being treated for it in my right eye (about 7 months
now), am receiving injections in the eye of anti-vegf factors and taking some
additional supplements as well as, I believe, steroid drop in the eye, all
prescribed by a retinal specialist. He seems open to alternative techniques,
probably feeling the mostly likely wont hurt the situation. Have you any
suggestions other than the vinpocetine specific for wet MD.
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