Macular degeneration, or the gradual degeneration of central vision, is one of the leading causes of blindness among those aged 50 or over, often leading to difficulty reading, driving and recognising faces or colors.

Retinal specialists recommend eating a diet rich in leafy green vegetables, vitamin C, beta-carotene and zinc; we also advise taking a multivitamin that contains both lutein and zeaxanthin as part of a daily multivitamin supplement regimen.

Lutein

Lutein is an antioxidant carotenoid that can improve and even prevent age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, as well as protect against other eye diseases and conditions like glaucoma, as well as possibly decreasing colon cancer and heart disease risks.

Lutein carotenoid can be found in green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, egg yolks, and certain nuts (like pistachios). Lutein has also been discovered naturally occurring at high concentrations within human bodies – specifically within lenses and macula of eyes where it filters out harmful blue light that damages retinal cells over time, thus decreasing visual acuity over time.

Research demonstrates that lutein can both slow the progression of dry macular degeneration and protect against wet macular degeneration, and help protect against wet macular degeneration. Furthermore, it may help halt choroidal neovascularization – a condition in which abnormal blood vessels form and leak fluid into the eye, potentially leading to permanent vision loss – from occurring.

Recent clinical research from the AREDS 2 Study indicates that taking certain vitamins and minerals may lower the risk of advanced macular degeneration for people living with dry macular degeneration and possibly slow or delay progression in those suffering wet macular degeneration. The formula utilized by this clinical research includes Vitamin C, E, beta-carotene zinc copper.

Some dietary supplements for macular degeneration contain carotenoids containing lutein and zeaxanthin, like Preserve Mac Forte Advanced, produced by a U.S. licensed doctor, according to AREDS 2 recommendations for correct ratio of lutein to zeaxanthin (5:1). Furthermore, such products support overall wellness as well as eye health.

The National Eye Institute recently published results of its AREDS2 clinical trial, which demonstrated how supplementing with vitamins and minerals such as lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids could significantly decrease patients’ risks of wet macular degeneration and may slow its progression for those already affected. Talk to your retinal specialist about whether macular degeneration supplements would benefit you.

Zeaxanthin

Macular degeneration affects millions of Americans each year and may increase your risk. Supplements that may help include lutein and zeaxanthin; two important eye nutrients which work together to provide protection to eyesight. As carotenoid pigments found both naturally in plants as well as humans. They function like filters in our eyes to block harmful blue wavelengths while protecting retina health against UV damage.

Studies on these eye-healthy nutrients demonstrate their benefits. One particular research project revealed that taking vitamin C, zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid or DHA significantly decreased progression from dry to wet macular degeneration by 25%; another concluded that high doses of lutein/zeaxanthin/vitamin E significantly slowed development of advanced wet macular degeneration among individuals at highest risk.

Studies have also demonstrated the ability of these vitamins to inhibit cataract formation and slow age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Furthermore, they can protect against the development of vascular macular degeneration, an advanced form of AMD characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth under the retina.

Be mindful that nutritional supplementation cannot treat all forms of macular degeneration and it won’t restore vision that has already been lost. But it may reduce your risk for wet macular degeneration and help keep eyes healthy for longer.

Clinical studies have proven that diets rich in darkly colored vegetables such as leafy greens can significantly decrease the risk of macular degeneration, and daily supplementation of these nutrients even more so. A new innovative zeaxanthin product called ZeaGold made from paprika is an easy and safe alternative to synthetic forms, exempting itself from color additive regulations in Code of Federal Regulations regulations, making it perfect for use in various dietary supplement formulations.

Vitamins A, C and E

The macula is the part of your retina at the back of the eye that allows you to clearly see fine details, including reading, driving and recognising faces. When its functioning stops working as it should, macular degeneration occurs resulting in blurry or distorted central vision. Although no cure exists for macular degeneration yet, vitamin supplements have been shown to slow its progression – possibly by providing essential nutrients that prevent new blood vessels forming under retina that leak fluid, leading to vision loss.

The National Eye Institute’s Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) found that supplementation with vitamins C and E, beta carotene, lutein and zinc reduced certain people’s risk of advanced macular degeneration by 28%; specifically those who had large yellowish deposits known as drusen in their eyes. AREDS2 also tested omega-3 fatty acid supplementation but found no benefit in this regard.

Zinc is an essential nutrient, essential to maintaining normal retinal protein structure and vision. It also supports immune health and produces melanin to absorb UV rays that could otherwise damage eyes. A healthy diet should contain enough antioxidants for eye health; if at risk for macular degeneration it is suggested that you consume 500 milligrams of Vitamin C, 400 milligrams of Vitamin E and 40 to 80 milligrams of zinc each day as an additional precautionary measure.

Your body can obtain most of these essential vitamins and minerals through eating a well-rounded diet that includes leafy green vegetables, carrots, squash and other brightly-colored fruits and vegetables, along with multivitamin supplements – especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding. When considering taking any dietary supplements it’s wise to consult your eye doctor first as they will know which are suitable and safe for your specific situation; dosage recommendations may change according to individual health. In addition they can identify foods which contain these vital elements.

Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral for maintaining good health, playing an essential role in many processes that occur throughout our bodies. Nutritional vitamin B-12 is essential to the healthy development of cells and tissues, taste and smell perception development and maintenance, immune system functioning optimally, cell division, blood clotting processes, as well as the breakdown of carbohydrates. Zinc is an antioxidant that can prevent copper accumulation in the body, known as Wilson’s disease. Zinc can be found in food sources like meat (particularly liver and seafood), dairy products, legumes, whole grains, certain vegetables, nuts and seeds; in supplement form it is often prescribed to help with colds, infections or asthma attacks; additionally it reduces risks of wet macular degeneration.

Wet macular degeneration occurs when abnormal blood vessels form beneath areas weakened by drusen or atrophy, leaking serum and fluid into the macula and blurring central vision. Left untreated, wet macular degeneration may progress to atrophic macular degeneration and lead to permanent loss of central vision.

Although macular degeneration cannot be treated, a recent clinical trial called Age-Related Eye Disease Study or AREDS revealed that supplementing with vitamins C, E, beta-carotene and zinc reduced its risk by 27-30 percent over five years – a notable reduction and certainly a good step in treating macular degeneration.

Researchers are conducting studies to test whether adding nutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin, omega 3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA), and antioxidants to the original AREDS supplement will further reduce progression of ARMD. A trial known as AREDS2 will assess whether adding these additional ingredients reduces vision loss in those diagnosed with macular degeneration; specifically looking to determine whether adding additional vitamins will significantly lower progression towards wet macular degeneration.