Macular degeneration is one of the primary causes of blindness among adults over 60, often progressing slowly over time and often undetected until central vision begins to fade away.

AREDS vitamins are specifically formulated to halt the transition from dry macular degeneration into more damaging wet forms of macular degeneration, by providing adequate levels of lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin in their correct proportions.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, otherwise known as L-ascorbic acid, is well-recognized for its antioxidant effects and ability to lower cataract risk. According to one study, women who consumed adequate amounts of this nutrient had 64% lower risks of nuclear cataracts – one of the main causes of vision loss in America.

Water-soluble vitamin B-12 must be replenished through food or dietary supplements in order to remain an essential element for maintaining healthy skin, blood vessels and bones. Involved in collagen synthesis as well as other vital biological functions including combatting infections, decreasing cholesterol, increasing thyroid hormones and decreasing inflammation, it plays an essential role.

Age related macular degeneration (AMD), an irreversible eye disease affecting millions of men and women worldwide, affects the macula, an area in the center of retina responsible for sharp central vision. To help prevent or delay macular degeneration, it is suggested to take high quality macular degeneration vitamins and other nutritional supplements, eat plenty of green leafy vegetables, avoid smoking, wear wide brimmed hats with sunscreen on them and exercise moderately, in addition to getting regular dilated eye exams. Further, effective macular degeneration vitamins should include FloraGLO-formula lutein, be formulated by a U.S licensed physician and comply with a 5:1 ratio between lutein and zeaxanthin; ProMed Eye Health’s MACULA 2 ESSENTIALS AREDS 2 PLUS meets these criteria and stands as one of the best options available on the market.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin with antioxidant properties. It has many advantages for eye health, such as helping reduce macular degeneration and cataract risk. Alpha-tocopherol forms are best suited to eye care; alpha-tocopherol can be found in retinal blood vessels to work alongside vitamin C to block free radical damage to retinal blood vessels. Vitamin E also benefits the immune system by helping prevent LDL cholesterol oxidation – helping lower cardiovascular disease risks.

Most people do not get enough Vitamin E, making it crucial that people searching for macular degeneration supplements contain at least 400 IUs. Studies have also shown that taking both supplements together can slow the progression of macular degeneration.

In addition to vitamins A, C and E, the AREDS study recommended daily dosage of 10mg lutein. Some macular degeneration supplements will contain FloraGLO lutein which is five times more bioavailable than cheap varieties; alternative sources for lutein include dark leafy vegetables, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables, eggs and fish like tuna salmon halibut as well. It’s important to schedule periodic dilated eye exams to detect AMD early and prevent advanced stages from developing.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D, also known as “the sunshine vitamin,” plays an integral part in calcium absorption and fighting off infections in your body, as well as protecting macular degeneration and dry eyes. You can boost your vitamin D levels by spending time outdoors without sunscreen for several minutes each day, as well as eating foods such as salmon, sardines, mackerel eggs milk or orange juice fortified with Vitamin D.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) causes central vision loss in the macula, making it more difficult to read, drive and complete other tasks requiring good central vision. Studies suggest that diets high in lutein, zeaxanthin and zinc could slow the progression of macular degeneration and visual acuity loss.

Macular degeneration vitamins should provide a combination of essential nutrients in an established formula that has been demonstrated as effective by studies. Look for supplements containing the AREDS 2 formulation of vitamins C, E, lutein and zeaxanthin with zinc and copper; FloraGLO lutein has been proven five times more bioavailable than cheap forms used in studies such as those by AREDS; Preserve Mac Forte Advanced is one such popular brand that includes all these elements and can be purchased in most natural food stores or pharmacies across America as well as online.

Vitamin K

Fat-soluble vitamin K is necessary for posttranslational modification of seven proteins involved in blood clotting, as well as for bone health. It regulates calcification in connective tissues and has been linked to bone density. Naturally occurring sources include green leafy vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds as well as dairy products; an insufficient supply may lead to easy bruising, nosebleeds or prolonged postoperative bleeding. A deficiency may result in easy bruising, nosebleeds and prolonged bleeding post surgery.

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye condition that gradually degrades the macula, the small area at the back of the retina responsible for crisp central vision. AMD can make reading, driving and other activities that rely on sharp central vision difficult, while peripheral vision remains unaffected by macular degeneration.

AMD cannot be treated, but studies have demonstrated that taking the AREDS formula may lower your risk of progression to advanced macular degeneration and decrease vision loss by about 33%. It contains beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, lutein and meso-zeaxanthin in an optimal ratio to maintain eye health.

While the RDA of these nutrients may seem high, eye care professionals often recommend higher dosages in order to lower risk of macular degeneration. Furthermore, the AREDS formulation contains much higher levels of these essential vitamins than are found in most multivitamins; look for one with all 7 essentials (FloraGLO lutein included!) adhering to an AREDS 5 to 1 ratio for best results.

Lutein

Lutein is an anti-aging carotenoid and powerful free radical-quenching antioxidant found in many leafy green vegetables such as spinach, peas and cabbage; egg yolks, orange peppers and kiwi fruit also contain this key eye nutrient that has been shown to prevent age related macular degeneration (ARMD) and cataracts; furthermore it could possibly slow the progression of cardiovascular disease or cancer.

National Eye Institute’s landmark AREDS 2 study demonstrated that individuals with early signs of macular degeneration who took daily lutein and zeaxanthin supplements displayed a 10 to 25% reduced risk of advanced macular degeneration. This is likely because they are the only carotenoids found in high concentration in the central region of retina known as macula, responsible for central vision.

MacuHealth Plus+ has been clinically shown to effectively rebuild macular pigment. It features an exclusive triple carotenoid formula with patented 10:10:2 ratio of Lutein, Meso-Zeaxanthin and Zeaxanthin with Micro-Micelle technology for faster absorption by your eyes for visible results faster. Furthermore, MacuHealth Plus+ provides all three key macular carotenoids together at this critical ratio as well as key fat-soluble vitamins C & E for maximum absorption by your body – an unrivalled combination available anywhere!

Zeaxanthin

Zeaxanthin (pronounced “zee-zan-thin”) is a carotenoid antioxidant that works together with lutein to form macular pigment, a yellow hue in the central portion of retina. Together these nutrients filter harmful blue light rays that could potentially damage retinal cells and cause vision loss; furthermore they provide natural UV ray protection against sun’s harmful UV rays and act as natural sunscreen for eyes.

As with lutein, zeaxanthin can be found in green leafy vegetables and eggs. Unfortunately, our bodies cannot produce zeaxanthin on its own so eating foods rich in this nutrient or taking dietary supplements with it are both highly recommended to obtain optimal levels. Daily doses should include 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin consumption.

Carotenoids can be found in the macula, an area at the center of the retina that’s responsible for central vision and color perception. Their primary function is protecting against blue and ultraviolet light by filtering harmful rays; additionally they act as powerful antioxidants against free radical damage.

Recently, researchers reported that supplementing with zeaxanthin and lutein significantly decreased fellow-eye two-year incidence of age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) among those following a standard AREDS regimen of 500 mg vitamin C, 400 international units of vitamin E, 15 mg beta-carotene, and 80 mg zinc. Zeaxanthin supplements also proved an effective complement for photodynamic therapy with bevacizumab and avastin; 38% risk reduction of progression of disease occurred due to combination treatment.