Macular degeneration is a condition which destroys sharp central vision. It is one of the primary causes of legal blindness among adults over 50.

Leakage blood vessels found in advanced, wet macular degeneration can be difficult to treat; however, a new drug blocks certain growth factors that promote abnormal vessel formation.

Antioxidants

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), one of the primary causes of blindness among people over 60, occurs when irreparable damage to cells within the light-sensitive retina at the back of the eye occurs. Over time, AMD can lead to loss of central vision with straight lines appearing crookedly and black spots or gaps appearing in sight.

Condition caused when buildup of debris in the retina leads to overproduction of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF causes new blood vessels to form underneath the macula that leak and distort vision; usually eye care professionals use anti-VEGF drugs injections as treatment, although this procedure is painful and must be repeated over time.

Scientists have recently developed an eye drop that could mark an end to painful injections directly into the eyes. The drop contains cell penetrating peptide (CPP), which allows it to reach eyes quickly and block VEGF. They have shown that their new anti-VEGF drops are just as effective in wet macular degeneration treatment – which is one of the main causes of vision loss among older adults.

An optimally functioning body produces free radicals as part of its natural metabolic process, but they may also be caused by environmental factors like UV radiation or specific infections. To combat them, however, natural defense mechanisms exist which include antioxidants to neutralize any damage done by oxidation; free-radical scavengers donate electrons to stabilize rampaging free radicals before starting further chain reactions that damage body systems.

Vitamins C, E and carotenoids such as betalains are widely recognized antioxidants that can be found in various foods ranging from citrus fruits, leafy greens and other brightly-hued veggies, as well as in supplements derived from them. Flavonoids and phenolic compounds found in various plants like tea, wine and cocoa may provide additional protection from free radical damage while simultaneously decreasing oxidative stress on biological systems.

Vitamins

Studies have demonstrated that nutritional supplements containing vitamins A, C and E as well as zinc and copper may slow the progression of dry macular degeneration (AMD), potentially helping prevent conversion from dry AMD to wet AMD which is associated with faster decline of vision. Your eye doctor can advise if such supplements would be suitable for you.

Your eye care provider may conduct a test known as Fluorescein Angiography to assess what’s happening beneath your retina and macula. A yellow dye will be injected into a vein in your arm, before an imaging camera takes pictures as the dye travels through blood vessels to your retina, showing any abnormal new blood vessel growth under your retina. This test can reveal abnormal growth of new blood vessels that could indicate possible retinal detachments or issues with vision loss.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Research studies have demonstrated the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil for slowing macular degeneration progression and protecting brain health, respectively. Eating foods rich in these omega 3 fatty acids may provide protection from both dry macular degeneration and wet macular degeneration as well as many eye diseases in general.

The Age Related Macular Degeneration Study (AREDS) demonstrated that certain nutritional supplements significantly slowed the progression of dry macular degeneration. More specifically, high doses of vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and zinc helped halt conversion from dry macular degeneration to wet form macular degeneration in those already suffering with dry macular degeneration.

Studies have also demonstrated a correlation between increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake (DHA and EPA) and lower rates of age-related vision loss, especially as one ages, and greater intake of DHA and EPA from food. Krill oil is one of the main sources for these omega-3s while they can also be produced internally via alpha-linolenic acid or ALA found in flaxseed, chia seeds, and canola oil as precursor fatty acids for these essential compounds.

DHA and EPA are essential nutrients found in the retina of an eye and are vital for its healthy functioning. Recently, researchers developed an innovative new method to provide these omega-3 fatty acids directly into retina. LPC-DHA, or Lysophospholipid DHA has already been successfully administered to mice without adverse side effects to their eyesight.

This development in macular degeneration treatment is highly significant. The new method for administering medication promises to make a dramatic impactful statement about wet macular degeneration treatment as well as chronic eye diseases that require it directly in the eye, while also decreasing overall costs for medication delivery directly into eyes. The medication will come in the form of eye drops which use cell-penetrating peptides to deliver drug into eyes directly.

Omega 6 Fatty Acids

Researchers have developed a revolutionary eye drop that could put an end to painful injections directly into the eye for treating age related macular degeneration, one of the leading causes of blindness. These drops contain omega 3 and 6 fatty acids known to slow dry macular degeneration’s progression while potentially stopping it from progressing into wet macular degeneration altogether.

Dry macular degeneration often begins as a result of abnormal cell activity and an accumulation of metabolic byproducts beneath the retina, particularly beneath the sensitive macula. Over time, these byproducts form yellow clumps known as drusen that are easily detectable during regular eye examinations or with special tests like optical coherence tomography. Vision often remains unchanged during these early stages and many are often unaware they have any condition at all.

As part of the wet stage of macular degeneration, abnormal blood vessels may form and leak fluid into the macula, leading to swelling and fluid buildup in the eye. As a result, central and peripheral vision become blurry or darkened and it can become difficult for sufferers to read, drive cars safely or recognize faces. Furthermore, damage done at this point cannot be reversed, meaning any injuries to it could cause permanent loss of vision.

The AREDS study demonstrated how nutritional supplements including vitamins A, C and E as well as zinc and copper could prevent dry macular degeneration from progressing into more serious wet macular degeneration that could ultimately result in complete blindness. The follow up to AREDS II study confirmed these results.

Omega-6 fatty acids can be found in vegetable oils such as corn, sunflower, safflower and soy oil, where they’re converted by our bodies to either Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), Dihomo-gamma Linolenic Acid or Arachidonic Acid – with both eventually turning into two forms of prostaglandins: PGE1 and PGE2. Researchers conducted The Women’s Health Study which revealed a relationship between increasing omega-3 and omega-6 intake and lower risks of exudative macular degeneration among older women.