Research demonstrates that supplementing with the appropriate mix of nutritional supplements may help slow macular degeneration in high-risk individuals, including lutein and meso-zeaxanthin (both found in macuhealth) and omega-3 fatty acids.

At present, no treatment exists to restore lost vision from dry macular degeneration; however, a recent study shows that certain antioxidants could help patients who are at high risk preserve their vision.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient the body cannot produce on its own and can be found in food such as citrus fruits, strawberries and tomatoes. Vitamin C plays an integral part in helping form and maintain healthy bones, blood vessels and skin as well as protecting from damage due to oxidation in eyes.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition in which the central portion of retina (the back of the eye) degenerates, often leading to irreversible blindness for adults over 60. A new case is reported every three minutes – this condition can lead to blurriness and distortions in images making activities such as driving and reading difficult or impossible.

Researchers believe a diet rich in certain nutrients, like vitamins A and C, could help prevent or delay macular degeneration. Carotenoids and antioxidant vitamins have been demonstrated to slow AMD progression among those at high risk. One recent study demonstrated that patients taking an omega-3 fatty acid combination supplement of vitamins A, C and E together with omega-3s saw their risk for advanced AMD decrease by 25 percent when compared to patients on placebos.

AREDS 2 research group created its clinical trial to test whether supplementing with additional nutrients could reduce further progression of ARMD. They determined that including lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc and beta-carotene in addition to the original AREDS supplement could possibly improve effectiveness; ProMed Eye Health developed an enhanced formulation known as AREDS 2 PLUS that surpasses these standards by including 500 mg of Vitamin C, 400 IU Vitamin E, beta-carotene 10 milligrams lutein 10 milligrams of Lutein 10 milligrams Lutein 10 milligrams Lutein and 2.5 grams of Zinc for optimal eye health during this trial period of time.

Recommended Dietary Allowance, or RDA, of each vitamin and mineral should be met through a balanced diet; however, those at higher risk for eye problems are encouraged to supplement with additional sources.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E, in various forms, is found in many food items, such as nuts, vegetable oils and cereals. Of all its forms, a-tocopherol stands out for its role in human health – working alongside other antioxidants to protect the retina of the eye from oxidative damage and maintain normal blood circulation while helping ward off certain eye diseases.

Studies from observational research indicate that those with low levels of both carotenoids and antioxidant vitamins may be at increased risk for macular degeneration; however, controlled trials have failed to demonstrate any tangible benefits from supplementation with vitamin E on either progression of macular degeneration or cataract formation.

Macular degeneration is the gradual degeneration of your macula, an area in the center of your retina at the back of your eye that allows you to clearly perceive fine details for activities such as driving and reading. Signs of macular degeneration include distortions in straight lines and dark patches in your center vision as well as difficulty seeing faces or colors; peripheral vision typically remains unaffected.

Researchers conducted an extensive scientific study and discovered that people at risk of advanced macular degeneration could lower their risk by 25% by taking daily nutritional supplements containing vitamin C, E, beta-carotene and zinc. This discovery was published by Archives of Ophthalmology last fall.

The scientists of AREDS2 Research Group conducted their new study with an aim of answering some outstanding questions regarding antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids’ effect on slowing macular degeneration progression, along with whether adding lutein and zeaxanthin, together with reduced zinc dosage, would further reduce progression compared with the original AREDS supplement.

The AREDS2 trial is currently ongoing, but preliminary results demonstrate that the AREDS formula continues to effectively reduce macular degeneration risk and is generally well tolerated. Over-the-counter supplements with this formulation are now widely available; be sure to speak to your healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement regimen.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that assists the body in absorbing and using calcium and phosphorus for good health. It plays an essential role in maintaining normal bone structure and strength; in fact, vitamin D deficiency leads to abnormal bone metabolism, potentially leading to conditions like rickets in children or osteomalacia in adults; excessive intake may even increase blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia).

Vitamin C and the carotenoids may help prevent and slow macular degeneration by inhibiting abnormal blood vessel growth that bleed into the retina. According to some studies, people with advanced macular degeneration who took an AREDS supplement consisting of vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and zinc experienced slower vision loss compared with those who didn’t take these supplements.

AREDS2’s research team set out to determine whether adding lutein and zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA or both would further reduce macular degeneration risk. Their researchers discovered that adding these nutrients to the original AREDS formula of vitamins C & E beta carotene lutein zinc reduced progression by 25% compared with placebo groups.

Lutein and zeaxanthin may offer antioxidant protection by inhibiting damaged cells’ ability to rupture and damage the macula, while vitamin E’s anti-oxidant capabilities could potentially slow protein breakdown and limit their breakdown; also thought is that vitamin C and carotenoids could work together in slowing progression of advanced macular degeneration.

Ophthalmologists can recommend which vitamins and minerals will benefit your eye health. Vitamin injections may also be available to reduce damage from abnormal blood vessels leaking into the macula, so always consult your ophthalmologist about side effects before increasing daily dosages of vitamins or minerals. Typically, vitamins can be obtained through food or supplement sources; but before increasing dosage levels significantly consult with an ophthalmologist first.

Lutein/Zeaxanthin

Lutein and zeaxanthin are two primary carotenoids found in the retina of an eye. These xanthophylls (natural plant chemicals) are remarkable because they are the only antioxidants capable of filtering blue light before it reaches the retina and causes damage, and may help slow cataract and age-related macular degeneration development. Like other antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin also act as free radical scavengers – helping protect eyes from blue light as well as environmental hazards such as age-related macular degeneration.

Studies have demonstrated that diets rich in lutein and zeaxanthin significantly decreases the risk of advanced macular degeneration (dry AMD, geographic atrophy, and exudative AMD) among individuals with genetic risk factors. Individuals in the highest tertile for intake had 65-75% less risk than those in lower tertiles – this effect could be seen both early stage disease as well as later stages.

In the AREDS and AREDS2 studies, daily supplements of 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin reduced dry AMD progression by 25%. These findings support the hypothesis that these anti-oxidant pigments protect against dry AMD by decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation within the retina.

These carotenoid phytochemicals can be found naturally in our diet, with high concentrations found in leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale and collard greens; fruits such as blueberries, apricots and papayas; egg yolks; almonds pecans and pistachios as well as salmon and trout being excellent sources.

Change the American diet into one rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables and lean meats will provide optimal conditions for eye health. Elimination of processed and fried foods should be replaced with whole grains, healthy fats and low-fat dairy products as much as possible; limit intake of trans fatty acids and saturated fats while engaging in physical activity and sleeping enough should also help.