Macular degeneration affects the central area of your retina (at the back of your eye) and makes fine details difficult to see, although peripheral vision remains intact. It often co-occurs with high blood pressure, obesity and smoking which makes detecting symptoms even harder.

Many individuals can stem the progression of disease by eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals, exercising regularly, giving up smoking and protecting their eyes from UV radiation.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba (Maidenhair Tree) has long been touted for its memory-enhancing and blood flow boosting properties. Studies indicate it may also aid in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, periodontitis, tinnitus by mitigating oxidative damage to tissues; plus it’s an antioxidant which may lower respiratory infections risk!

Ginkgo tree leaves contain numerous compounds known to promote circulation, including flavone glycosides (bilobalides), terpene lactones and alcohol-soluble ginkgolic acids. These chemicals enhance circulation by increasing permeability between arteries and veins and decreasing blood clotting; furthermore they help decrease oxidative stress by regulating antioxidant enzyme expression as well as decreasing reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in the body.

One study investigating the effects of Ginkgo biloba on ocular blood flow found that it could significantly increase it among those diagnosed with normal tension glaucoma – an important finding given that this form of eye disease often manifests with visual field loss even if intraocular pressure remains normal. Further investigation should take place into its impact on this aspect of eye health.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid), found in fruits, vegetables and some animal sources such as beef livers, plays an essential role in maintaining eye health by contributing to retinal cell formation. Furthermore, it forms and maintains collagen proteins essential for bone, blood vessel, ligament, gum, tendon and skin development as well as other parts of our bodies’ development. Water-soluble vitamins cannot be stored by our bodies so must be replenished daily in order to remain effective.

Studies suggest that individuals suffering from age-related macular degeneration could benefit from taking an array of vitamins and minerals. This may slow the progression of disease; examples include vitamins A, C and E as well as zinc and lutein. Furthermore, people with certain forms of macular degeneration could reap additional advantages by eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids such as chia seeds, salmon or walnuts.

Macular degeneration currently has no cure, although treatments exist that can slow its progress and improve vision. These therapies work by inhibiting abnormal new blood vessel growth in the macula – known as choroidal neovascularization; anti-angiogenic medication like Macugen was approved by FDA in December 2004 as one such anti-angiogenic agent; more are currently under study that work similarly.

Lutein

Lutein is an essential eye nutrient, protecting retinal tissue from oxidative damage and free radical accumulation that leads to early ageing of eyes. Additionally, its benefits include decreasing free radical production that contributes to this aging and increasing macular pigment density. Antioxidants such as vitamin E can also aid in the prevention of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, with concentration being highest in the macula of the eye. Vitamin E also appears to enhance vision by blocking blue and near ultraviolet light wavelengths that damage vision, providing antioxidant benefits while blocking blue light exposure. Lutein is a carotenoid belonging to the group of xanthophyll carotenoids and can be found primarily in egg yolks, leafy green vegetables and orange and yellow fruits and vegetables such as spinach, kale and corn. Numerous studies have demonstrated that people who consume more lutein tend to be at reduced risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Zeaxanthin, another carotenoid like lutein, can be found in egg yolks, dark leafy vegetables, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables such as carrots, mangoes and bell peppers, along with some algae and berries. Epidemiological data demonstrates that diets rich in these two carotenes help lower incidences of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials showed that supplementation with lutein increased macular pigment optical density (MPOD). MPOD measures the amount of lutein present in the macula, which plays an essential role in maintaining visual acuity.

Moringa Leaf Extract

Moringa oleifera, commonly referred to as the “Tree of Life” or the “Miracle Plant”, contains over 90 essential nutrients, 46 antioxidants and all essential amino acids essential for optimal health. This incredible superfood also boasts vitamins A-E; calcium iron potassium potassium folate folate Thiamine Riboflavin Niacin Pantothenic Acid as well as being an excellent source of fatty acids protein and fibre!

Morininga leaf extract has been shown to possess both anti-diabetic and anti-epileptic properties, while also protecting eyes from UV light exposure. Studies have also discovered its antioxidant effects on retina and eye retina cells – helping with glare sensitivity particularly among elderly individuals. Furthermore, morininga can aid macular degeneration by improving day time vision while protecting night vision as well as strengthening blood vessels in eyes to avoid rupture and boost oxygen supply to eye tissues.

This research study examined the effects of Moringa oleifera leaves and seed pods on Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger, two common food spoilage fungi. Results demonstrated that application of 6% moringa leaf extract significantly enhanced fruit set, yield, weight, firmness and color characteristics as well as ascorbic acid and anthocyanin content in Hollywood plum fruit sets; alkaloids present in acetone and water moringa extracts provide further evidence supporting their antifungal properties.

Detoxification

Diets rich in antioxidants and nutrients may help ward off macular degeneration. A diet consisting of dark leafy greens, fruits, nuts and fish provide eye-protecting carotenoids such as lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin that deposit pigmented layers on macula. This pigment blocks harmful wavelengths of light which helps prevent free-radical damage to retina.

Macular degeneration refers to the breakdown of the central portion of retina called macula, leading to blurry areas and darkness that impair central vision and make tasks such as threading a needle or driving difficult. Macular degeneration may occur either dryly or wetly with wet forms being distinguished by deposits under retina called drusen that collect under it.

Macular degeneration may result from artery blockage caused by smoking, an unhealthy diet and elevated cholesterol, leading to decreased blood flow to the macula. Bilberry can reduce permeability in blood vessels and thus protect against macular degeneration as well as other eye issues like glaucoma, cataracts and retinitis pigmentosa.

Conditions like arthritis can be further compounded by inflammation, measured by an indicator protein called CRP (c-reactive protein). Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil or supplements like Neptune SK-II can reduce this inflammation by decreasing CRP levels.

Water

Macular degeneration (AMD) is the gradual breakdown of the macula, the small area located within your retina that produces central vision. Your macula allows you to clearly see details like threading a needle or driving, as well as reading books, driving cars and recognizing faces. Though MD can reduce direct vision directly in front of you, it won’t stop you living independently and enjoying many activities you previously took part in.

Macular degeneration comes in two primary forms, dry and wet. In the former case, deposits known as drusen appear under the retina and eventually lead to gradual loss of central vision. With wet macular degeneration, abnormal blood vessels grow underneath your retina that leak fluid or bleed, blurring and distorting central vision in an irreversible fashion if left untreated.

There is no cure for wet macular degeneration (AMD), but eating healthily with plenty of vitamins C and E, carotenoids and zinc can help slow its progress. Regular exercise, low sodium diets and other natural therapies such as injection of anti-VEGF antibodies or photodynamic therapy with verteporfin have also shown improvement. Furthermore, several home and natural remedies can assist in relieving symptoms associated with AMD such as eating healthily, giving up smoking or protecting eyes from UV radiation exposure.