Millions of people suffer from age-related macular degeneration, which can result in severe central vision loss. A recent scientific study demonstrated that supplementing with vitamins C, E, lutein and zeaxanthin may significantly lower risk by 25% for advanced macular degeneration.

Macular degeneration causes blurriness or dark spots in your central vision (straight ahead), without impacting peripheral (side) vision.

Vitamins

Macular degeneration, also known as age related macular degeneration, causes blurring of central vision. This condition affects the macula, an area of your retina which sends signals directly to your brain that help you see fine details clearly and at distance. Macular degeneration typically affects people over 50 and may reduce reading, driving and threading needle abilities – though not completely as the disease does not impact peripheral (side) vision.

Many older adults develop macular degeneration as part of the natural aging process, typically the dry form caused by tissue thining within the macula and slow progression, with only rare instances occurring when abnormal blood vessels form under the retina.

Recent research from JAMA Ophthalmology indicates that replacing beta carotene in an AREDS supplement with lutein and zeaxanthin as part of its composition reduced progression of advanced AMD by 41 percent when compared to using only vitamin C, E 400 IU zinc oxide 80 mg, and beta carotene 15 mg as its ingredients. The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Studies have also demonstrated the power of taking specific vitamins to slow macular degeneration‘s progression, including Vitamin C and E, Zinc, and Lutein. A new recommendation suggests people at high risk for advanced AMD consume folic acid and B-6 vitamins together; studies have shown this combination reduces homocysteine levels associated with heart disease.

Supplements

Many individuals living with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) could find relief through nutritional supplements. A balanced diet and the addition of specific vitamins and minerals can slow the progression of AMD. Macular degeneration causes blurriness, dark areas or distortion in central vision and can make reading, driving a car and other daily activities that require good central vision more challenging. Macular degeneration occurs when cells in the macula, located at the back of the eye in the center, begin to break down and stop functioning correctly. There are two forms of macular degeneration; dry form in which deposits called drusen develop underneath the retina; and wet form where abnormal blood vessels grow abnormally and leak fluid or blood under it.

Research suggests that eating foods rich in nutrients such as lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc and vitamin C may help protect against macular degeneration. These antioxidants can be found in green vegetables, yellow and orange fruits as well as certain nuts; their Recommended Dietary Allowance or RDA amounts are roughly 15 mg of beta-carotene per day as well as 200 mg zinc per day along with 600 mg vitamins C & E daily.

Resveratrol is another available supplement that has been shown to lower the risk of wet macular degeneration in studies, believed to work by blocking activity of an enzyme that stimulates abnormal blood vessel growth and bleeding in the body. Resveratrol capsules, tablets, soft gels can all be taken orally for maximum effectiveness; other promising alternatives being investigated include bilberry extract, zeaxanthin and flax seed oil – The National Eye Institute has an AREDS program dedicated to researching natural products that prevent vision loss related to AMD and other diseases.

Diet

Macular degeneration is the progressive loss of central vision caused by damage to the macula of the retina – an optical structure at the back of your eye which converts visual images to signals for your brain. Macular Degeneration (MD) is a disease in which straight lines in your field of vision become wavy or blurry, making it impossible to read, drive a car, recognize faces or read text; peripheral vision remains usually unaffected however. A variety of factors can contribute to macular degeneration. Age, heredity, smoking and poor diet can all play a part in macular degeneration. There are two primary forms of macular degeneration; dry and wet. Dry macular degeneration refers to when yellowish deposits form under the retina – most often found among older individuals – while wet forms often involve leakage of blood vessels leading to rapid vision loss.

Macular health relies on an abundant flow of blood. Any condition which obstructs this flow may be the source of macular degeneration; high cholesterol may contribute to its development by increasing plaque stickiness within blood vessels – including those located within the eye itself. Smoking also significantly limits this blood flow and hastens disease progression.

Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of diets rich in vitamin C, lutein and zeaxanthin for slowing macular degeneration progression. Furthermore, studies suggest a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, olive oil and nuts can provide protection from macular degeneration as well.

Exercise

Macular degeneration is a degenerative eye condition that gradually destroys central vision. It begins when light-sensitive cells in the retina at the back of your eye begin to break down; these light-sensing cells, known as macula cells, allow you to see details such as faces and words in books or magazines clearly. Their loss leads to blurry vision that usually improves when exposed to brighter lighting but may create central blind spots as well as temporary blurriness that goes away with brighter lighting; dry degeneration forms include dry forms; its wet counterpart often causes new blood vessels supplying oxygen-deprived retina areas which leads to bleeding and scarring which results in rapid vision loss over time.

The wet form of AMD may be diagnosed through an eye exam or home test using an Amsler grid, which detects abnormal blood vessels that leak fluid into the macula. Your ophthalmologist may use optical coherence tomography (OCT), in which digital images of your retina are taken by OCT scan, which can reveal areas of retinal thickening or fluid accumulation; another test, fluorescein angiography, involves injecting dye into an arm vein before taking pictures while it leaks onto retinal layers while it leaks leaking.

Studies have demonstrated that people who participate in physical activity three or more times per week are less likely to develop macular degeneration. A diet rich in leafy vegetables, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids is another proven way of helping protect against macular degeneration, along with smoking cessation and sun protection measures. You can get many vitamins and minerals by eating foods like broccoli, spinach, curly kale or other dark green veggies; eating fish that contains omega-3s as well as eating berries is another key aspect.

Quit Smoking

Smoking poses serious threats to every organ of the body, including eyes. The toxic chemicals present in tobacco smoke can lead to oxidative stress, inflammation and blood vessel damage that can increase your risk for eye disease; specifically macular degeneration and cataracts – two major contributors of vision loss.

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness among older adults, occurring when the natural lens of the eye becomes clouded. Ophthalmologists can remove cataracts using non-invasive procedures involving placing an artificial implant. If the clouding reoccurs after removal, an ophthalmologist must sometimes use laser surgery to create a small hole in the cornea in order to restore normal vision. It’s best to reduce your risk by quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and protecting eyes from UV radiation exposure.

Macular degeneration is a progressive condition that gradually causes central vision to decline, making it harder to read, drive or recognize faces. Smokers are particularly at risk as it often results in permanent vision loss if left untreated; additionally they’re likely to develop the wet form, marked by blood vessel growth beneath the retina which accelerates vision loss quickly.

Smokers should schedule regular comprehensive eye exams to detect any changes in vision. Your eye care professional can offer guidance regarding quitting smoking and strategies to enhance eye health during this visit. It is essential that smokers understand that macular degeneration and other eye diseases don’t just come about due to age but are caused by factors including genetics, lifestyle choices, diet and environmental exposures.