Macular degeneration robs people slowly of their central vision. Starting as tiny deposits under the retina known as drusen and eventually progressing to sight-threatening advanced AMD.

Studies demonstrate nutritional supplements can aid in slowing the progression of AMD. A diet rich in dark green vegetables, fruits and nuts may also lower risk.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, is an antioxidant essential to protecting eyes from age-related macular degeneration. Vitamin C helps safeguard the retina and macula – two small spots at the center of each eye that allow you to see fine details both near and far away – when these stop functioning properly it may lead to blurriness or dark areas in central vision that is indicative of macular degeneration. When these blood vessels leak fluid or blood, obscuring central vision. New blood vessels may even result in cataract formation!

Studies have demonstrated that diets rich in antioxidant vitamins A, C and E as well as omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA may slow macular degeneration’s progression. Furthermore, combination therapies using vitamins (C & E) with zinc have been found to slow vision loss rates for some people with intermediate or advanced AMD.

These nutrients can be found in various foods, such as leafy green vegetables (like spinach, kale and broccoli), fruits such as berries and citrus and nuts. You may also take multivitamin supplements daily or consider purchasing an all-in-one nutrition pack that contains these vital components.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant known to combat oxidative stress by neutralizing free radical damage associated with several diseases and conditions, including macular degeneration. Alpha-tocopherol is the most popular form of this fat-soluble vitamin which also acts as an anti-inflammatory, safeguarding cells against damage while delaying cell aging and cell damage.

The vitamin E family includes eight tocotrienols, each playing its own part in keeping our bodies functioning at peak health. While all forms are essential to good health, alpha-tocopherol has been thoroughly investigated because it’s most effective in protecting eyes from oxidative damage and the rest of our bodies from inflammation.

Although its exact mechanism remains elusive, research has shown that eating large quantities of vitamin E can reduce your risk for macular degeneration. Vitamin E can be found in many food items including almonds, vegetable oils and green leafy vegetables, in multivitamin supplements as well as single dose tablets.

Recent six-year research demonstrated that supplementing with vitamins C, E, beta carotene and zinc significantly slowed the progression of age-related macular degeneration for people at high risk – without increasing cataract formation – over six years. Vitamin E provided protection from this form of macular degeneration for the first time ever, which was an exciting addition to AREDS (Age-Related Eye Disease Studies) research.

Lutein

Carotenoids contain over 600 antioxidants known as carotenoids; among these is lutein – widely renowned as “eye vitamin.” It helps fight free radicals (unstable atoms that damage cells and cause disease) while protecting against them in our eyes which contain higher concentrations than any other tissue in the body – its presence also absorbs damaging blue light which contributes to AMD and cataract formation.

Studies demonstrate that people consuming diets rich in lutein and zeaxanthin have lower risks of age-related macular degeneration. These antioxidants naturally occur in both retinal tissue and lens structures of the eye; with natural lenses collecting and focusing light onto retina. Oxidative stress caused by cataract formation or macular degeneration can damage retina, but neutralizing free radicals with lutein and zeaxanthin helps delay their onset by acting against free radicals that create damage to retina.

Lutein and zeaxanthin can be found both in food such as spinach and kale as well as nutritional supplements. In one study, supplementation with lutein significantly increased macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and visual acuity, while further investigation into its impact on macular degeneration is still being done – for example the ongoing AREDS2 trial is assessing its benefits to vision in patients suffering advanced macular degeneration; results should be available by 2022.

Zeaxanthin

Lutein and zeaxanthin are essential eye vitamins that can lower the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. Both substances are powerful antioxidants found in many foods such as dark green leafy vegetables and colorful fruits and vegetables; their presence is especially prominent in your retina’s macula lutea area, known as macula lutea.

Both carotenoid molecules can be found throughout the human body and food sources, particularly leafy greens, egg yolks and oranges. Furthermore, these carotenoid molecules serve as natural dyes or supplements; research indicates that lutein may reduce risk for age-related macular degeneration while simultaneously helping prevent cataract development; while zeaxanthin could potentially help relieve dry eye symptoms.

Contrary to beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin do not convert to harmful oxidized forms in the body and do not increase lung cancer risk. A recent study that compared adding these two nutrients together as part of an age-related macular degeneration treatment with beta-carotene found that using both together proved significantly more successful than just using the pharmaceutical therapy alone.

According to a recent study published in the Journal of Optometry, studies indicate that diet falls 1-6 mg short of the daily recommended amount of dietary zeaxanthin necessary to sustain healthy macular pigment levels. One EyePromise Restore softgel contains 8 mg of all natural dietary zeaxanthin from natural paprika.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential group of polyunsaturated fats found in seafood that provide optimal cellular function while naturally reducing inflammation. Omega-3s have also been proven to benefit eye and brain health, protect against cardiovascular disease, promote cognitive wellness, assist depression/rheumatoid arthritis management, as well as alleviate mood disorders/neurological conditions.

Studies have indicated that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids could prevent or slow age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A large randomized trial revealed that those consuming higher levels of DHA and EPA in their blood were significantly less likely to develop AMD than those who consumed lower intakes.

Other sources of omega-3 can include supplements made of algae, krill or meat products like beef and poultry. Exposed to sunlight is another way to increase omega-3 consumption – helping absorb calcium which is important for bone health. Experts generally advise an intake of 400 International Units daily of vitamin D; this can be found in food such as fortified milk and orange juice, salmon tuna sardines or egg yolks – consult your healthcare provider on what amount would best meet your individual needs.

Selenium

Eyes are constantly exposed to oxygen and light radiation that releases free radicals into their retina and lens, creating free radicals which damage tissues. Antioxidants naturally produced by our bodies serve as protection from this damage; as we age however, their production decreases and diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration begin to occur. Antioxidant vitamins C & E as well as carotenoids lutein and omega-3 fatty acids may help slow their progression.

Alongside vitamins C and E, botanicals have also been found to contribute significantly to eye health. Ginkgo biloba and grape seed extract have been shown to boost their antioxidant properties; while bilberry, eyebright, and quercetin provide additional support for capillaries which bring blood into the eyes.

Diets high in fruits and vegetables offer the optimal source of antioxidants that can help combat age related macular degeneration, though many Americans fail to consume the necessary amount. A combination of seven key nutrients has been proven to significantly decrease macular degeneration risk as well as other aging effects of retina. Foods rich in beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein, vitamins C & E as well as zinc & selenium should be supplemented for best results – particularly important when smoking or taking medications that increase vitamin and mineral oxidation rates compared with consumption alone.