Studies by AREDS (Age-Related Eye Disease Study) have demonstrated that specific combinations of vitamins and minerals may help slow macular degeneration’s progress, including lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C, beta-carotene, zinc and copper.

Attracting lutein and zeaxanthin from foods rich in these substances requires eating healthily; some sources include egg yolks, spinach, kale, carrots and orange peppers.

Lutein and zeaxanthin

Studies published in Archives of Ophthalmology revealed that those who consumed more yellow plant pigments known as lutein and zeaxanthin were less likely to suffer age-related macular degeneration, supporting previous findings that higher intake may slow its progression. Lutein and zeaxanthin belong to an antioxidant class called carotenoids that help protect retinas by filtering high energy blue light, acting like natural sunblock for eyes.

The retina is a thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye that detects and processes light, composed of millions of light-sensitive rods and cones that detect central and peripheral vision respectively. Furthermore, macular pigment – composed of carotenoid compounds such as lutein and zeaxanthin – plays an essential role in vision by absorbing up to 90 percent of blue and ultraviolet (UV) light entering through retinal pathways, providing protection from photooxidation of surrounding tissues by UV rays.

Lutein and zeaxanthin can be obtained in your diet through foods that contain these two nutrients, including dark green vegetables (spinach, kale, collard greens), orange peppers, corn, spinach, paprika, eggs squash or pistachio nuts. However, unlike beta-carotene which the body converts directly to vitamin A these must be consumed directly to benefit eye health.

Researchers have recently discovered that SR-B1, or Scavenger Receptor Class B Type 1 protein plays a key role in transporting lutein and zeaxanthin from bloodstream to retina, with blocking this protein leading to absorption rates falling by 41-87% – potentially slowing macular degeneration by increasing delivery of these nutrients directly to retina.

Researchers are conducting an ongoing trial examining whether oral supplementation of lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3 LCPUFAs can significantly increase macular pigment density. Forty participants ages 60 or over are being recruited into this research study and they range in severity from being asymptomatic (no signs of macular degeneration) to advanced AMD (geographic atrophic macular degeneration and drusen in one or both eyes).

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are key structural components of the retina. Omega-3s help decrease oxidative stress, lower blood pressure and inflammation; assist brain function; may aid depression relief; may aid with heart health concerns and more. According to The American Heart Association’s recommendation, adults should consume at least 1 gram of omega-3s each day.

Studies have long revealed the positive benefits of diets rich in Omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular health, but now research demonstrates their critical role in protecting against age-related macular degeneration. Researchers examined food consumption habits among 2,391 adults aged 65-84 and discovered those who consumed more foods rich in DHA and EPA had reduced risks of advanced macular degeneration when compared with those who consumed less omega-3-rich food items.

Recent years saw omega-3’s only source as fish or supplements; but now researchers have developed a form of DHA which can cross retinal barriers, helping protect eyes from diabetes-related damage as well as other conditions. Called LPC-DHA, it travels directly from bloodstream into retina, where it helps slow visual decline.

This research builds upon prior findings that diets rich in omega-3 can delay late age-related macular degeneration. Furthermore, studies like Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatment Study (AREDS) have shown that supplementing with antioxidant vitamins and zinc can significantly decrease progression risk to advanced macular degeneration.

Though consuming fruits, vegetables and whole grains is generally recommended, some individuals may need additional Omega-3 fatty acid supplements in order to achieve optimal health. These dietary supplements can be purchased from drug stores or natural health stores; consult your physician or dietitian if this applies to you.

Bilberry

Bilberry is a small dark blue/black fruit packed with anthocyanidins, powerful flavonoids that provide it with its vibrant color and antioxidant properties. Studies have revealed they improve vision while acting as free radical scavengers against macular degeneration and cataracts, stabilizing collagen, reducing inflammation, improving circulation and protecting against eye disorders such as macular degeneration. Furthermore, it’s an excellent source of Vitamin C and Potassium.

During World War II, British pilots discovered that eating bilberry preserves before night bombing raids significantly enhanced their vision. This result was attributed to the antioxidant properties present in bilberries; today these properties are known to support healthy eyes and circulation; indeed bilberries are one of the world’s richest sources of anthocyanidins!

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L) contains anthocyanidins that protect against eye problems by increasing blood flow to the eye, decreasing risk for macular degeneration, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. Bilberries have also been proven to be effective against varicose veins; its leaves have also been used in herbal medicine for treating digestive complaints like diarrhea as well as stimulating mucus flow to improve digestion and relieve menstrual cramps. Furthermore, its leaves contain large quantities of iodine making them ideal sources against scurvy.

Bilberry is a nutritious berry food and supplement, widely sold under various brand names in the US market. High-quality extracts should contain 25% anthocyanidins; various manufacturers provide capsules or liquid extracts containing 80-160 mg taken three times daily as supplements; jams or syrups also often include this fruit; fresh bilberries may be found at markets, herb or organic health food stores or health food stores, with two to four ounces consumed daily or dried product purchased from these stores being sufficient daily intake.

Vitamin E

Addition of antioxidants is the best way to protect your eyes. These include vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, lutein, zinc, copper, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids. A well-rounded diet should provide these essential nutrients including cereals, legumes, nuts, seeds meat fish dairy products fruits – providing your Recommended Dietary Allowance of these vital minerals and vitamins.

Studies have demonstrated the powerful antioxidant effects of vitamin E on macular degeneration, blood pressure and heart disease prevention. Vitamin E can be found in peanuts, wheat germ, vegetable oils and green leafy vegetables as well as in oral supplements.

Vitamin E is an anti-inflammatory and powerful antioxidant with many health benefits, and has been found to slow the rate of macular degeneration progression among those suffering from dry AMD. Furthermore, Vitamin E also raises levels of zeaxanthin which acts as an antioxidant within the eye itself.

Research has also demonstrated that supplementing with both zeaxanthin and lutein together in diet has an even stronger effect in slowing early age-related macular degeneration than either supplement alone. The AREDS2 study is intended to assess whether additional ingredients, such as zinc oxide and copper as antioxidants or omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA for example, could further lower risk of advanced AMD among people suffering dry AMD.

Researchers have recently discovered that eating foods rich in certain antioxidants and nutrients, including carotenoids like zeaxanthin and lutein; omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA; Vitamin A for maintaining clear corneas; and Vitamin C to lower cataract risks can all play an integral part in protecting against macular degeneration as well as cataracts.

Studies have demonstrated that deficiencies of essential nutrients, particularly iron and B12, can result in muscle weakness, difficulty walking and coordination issues, vision problems such as blurry or dimmed images and peripheral neuropathy symptoms such as numbness and tingling sensations (peripheral neuropathy) when nerve fibers connecting your eyes to your brain become compromised (Purkinje neurons).