Macular degeneration is a condition that leads to central vision loss and is one of the primary causes of irreversible blindness in American adults aged over 60.

Studies show that nutritional supplements may help slow the progression of macular degeneration. Macular degeneration causes blind spots in your central vision and straight lines may appear wavy as straightness is lost.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble eye vitamin essential to eye health. It helps the retina convert light rays into images and maintain moisture in the eyes to avoid dryness, making carrots and other orange-colored foods, such as sweet potatoes and apricots, great sources of Vitamin A. You’ll find cod liver oil, beef or chicken livers, eggs, milk and butter all contain this nutrient; men are recommended a daily allowance (RDA) of 3,000 International Units while for women it should be 2,333IUs daily – recommended daily allowance (RDA).

Vitamin C is an antioxidant known to provide protection from oxidative damage and slow age-related macular degeneration and cataract formation. Furthermore, vitamin C promotes the formation of certain glycoproteins that aid the structural stability of retina and cornea cells. Foods high in vitamin C include strawberries, red and green peppers, kale, citrus fruits and cantaloupe; recommended daily allowance is 90 mg for men and 70 mg for women.

The AREDS and AREDS 2 trials have demonstrated that taking vitamins A, C, E, zinc, and beta-carotene supplements reduces the risk of advanced AMD by 25%. Researchers believe these supplements help stop progression of disease by providing essential building blocks needed for healthy retinas.

Zinc is an essential nutrient in maintaining eye structure and contributing to normal iris color, while also transporting vitamin A from liver to retina, and producing melanin that protects against UV radiation damage. Natural sources of zinc include red meat, oysters/shellfish/shellfish products/ dairy products/ nuts & seeds as dietary sources of zinc.

Omega-3 fatty acids can play an essential role in eye health for older adults. Omega-3s form part of the protective membranes surrounding the eye and reduce inflammation while supporting tear production and maintaining an oily outer layer on the eyes. Omega-3s can be found in fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel; vegetable oils like safflower and corn oil; nuts such as peanuts, hazelnuts, almonds and sunflower seeds as dietary sources of these vital fatty acids.

Vitamin C

Macular degeneration may not have any cure available, yet recent research indicates otherwise. Macular degeneration may be delayed or prevented with higher daily dosages of certain antioxidants and minerals, including vitamins A, lutein and zeaxanthin, zinc and copper.

Diet is by far the best source of essential nutrients; however, supplements may also be taken. When taken together they provide maximum results.

Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, an essential nutrient for helping your eyes convert light into images, as well as mineral rhodopsin which absorbs light at the retina and prevents age-related macular degeneration (AMD), leading to central vision loss. Carrots also offer mineral rhodopsin for increased light absorption at retina level – essential nutrients that maintain eye health!

Study results revealed that individuals consuming more than 25,000 international units (IU) per day of an eye supplement containing lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamins C and E experienced less advanced AMD than those who did not consume the same dose – leading to significant reduction in disease progression as well as slowing visual acuity loss by 25%.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are powerful antioxidants essential to eye health, found in dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale, yellow- and orange-colored fruits and vegetables, egg yolks, as well as egg whites. Studies indicate these two antioxidants may delay age-related macular degeneration and cataract development.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant with powerful benefits for eye health and can lower the risk of cataracts while slowing age-related macular degeneration.

Retinal degeneration and dry eyes can be treated effectively with vitamin A supplementation. Essential to retinal health, vitamin A can be found in citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, grapefruit, tangerines and strawberries as well as peppers, tomatoes and greens.

Zinc is an essential trace nutrient, essential for absorption of vitamins A and E – crucial components in supporting young eye development. Zinc can be found in meats, oysters, poultry, dairy products, nuts & seeds as well as fortified breakfast cereals.

Lutein

Lutein is an antioxidant carotenoid found in the central area of retina known as macula, where it works together with zeaxanthin to filter harmful blue light and quench singlet oxygen in the eye – thus decreasing your risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, protecting from oxidative damage, and helping people maintain good eye health.

Research by AREDS (Age-Related Eye Disease Studies) has revealed that diets rich in certain nutrients may slow or delay age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and other chronic eye diseases. Lutein and zeaxanthin carotenoids play a vital role in this protection; these carotenoids can be found in leafy vegetables like kale, spinach and collards as well as egg yolks.

The AREDS 2 study demonstrated that daily supplements of 10mg of lutein and 2mg of zeaxanthin could significantly reduce the risk of advanced macular degeneration among individuals already diagnosed with early AMD, maintaining existing vision while even improving visual performance.

Dietitians play an essential role in informing clients about the importance of getting essential nutrients through diet. They can assist individuals to increase their lutein and zeaxanthin consumption by encouraging them to eat dark, leafy green vegetables such as kales, spinach, chard and collards; yellow and orange fruits like apricots and papaya; as well as eggs.

While some dietary supplements contain both lutein and zeaxanthin, ensure you take FloraGLO ™ lutein which is five times more bioavailable than cheap forms. Furthermore, ensure the vitamin you take contains Vitamin C to ensure proper responses from lutein and zeaxanthin intake.

The AREDS study suggests that taking vitamins A, C and E together is more effective in slowing the progression of advanced AMD than any individual supplement; as a result it’s essential to choose a multivitamin with all these essential nutrients – one such being ProMed’s MACULA 2(r) ESSENTIALS AREDS 2 PLUS was designed specifically to meet these recommendations as it goes above and beyond recommended dietary allowances for these ingredients.

Zeaxanthin

Zeaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment found in egg yolks, spinach, kale, orange peppers, corn squash and kiwi fruit that acts as an antioxidant in the retina of the eye. A natural form of xanthophyll, this natural xanthophyll has been proven to decrease risk of age-related macular degeneration while simultaneously protecting against cataract formation. Also found in egg yolks, spinach kale orange peppers corn squash kiwi fruit it provides natural colorations to products like paprika as well as being used as food dye.

Studies show that two essential eye vitamins, lutein and zeaxanthin, play an essential role in eye health. Studies indicate that those consuming adequate amounts of these eye vitamins are significantly less likely to experience age-related macular degeneration. A healthy diet should include both of these eye vitamins.

Supplements may be an efficient way for those with limited fruit/vegetable intake or those at risk of eye disease to meet their nutritional needs. When selecting a supplement, choose one with a blend of lutein/zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, E and zinc as these will offer optimal benefits.

Discuss any new supplement regimen you are contemplating with an eye specialist to ensure it will meet both your health needs and does not interfere with any medications you are already taking.

Antioxidants like carotenoids, flavonoids and vitamins have been proven to lower the risk of chronic eye diseases like macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma. Diets high in fruits and vegetables containing dark-green veggies such as leafy greens may lower this risk further; adding quality eye supplements or making lifestyle changes such as wearing sunglasses outdoors may further protect your eyes – all factors which you have control over; it’s never too late to begin protecting them!