Macular degeneration is a condition wherein the macula of the eye--a layer of tissue in the center of the retina--begins to degenerate. It typically occurs due to age, and although it doesn't result in total blindness, it can interfere with vision in such a way that daily tasks such as driving and reading become impossible. There is no medically verifiable method of treatment; however, studies have concluded that the antioxidant lutein and other supplements have a positive effect on dry macular degeneration.
Symptoms
Dry macular degeneration (MD) is the most common form of the condition, referring to an absence of blood caused by leaking blood vessels underneath the macula. Wet macular degeneration sometimes arises from dry MD, and although the symptoms are almost identical, treatment involves a variety of therapies, with no benefit coming from antioxidant supplements.
Macular degeneration includes a variety of symptoms. These include a general blurriness in the central part of your vision; difficulty reading, adapting to darkness and recognizing faces; a decrease in the clarity of vision and the brightness of colors; and occasionally hallucinations, a phenomenon known as Charles Bonnet syndrome.
Dry Macular Degeneration Treatment
Sadly, once macular degeneration has begun, there is no way to stop it or reverse the damage that's already been done. Progression of the disease, either from dry to wet macular degeneration or just an overall worsening of the symptoms, may be slowed by the regular consumption of antioxidants and zinc.
The National Eye Institute sponsored an age-related eye disease study that provided evidence for the efficacy of antioxidants and zinc supplements in age-related macular degeneration. The trial study included approximately 3,600 participants, all with macular degeneration in a variety of different stages. The trial concluded that 500 mg of vitamin C, 400 IU of vitamin E, 80 mg of zinc, 15 mg of beta carotene and 2 mg of copper taken once daily provided significant benefits, lowering the risk of progressive vision loss by upwards of 25 percent.
These supplements can be purchased in health food stores and generic grocery stores. It is, however, recommended that you discuss with your doctor the potential for any side effects in taking such high doses of vitamins and minerals. Although the risk for problems is incredibly low, your doctor may give you alternative advice or methods of treatment.
Lutein
Lutein is an antioxidant found in green leafy vegetables and can be consumed in a supplemental capsule form. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association provided the first form of evidence that lutein supplements, taken in capsule form approximately 6 to 30 mg per day, can lower the risk of macular degeneration up to 43 percent. Other conclusions drawn from the study show that vitamin A and vitamin C had little to no effect, while vitamin E actually produced a negative effect. This contradicts the study from the National Eye Institute, and as such a doctor should always be consulted before beginning an antioxidant or vitamin supplement for macular degeneration.
Foods that contain high counts of lutein and zeaxanthin, another potent antioxidant, include spinach, kale and collard greens, among many others. A more comprehensive list can be found on the American Macular Degeneration website (see Resources).
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