Macular Degeneration

The macula is in the central part of the retina that is used for more detailed vision, so it tends to affect the center of our visual field. As it has the largest concentration of cells, it also needs more oxygen then the rest of the retina.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

"Age-Related Macular Degeneration" (ARMD) is a degenerative condition of the macula.

Symptoms of ARMD

It is the most common cause of vision loss in the United States in those 50 or older, and increases with age.

Fortunately, macular degeneration does not cause total blindness since it does not affect the peripheral vision.

What Causes ARMD?

ARMD is caused by hardening of the arteries that nourish the retina.

Types of ARMD

There are 2 types of ARMD:

• Wet ARMD

  Around 10% of cases are called "wet ARMD," as new, but fragile, blood vessels try to regrow in to support the macula.

  These fragile new vessels sometimes leak (hence the name "wet") causing rapid vision loss in the center of 1 eye.

• Dry ARMD

  The other 90% of cases are called "dry ARMD," and these have a very gradual progression.

Treatment for ARMD

• Nutrition

  A number of studies have shown that good nutrition can slow or prevent the development of macular degeneration.

  • General Nutrition

    It has been proven that people with diets high in fruits and vegetables (especially leafy green vegetables and colorful berries) have a lower incidence of macular degeneration.

    This is associated with high levels of the nutrient flavonoids, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin (both found in egg yolks), and lycopene (in tomatoes).

    In fact, those with high levels of these nutrients had only half the risk of ARMD.

  • Healthy Oils

    Fish oils and nuts were also protective.

  • Red Wine

    Red wine is protective, but beer can worsen ARMD.

• Supplements

  Research suggests that a mix of nutrients is more effective than individual ones for ARMD. I recommend a product called "Ocudyne II" capsules by Nutricology (easily found in many online shops), along with:

  • Bilberry extract: 25% extract, 40 to 80 mg 3x day.
  • Zinc: 25 to 50 mg a day.
  • Vitamin C: 1,000 mg 3x day.
  • Vitamin E: 600 units/day (must be natural and mixed tocopherols).
  • Selenium: 200 mcg a day.
  • Ginkgo Biloba: standardized to 24%, 40 to 80 mg 3x day.

• Lifestyle

  • Protect Your Eyes

    Protect your eyes with sunglasses that have UV protection. Ultraviolet rays are believed to cause damage to the pigment cells in the retina.

  • Quit Smoking

    Smoking worsens circulation to the retinal blood vessels.

  • Reduce Eye Strain

    To make reading easier:

    • Use a Halogen Light

      These have less glare than standard light bulbs.

    • Use Direct Light

      Shine the light directly on your reading material. This improves the contrast and makes the print easier to see.

    • Use Magnification

      Use a hand-held magnifier. A cheap drugstore magnifier can increase the print size dramatically.

• Medical Intervention

  For wet ARMD, your eye doctor may recommend laser therapies, which can be added to the therapies above.