One of the leading causes of impaired vision and blindness in aging men and women is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). February has been deemed a time to recognize this pattern, and take steps to prevent it. Here is a look at AMD, and four of the best supplements to combat it.
A Look at AMD
The month of February is designated as AMD And Low Vision Awareness Month. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease which impairs central vision, which is the ability for a person to see what is right in front of them. AMD is typically associated with aging, and almost 20 million aging Americans experience it.
Two types of AMD exist. Roughly 90% of AMD cases are dry (atrophic), resulting from the buildup of protein deposits called “drusen” under the macula. This form typically causes gradual loss of central vision. About 10% of AMD cases are wet (exudative), caused by the development of abnormal blood vessels. This type is more severe and can lead to quick loss of central vision entirely.
Risk factors for AMD include hypertension in other family members, being overweight, a diet high in saturated fats, and smoking. Conversely, measures to reduce risk of macular degeneration include maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, staying physically active, and following a Mediterranean diet.
Early diagnosis is important for preventing dry AMD. Reducing risk or slowing progression of AMD can be accomplished through healthy lifestyle choices and the use of dietary supplements. A body of research called the Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS) have shown that strategic dietary supplementation can meaningfully mitigate age-related macular degeneration.
Supplements for AMD
Risk of age-related macular disease can, to a significant degree, be prevented or mitigated by the use of particular dietary supplements. Here is a look at four natural nutritional supplements which can combat AMD.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are two carotenoids which are found together in nature. These substances are concentrated in the eye’s macular and are important for vision health. They both reduce damage from the sun’s ultraviolet light and are strong antioxidants. Because of these properties, supplementing with a lutein and zeaxanthin supplement could significantly reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
Zinc is a mineral which tends to be concentrated in another critical part of the eye, the retina. For this reason, zinc is regarded as important to eye health, and is believed to play a role in preventing macular degeneration. It is likely that a deficiency in zinc contributes to AMD. For this reason, supplementing with zinc (in recommended dosage) could be helpful for mitigating the progression of age-related macular degeneration. Zinc is one of the recommended supplements per the AREDS mentioned in the previous section.
Vitamin C is the main vitamin included in the original supplements recommended by AREDS research, and is therefore regarded as a standard vitamin for mitigating AMD. High doses (500mg or more) of vitamin C are recommended. Research shows that this is most effective for mitigating the progression of symptoms in those with intermediate AMD or with severe AMD is just one eye. The antioxidant properties of vitamin C are what make it effective.
If you or a family member are experiencing AMD, do not allow it to go on untreated without taking the accessible measures to fight it. Consider these four supplements, and speak to your healthcare provider before taking these or any supplement for the first time.