Chronic macular degeneration is a terrible optical affliction that has deprived many people of their eyesight. Patients and doctors alike are all too familiar with the phrase, "There's nothing more that can be done."
And unfortunately, for the "dry" type of macular degeneration - where no new blood vessels are formed under the retina -there is no medical treatment. But when it comes to the "wet" type, what is there to do?
"Plenty," says Dr. Richard J. Shuldiner, a low-vision optometrist who treats people with vision loss- as do I. "The name of the game is prevention or arresting the progression, and there are a number of things that people can do for themselves."
Double-blind medical studies are proving the effectiveness of nutritional medicine as a critical piece of the puzzle. It is clear that proper nutritional support can help protect us from diminishing eyesight and degenerative ocular complications as we grow older. The following vitamins should be included in your nutritional supplement:
* Vitamin A - The first vitamin ever discovered (hence its name) protects cells against free-radical damage as an antioxidant and aids in night vision. Recommended dosage: 10,000 IU Vitamin A and 18,640 IU beta carotene.
* Vitamin C - This antioxidant helps prevent oxidative damage to the macula as well as the lens of the eye. Orange juice is an excellent source for this vital nutrient. As a supplement, the recommended dosage is 452 mg.
* Vitamin E - The third critical antioxidant helps protect and enhance cell membranes of the eyes against free radicals. However, the American Heart Association has recommended against taking the AREDS dosage of 400 IU of Vitamin E each day and instead recommended 200 IU per day.
* Zinc - The retina contains the second-highest concentration of zinc in the body (after male sexual organs). Zinc is also necessary to transport Vitamin A to the eye. Recommended dosage: 69.6 mg.
* Copper is needed to activate antioxidant enzymes and enzymes that help process amino acids. To help maintain a normal level of copper in the body, the recommended dosage is 1.6 mg.
* Taurine filters out harmful UV radiation and is essential to the retina. A strong correlation between low taurine levels and macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa and diabetic retinopathy have been found. Recommended dosage: 400 mg.
* Lutein also filters out harmful radiation and helps maintain proper lens density. The healthy macula has a high density of lutein. The Lutein Antioxidant Supplementation Trial found that not only did lutein slow the progression of macular degeneration, but many patients actually experienced an improvement in vision following taking this supplement. Recommended dosage: 8 mg.
* DHA is an Omega-3 fatty acid essential for normal retinal and brain development in mammals. 60 percent of the retinal photoreceptors' outer segment is made of DHA, which serves as a shield to protect the cell. DHA levels correlate with visual and mental performance. Recommended dosage: 120 mg.
Ocular fortress
After reviewing hundreds of medical studies, Dr. Shuldiner has joined with leading nutrition scientists to develop a proprietary supplement product. Dr. Shuldiner's Macula Therapy Formula contains a combination of the abovementioned eight nutrients in a convenient capsule form. This combination is like putting up a fortress to guard your precious eyesight.
But please note: It is imperative that you check with your personal physician before beginning a regimen of any vitamins.
Other factors
In addition to the curative and preventive benefits of nutritional supplements, there are other things to remember. For one: sunlight is your biggest enemy. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun can ultimately lead to macular degeneration and cataracts. High-quality sunglasses are not only fashion statements and glare redcucers - they're a necessity.
You should also be aware that smoking is a major cause of macular degeneration. Smoking fills the red blood cells with molecules of carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and others, leaving less room for oxygen and nutrients. The rods and cones of the retina cannot get the proper nutrition to do their jobs.
Worse yet, the red blood cells cannot remove the toxic waste products produced by the rods and cones. The combination of poor nutrition and toxic waste buildup causes degeneration of these important cells. It is the effect of ultraviolet radiation and smoking that will eventually lead to the blinding consequences of macular degeneration.
Along with proper supplementation with vitamins, a healthy diet is key. Foods high in antioxidants and lutein are very important. Leafy green vegatables such as spinach and kale are excellent choices. These foods also lower the level of LDL and cholesterol in the blood, which block up the blood vessels and reduce the ability of the blood cells to bring nutrition to the macula.
Use it or lose it
Also, don't save your eyes - use them. You cannot damage any cells by using the eyes. So read as much as you can. Enjoy television. Live life to the fullest, without fear of doing damage to your eyes by using them.
Low-vision devices in the form of bioptic telescopes, clear-image microscopes, closed-circuit television reading machines, hand and stand magnifiers and more are all available to enhance the quality of your life. Seek the services of an experienced low-vision doctor to maximize the vision that you do have.
If you have any questions, contact Dr. Ross Cusic with Low Vision Optometry Northwest: toll free, 1-877-823-2020.
Dr. Shuldiner's Macula Therapy Formula is available from Vision Vitamins, toll free: 1-877-848-2030 or www.VisionVitamins.NET.
Dr. Ross A. Cusic works at Low Vision Optometry Northwest Inc.
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