Age-Related Macular Denegation is a significant cause of vision loss that can often be managed and even improved through targeted nutritional support. It affects mostly people over age 50. While the precise cause of ARMD is not clear, oxidative damage is suspected as being a major factor. It strikes the elderly possibly due to poor diet and nutritional intake over a lifetime, less efficient absorption of nutrients and poor circulation as the body ages. The care needed by vision-impaired elderly could become overwhelming. Let’s take a look at some of the newest research in preventing macular degeneration, as well as treatment and support options.
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Antioxidants have been studied as a way of preventing eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Oxidative damage (free radical damage) may be a contributing cause of these diseases. People concerned about developing these problems may consider taking both dietary and supplemental antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, and supplements like lutein, zeaxanthin, glutathione, and CoQ10.
A common disease in people over age 50, cataracts is a clouding of the lens of the eye. It may be caused by oxidative damage to proteins in the lens from UV light exposure.
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Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables helps ward off a common eye disease, age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). A study in Acta Ophthalmologica looked at the relationship between intake of antioxidants (including the antioxidant lutein) and the incidence of macular degeneration. It found that people with low intake of antioxidants were twice as likely to have this eye disease versus controls.
The macula is made from a yellow antioxidant called lutein. Dietary sources of lutein are leafy green vegetables (kale, spinach, collards, mustard greens), brussels sprouts, and broccoli. It is also found in eggs and corn. Lutein supplements can be made from marigolds.
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Carotenoids have been shown to protect against oxidative damage, which can prevent both macular degeneration and factors contributing to dementia-related diseases (i.e., Alzheimer’s disease).1 Links have been found between these two diseases: patients with dementia were found to have poor maculas and a higher incidence of Macular Degeneration2.
However, these nutrients do not seem to be able to mitigate damage after dementia sets in. Therefore, making sure sufficient amounts of carotenoids are ingested at all ages
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A low-level light treatment called photobiomodulation may be a future treatment for macular degeneration. A company called LumiThera is developing devices for treating vision loss. The devices expose the eye to low-level laser light or light emitting diodes to stimulate cellular function. This is called low level light therapy (LLLT). It is distinct from surgical or aesthetic laser treatments, which destroy tissue.
Visible or near infrared light (NIR) light is produced by a laser or a non-coherent light source. This therapy is in wide use by chiropractors, physiotherapists and sports medicine professionals to treat
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Optic neuritis is swelling and inflammation of the optic nerve that can cause eye pain, visual impairment, dull colors, and/or flashing lights. Since the optic nerve carries visual information to the brain, any symptoms of optic neuritis should be checked by a doctor immediately. If a patient has just one incident, chances are good that they will fully recover. However, inflammation of the optic nerve can be the first sign of multiple sclerosis, a serious degenerative disease.
One of the dangers of this problem is that the optic nerve can lose some of its myelin. The myelin sheath is fatty tissue that protects the nerves. When the myelin sheath is compromised, the nerves can be damaged. This is one important reason to consult
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A humble micro-algae produces a powerful antioxidant: astaxanthin. It does so to protect itself from ultraviolet radiation. Research shows that astaxanthin protects the human eyes and brain from serious diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, as well as conditions like computer eye strain and eye fatigue (asthenopia)1. Astaxanthin supplements are easy to take with no side effects. They are especially helpful as people age and begin to develop serious chronic conditions.
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Methylsulfonylmethane, known as MSM, is commonly utilized in the form of MSM eyedrops or powder in vcaps to be taken as a supplement. It is well known for its anti-inflammatory capacity, documented by researchers. Scientists are documenting substantiating research and finding new uses.
Anti-Inflammation
MSM inhibits inflammasomes, which are protein formations that stimulate production of lymphocytes (white blood cells). It also inhibits the activity of ‘pro-cytokines’ which promote inflammation throughout the body, creating health-damaging fevers and causing tissue death and shock.1 This effect of MSM is useful in reducing the tissue swelling that damages the optic nerve, causes eye soreness of dry eyes and Sjogrens syndrome and other inflammatory-related conditions.
The effects of extracts of French Maritime pine bark (Pinus pinaster bark extract) have been reviewed in the journal, Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences. The writers explain the damaging role of free radicals which arise from oxidative processes within the body as well as the damage resulting from inflammation and that many studies have demonstrated that such damage can be prevented or limited.
Patients with early signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) may benefit from an oral treatment of key nutrients. In a study published in the journal Ophthalmology, a solution of carotenoids with co-antioxidants was shown to both improve vision and slow further degeneration in participants with early AMD.
In the randomized double-masked trial, 433 adults with early AMD who were 55 years of age or older were given either an active solution or a placebo. At the start of the trial, all participants had either early AMD in one eye and late-stage AMD in the other, or early AMD in both eyes. The active oral solution contained
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Natural Eye Care, Inc.
3 Paradies Lane
New Paltz, New York 12561
Phone: 845.475.4158
NaturalEyeCare™ started in 1999 to help the public and professionals learn about complementary care in eye disease treatment.
The information and recommendations we offer are based on over 30 years of peer review research and personal clinical experience which guides us in providing a valuable resource to our readers, customers and patients regarding maintaining healthy vision naturally.
We believe that vision health is intimately connected to overall mental, physical and spiritual health. Therefore we encourage people to look at their overall lifestyle and diet as part of keeping healthy vision and reducing the risk of eye disease onset. This includes diet, regular exercise, and management of daily stress. If one has health issues such as high blood pressure, a thyroid imbalance, any autoimmune disease and/or are on medication(s), these possible contributions to eye disease should considered when working with your health care professional.
Please do not hesitate to call us at 845.475.4158 with any questions and concerns.
