Macular Degeneration

Researchers have found that certain supplement combinations actually modify how genes and proteins affect the behavior of white blood cells in the retina. They are investigating the reasons why certain supplements are helpful against macular degeneration. The answer may be that compounds in the supplements regulate the white blood cells (macrophage phenotypes).¹

Seniors in the early stages of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can become desperate to slow down the eye disease’s progression. The eye doctor typically suggests quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, getting exercise, and getting regular eye exams.

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Getting a thorough eye exam has always been about more than reading letters off an eye chart. That is even truer today. One reason: We are harder on our eyes than ever before. Many of us spend hours each day staring and squinting at screens, developing digital eyestrain, and exposing our eyes to potentially damaging blue light.

But the typical tests offered during a standard eye exam may not go far enough to find problems as early as possible. Even a basic dilated eye exam may not be enough.
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Instead of getting eye injections, patients with serious eye diseases may in the near future be eligible for a contact lens-type patch.¹ Injections are often recommended for eye diseases such as Wet (advanced) Age-Related Macular Degeneration, macular edema, and diabetic retinopathy. The new patch is inserted painlessly like a contact lens. It delivers tiny microneedles containing medication. The microneedles are made from natural materials and dissolve over time, gradually releasing medicine. Patients would be more likely to stick with a regimen that does not involve eye injections.
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Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy can lead to vision loss from angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is the growth of unwanted blood vessels in the retina. These excess blood vessels obscure or distort vision and damage the eye. They can result in permanent damage if not treated, typically by injection of EyLea, Avastin, or Lucentis. Macular Degeneration (ARMD) and Diabetic Retinopathy are most prevalent among seniors over age 60. Are there any natural methods to help retard the growth of extra blood vessels in the eye?
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Several new vision inventions are coming out of Israel. An innovative retinal diagnostic test can be completed entirely online. Also, an implantable miniature telescope restores vision to those with partial retinal damage. This technology is available in the United States today or within the next year.
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Lack of Vitamin D has been associated with eye diseases like uveitis, macular degeneration, and dry eye. Vitamin D deficiency is also linked to cancer, immune disorders, heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, bone pain, depression, asthma, multiple sclerosis, and even dementia. Shockingly, more than 40% of the US population is Vitamin D deficient. The body manufactures Vitamin D, so why is deficiency wide spread? Indoor living, aging, and many other factors are behind this virtual pandemic. How can you measure your vitamin D levels? How can you get enough? Isn’t fortified milk enough? Should you take a supplement? Which one?
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Three time-tested supplements stand out as champions for eye and brain health: garlic, ginseng, and ginkgo. Research on these supplements backs up why they have been used for thousands of years. Garlic plays an important role in all three major traditional medicines–Traditional European Herbal Medicine, Ayurveda, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Ginseng and ginkgo are crucial herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Do these supplements work? Are they beneficial for aging brains and eyes? What does the research show?
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People with vision loss due to retinal disease may be able to use a bionic  system to improve sight in the near future. Pixium Vision is running a feasibility study on is PRIMA System, and they got better-than-expected results. The study is on patients with dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Currently, medical science cannot restore vision in those with retinal dystrophies. The PRIMA System may lead to vision restoration for patients with Macular Degeneration, Retinitis Pigmentosa and other retinal diseases.
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Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant that helps prevent sun damage to the body by blocking free radical damage. This bright red molecule forms in certain algae, pink seafood, and yeast. Unlike beta-carotene, this carotenoid crosses the blood-brain barrier to help maintain healthy brain function. Astaxanthin helps the brain by promoting neurogenesis, the generation of new brain neurons. This nutrient also supports existing neurons by reducing oxidative stress. Scientists have found that astaxanthin can protect against cumulative sun damage to the eye. This nutrient may help reduce the risk of eye disease such as macular degeneration. It may also protect against cataracts and vision loss from glaucoma. In addition, related carotenoids called lutein and zeaxanthin block blue light and work synergistically with astaxanthin.
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A study, led by Dr. Daniel Martin, an ophthalmologist at the Cleveland Clinic’s Cole Eye Institute, has found that the cancer drug Avastin (bevacizumab) offers macular degeneration patients the same benefits as the drug Lucentis (ranibizumab), which was specifically formulated to treat the disease.

“The results of our study show that Lucentis and Avastin are virtually identical, in terms of visual acuity achieved, when they’re given on the same dosing frequency,” Martin said in a press release. “For example, if you compare Lucentis given monthly versus Avastin given monthly, it’s virtually identical for visual acuity achieved in one year.”
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