Macular Degeneration
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most common causes of poor vision after age 60. AMD is a deterioration or breakdown of the macula. The macula is a small area at the center of the retina in the back of the eye that allows us to see fine details clearly and perform activities such as reading and driving.
The visual symptoms of AMD involve loss of central vision. While peripheral (side) vision is unaffected, with AMD, one loses the sharp, straight-ahead vision necessary for driving, reading, recognizing faces, and looking at detail.
Although the specific cause is unknown, AMD seems to be part of aging. While age is the most significant risk factor for developing AMD, heredity, blue eyes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and smoking have also been identified as risk factors. AMD accounts for 90% of new cases of legal blindness in the United States.
Nine out of 10 people who have AMD have atrophic or “dry” AMD, which results in thinning of the macula. Dry AMD takes many years to develop. A specific vitamin regimen has been shown to slow progression of dry AMD.
Exudative or “wet” AMD is less common (occurring in one out of 10 people with AMD) but is more serious. In the wet form of AMD, abnormal blood vessels may grow in a layer beneath the retina, leaking fluid and blood and creating distortion or a large blind spot in the center of your vision. If the wet form of macular degeneration is diagnosed, a referral to a retina specialist may be recommended. Intravitreal injections of certain medications, laser treatment, and other therapy may be used to help slow vision loss in these cases.
Promising AMD research is being done on many fronts. In the meantime, high-intensity reading lamps, magnifiers, and other low vision aids help people with AMD make the most of their remaining vision.
Age Related Eye Disease Study 2
In the landmark AREDS study, patients with dry macular degeneration were shown to have a slower progression to the wet form of macular degeneration when given high doses of certain vitamins and minerals. In phase 2 of the study, lutein and zeaxanthin were used to replace the beta carotene and found to be effective. Omega 3 fatty acids were not found to make a difference.
Current recommended formulation:
Vitamin C: 500mg
Vitamin E: 400 IU
Zinc: 25 mg
Copper: 2mg
Lutein: 10 mg
Zeaxanthin: 2mg
There are several commercially available preparations containing these vitamins. Some of these include:
Preser Vision AREDS 2
I Caps Multivitamin Formula
Macular Health AREDS II Formula
The commercially available vitamins change frequently. Please check the labels to be sure that the above vitamins are contained in the formula. High doses of vitamin A have been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, so avoid preparations with this vitamin if you have ever been a smoker. Additionally, you must read the labels to ensure that you are taking the correct number of pills a day. Many preparations require 4 pills daily to get the required dosage. Additionally, although the AREDS2 study demonstrated no benefit of the omega 3 oils on macular degeneration, it has been shown to help with dry eye symptoms and so some preparations will continue to use this in the formula.