Although there is currently no cure for macular degeneration a recent study sponsored by the National Eye Institute is gaining attention for macular degeneration treatment. According to the Age Related Eye Disease Study, or AREDS, there are macular degeneration vitamins you can take to slow your vision loss associated with age related vision loss problems, this includes dry macular degeneration.
The study found that taking a certain combination of vitamin and minerals slowed the progression of vision loss from macular degeneration as well as aids in halting its progression to the advanced stage of the disease.
The combination includes the following components:
5 Macular Degeneration Vitamins and Minerals
- 500 mg vitamin C
- 400 IU vitamin E
- 15 mg beta carotene
- 80 mg zinc
- 2 mg copper
This powerful combination of vitamins and minerals is loaded with antioxidants. Taken on a regular, consistent basis this macular degeneration vitamin combo has been shown to slow vision loss and progression of the disease into the later stages.
And according to experts at the National Eye Institute this potent vitamin formula has been found to be effective only for those with macular degeneration (wet or dry) in the intermediate (dry) or advanced (wet or dry) stages.
Macular Degeneration Diet
The AREDS recommended supplement plan for macular degeneration sufferers in the advanced stages of the disease is hard to obtain by diet alone. With it’s high levels of certain vitamins and minerals it would be a challenge to eat that amount of each nutrient in your daily diet.
However, there are certain foods you can eat that have been proven to be beneficial for the eyes.
A diet rich in green, leafy vegetables that are high in vitamins A, C, and E have been associated with a lower risk of developing macular degeneration. There is currently no evidence to suggest that this type of diet can reverse or slow the progression of macular degeneration.
It’s important to note that a new study being sponsored by the National Eye Institute is focusing on the potential benefits of a diet high in lutein, zeaxantin, and omega-3 fatty acids to lower the risk of developing macular degeneration.
How to Decrease Your Risk of Developing Macular Degeneration
Eating a healthy diet isn’t just important for protecting your eye health and preventing macular degeneration, it’s vital for a healthy body. The benefits to eating a whole foods, fresh foods diet that avoids processed and refined foods are immeasurable.
In addition to paying attention to what you eat there are lifestyle choices you can make to lower your chance of developing macular degeneration as well as many other debilitating diseases.
Avoid smoking, excessive stress, obesity, and other unhealthy lifestyle habits. Make it a point to be regularly checked out by your doctors including the eye doctor and dentist.
Living an all around healthy life will help you to decrease your risk of developing macular degeneration.
Alternative Treatments for Macular Degeneration
There are a number of people who have turned to alternative, herbal therapies for treatment of macular degeneration. Although there is no evidence that any of these work the following are used most often to treat macular degeneration with some users claiming success:
- Bilberry
- Ginkgo
- Shark cartilage
These may interfere with other medicines you may be taking so it’s vital to check with your health care practitioner before beginning any alternative treatment program.
There are advances on a daily basis with many diseases. If you suffer with macular degeneration stay up on current studies and research, eat healthy, and take the steps necessary to maintain the highest quality of life.
Reference:
http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/maculardegen/armd_facts.asp
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