Preventative Therapies for Dry Macular Degeneration

• UV 400 Filters.  Have ultraviolet 400nm filters put in all clear sunglasses.  This keeps the damaging radiation out of the eye.  Ultraviolet radiation exposure occurs on both sunny and cloudy days.  Minimizing this exposure may help reduce the risk of developing, or progression of, macular degeneration.

• Antioxidants and carotenoids.  Many studies have shown the benefits of oral antioxidant and carotenoid therapies in slowing or stopping the progression of macular degeneration in some patients.  The following therapies may be helpful depending upon the type and stage of macular degeneration.
• For those with intermediate AMD or advanced AMD in one eye, the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) formulation of high-potency anti-oxidant vitamin and zinc supplement (includes 500 mg Vitamin C, 400 IU Vitamin E, 15 mg Vitamin A (beta-carotene), 80 mg zinc and 2 mg copper) may reduce risk of progressing to more severe vision loss by up to 28%.
•  Antioxidants for the macula include zinc (40 to 80 mg daily) and selenium (20 to 40 mcg daily). A daily dose of 2 mg copper per day is needed in conjunction with zinc therapy to reduce the risk of anemia. Zinc can cause gastrointestinal problems in some patients.  To minimize this risk, it is recommended to take these supplements with food and/or at bedtime.
• Carotenoids:  Lutein (4 to 20 mg daily) and zeaxanthin.  Lutein should be taken at a separate time than Vitamin A to ensure maximum absorption.
• Omega-3 fatty acids.  DHA (500 mg daily).
• Bioflavonoids.  Bilberry.

Dosages, therapies and sources are patient specific and should be coordinated with your eye doctor.  Several proprietary antioxidant supplements specific for dry macular degeneration are currently available. 

• Diet.  Including at least 3 one cup servings of fresh spinach (or collard greens) per week in a diet plan has been shown by a major health study to significantly help macular degeneration patients.  Patients taking Coumadin should not eat large amounts of spinach.  Also, a generous intake of fruits and vegetables, with special attention to vitamins A (beta-carotene), C, E, and B-2, may be helpful.

• Amsler Grid.  Daily testing of each eye separately with an Amsler grid helps to identify early any serious changes in macular degeneration.  Contact your eye doctor immediately if any significant changes are noted in either eye.

What can make macular degeneration worse:

• High Blood Pressure.  High blood pressure has been shown to be a risk factor in macular degeneration.  Keeping your blood pressure within normal limits may be helpful in managing your macular degeneration.

• High Cholesterol.  High cholesterol has been shown to be a risk factor in macular degeneration.  Keeping your blood cholesterol within normal limits may be helpful in managing your macular degeneration.

• Smoking.  Smoking has been shown to be a major risk factor in macular degeneration.  Eliminating tobacco products may be helpful in managing your macular degeneration.