The Best Macular Degeneration Vitamins

Macular degeneration is unfortunately on the rise in the U.S., and likely across the globe. This is largely due to the fact that our population is aging, and this disease is pretty much inevitable as our bodies age. In fact, it is estimated that nearly 20 million U.S. adults live with some form of macular degeneration. Even more sobering is the fact that there isn’t yet a cure for this disease. Luckily, there are things you can do to prevent and holistically treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD). First and foremost, adding some macular degeneration vitamins to your regimen early in life can pay dividends in your future. In this post, we’ll discuss the best eye vitamins for macular degeneration and how they can ensure you maintain the best vision possible – for life.

What Is Macular Degeneration?

Just as it sounds, AMD is a disease that affects the macula, or the tiny part of the retina near the back of the eye. This powerful and most sensitive part of the retina is responsible for sharpening our vision and maintaining visual acuity. This means that it is most related to your central (as opposed to your peripheral) vision. So, one of the first signs of AMD developing is blurriness in your central vision. For example, the view straight ahead of you may seem darker than it actually is, or less crisp. Although it doesn’t lead to complete blindness, AMD can lead to a total loss of your central vision.

There are two forms of AMD: wet and dry. In the dry form, the light-sensitive cells in the macula degenerate, and it often develops into the wet form. In the wet form, abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula and leak fluid. Wet AMD often comes on more suddenly, which is why regular eye exams are so important. Regardless of their speed of development, these conditions lead to the same result: a loss of central vision and, therefore, a loss of quality of life.

What Vitamins Are Good for Macular Degeneration?

If you want to prevent AMD or start treating your existing diagnosis, macular degeneration vitamins are the way to go. Of course, absorption of such vitamins can fluctuate with age, so it’s important to start this habit early. It’s also important to note that the body will almost always absorb these nutrients better from natural food sources. But if you can’t work them into your diet naturally, supplements are the next best option.

And, it’s important to note that there are some pretty significant studies that back the importance of vitamins to prevent macular degeneration. While AREDS and AREDS2 were both conducted quite a while ago, researchers still reference these studies often, as their findings continue to hold up.

The AREDS studies were designed to learn more about the natural history and risk factors of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataract and to evaluate the effect of vitamins on the progression of these eye diseases. They found that taking both AREDS and AREDS2 reduces the risk of AMD progressing from intermediate to advanced stages by about 25 percent. Here are just a few of those vitamins and what they can do for your vision as you work to prevent AMD.

1. Lutein

It shouldn’t be that shocking that lutein is good for your macula, because macula lutea is actually the full name of this part of the eye. As you might suspect, it gets this name because there is a high concentration of lutein in the macula, which interestingly turns it yellow in color. The macula is responsible for receiving light in the retina and sending that information to the brain.

Lutein absorbs the excess light that enters the macula to prevent it from causing damage. UV and blue lights are usually the culprits here, and lutein blocks a lot of the most harmful rays. And, since lutein is also an antioxidant, it neutralizes free radicals in the macula. Free radicals cause oxidation, which in turn can lead to AMD.

If you’re looking for macular degeneration vitamins to prevent the disease, lutein is a must. Even if you’ve already been diagnosed with early or late-stage AMD, this nutrient can benefit you. If you’re looking for natural sources, you’ll find lutein in leafy greens, tomatoes, squash, and carrots. It is also widely available in supplement form.

2. Vitamin A

Like a lot of vitamins, vitamin A comes in many forms. When it comes from an animal, it’s a retinol. When it comes from plants, it starts as beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A protects the surface of the eye, the cornea, from infection and disease. It was included in the AREDS formulation, and it was shown to help prevent both AMD and cataracts.

Where can you get beta-carotene? Seek it out in orange-colored foods, like carrots. Other sources are sweet potatoes, greens, and cantaloupe. You can also get it from a natural supplement or macular degeneration vitamins.

3. Vitamin C

You’ve probably been told to stock up on vitamin C during cold and flu season, and for good reason. But did you know that this vitamin is also a superstar when it comes to vision health? This vitamin is crucial for healthy blood vessels and iron absorption in the eye. It also supports the health of the connective tissues and capillaries in the retina. So, as you can see, it’s also really helpful in protecting the retina and the macula from damage and diseases like AMD.

Vitamin C is also one of the most powerful antioxidants in the body. Like lutein, this means that it protects the cells from free radical damage, which is one of the main culprits of AMD.  In combination with the other antioxidants listed, vitamin C is one of the best vitamins for macular degeneration.

You can get vitamin C in your diet from oranges and other citrus fruits, as well as leafy greens. The best eye vitamins for macular degeneration will definitely include vitamin C in their formulation.

4. Vitamin E

Like vitamin C, your immune system relies heavily on vitamin E to help repair and replace cells. This is because vitamin E is also a powerful antioxidant. IT also helps the body produce new red blood cells, which are essential for fighting off disease both in the body and the eyes.

Unfortunately, the body doesn’t naturally produce vitamin E on its own. We must get this nutrient from our diets. Adding foods like avocado, peanuts, and mango will do the trick. But if you are on a low-fat diet, a supplement is a great way to go.

5. Zinc

Zinc is another vitamin that is great for both the immune system and the eyes. In fact, it’s one of the most critical, because other nutrients depend on it for absorption. For example, zinc actually carries vitamin A to the retina for protection.

Zinc is one of those vitamins that it’s important not to get too little or too much of. Those with zinc deficiencies might find themselves getting sick more often. However, those who take too much zinc will end up with an upset stomach. It’s good to understand how much zinc you are getting naturally before you add a supplement.

Zinc can be found in poultry, eggs, red meat, seafood, tofu, and beans. If you are vegetarian or vegan, it’s a great idea to look into a supplement. Macular degeneration vitamins usually contain an optimal dose of zinc.

Vitamins for AMD

Before you opt for laser surgery or anti-angiogenic drugs, consider natural treatment methods like macular degeneration vitamins. Like most diseases, your diet affects your symptoms and outlook. You won’t be able to cure existing AMD with vitamins, but you can certainly slow the progression. And, if you haven’t yet developed AMD, taking vitamins now can prevent you from developing it in the future. Talk to your eye doctor about vitamins for macular degeneration.