AMD Articles

Macular Degeneration, an acquired retinal disease that affects millions of elderly adults, can cause loss of the ability to see details, causing blurry vision and possibly legal blindness. Despite the social costs that include depression and loss of interest in activities, and the societal health costs including retina eye surgery, many people are unaware that new research has proven that vitamin supplements for macular degeneration can halt the progress of this disease, and in some cases, actually improve vision.

The retina is known to be particularly susceptible to oxidative stress as its need for oxygen is large, it is exposed to high levels of light and its membranes have high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids which are readily oxidised. Consequently, much interest has centred on studying the effects of antioxidants as a possible means of preventing the development of age-related macular degeneration.

Age-related macular degeneration is a very common and dreaded disease of old age which may lead to irreparable vision loss. The treatment options are few, and not always successful in restoring vision. Certain eye diseases benefit from taking supplements, and anti-oxidants prevent damage to the macula by free radicals and are beneficial in retarding the progress of age-related macular degeneration. They also prevent the onset of age-related macular degeneration. Newer formulas containing lutein, zeaxanthin and other compounds may improve vision.