Patients with AMD or age-related macular degeneration will start to experience blurry or wavy vision and, if not treated and managed, the central vision may eventually be fully lost. In the early stages of the disease, there may be no discernable loss of vision, and the condition may have progressed significantly before it is detected if annual eye exams are not completed.
While not considered a curable disease at this time, AMD can be managed through the use of specific types of vitamins. These are combinations of vitamins which have been found to be effective through the AREDS2 (Age-Related Disease Study 2) to help to reduce the progression of the more common “dry” form of AMD.
The Essential Formula
It is important to choose macular degeneration vitamin supplements which contain the vitamins identified in the AREDS2 study. This includes not just the vitamins, but also the correct dosage levels.
The specifics to look for include:
* 10mg Lutein
* 2mg Zeaxanthin
* 400IU Vitamin E
* 500mg Vitamin C
* Either 80mg or 25mg Zinc Oxide
* 2mg Cupric Oxide
Important Things to Check
There are some macular degeneration vitamin supplements on the market that may include the formulation from the AREDS1 study. These supplements contain beta-carotene, which has been replaced by the zeaxanthin and lutein in the AREDS2 study. Beta-cartonene has been linked to an increased risk of developing lung cancer in current and past smokers, so is no longer included in the formulation.
It is important not to rely on any macular degeneration vitamin supplements which are not specifically identified with the AREDS2 designation. While there are some herbal supplements on the market reporting benefits for the eyes, they are not clinically tested products, and they are not proven to provide any benefits.
If your ophthalmologist recommends taking a supplement, it is essential to follow his or her recommendations. There are also foods naturally rich in essential vitamins for eye health. Your eye doctor can also provide you with this information at your next visit.