According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, people who suffer from the dry form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) could benefit by taking certain nutritional supplements to help slow the progression of this eye disease.
What is Dry Form AMD?
Dry form AMD is the most common form of age-related macular degeneration with 80% of AMD patients having it. This type of AMD is caused by a thinning or breakdown of 
the eye’s macula. It typically begins when drusen, which are tiny yellow deposits begin to form under the retina. As the macula becomes thinner, it may stop working properly.
Advanced dry AMD begins as the macula breaks down or wet AMD develops. This is what you want to try to prevent/delay from happening because this is when your central vision begins and then continues to deteriorate.
Recommended Nutritional Supplements
It is important to remember that while the nutritional supplements can help slow AMD progression, they are not a cure for it. You should always discuss with your eye doctor and primary physician first to decide if you would benefit by taking nutritional supplements because there can be possible health risks for some patients.
The AREDS2 (Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2) recommends the following supplement dosages of:
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) – 500 mg
- Vitamin E – 400 IU
- Lutein – 10 mg
- Zeaxanthin – 2 mg
- Zinc (as zinc oxide) – 80 mg
- Copper (as cupric oxide) – 2mg
You can order MacuHealth directly from our website.
Eating for Your Eye Health
Studies have also shown that nutritional supplements alone are not usually enough to prevent or delay the progression of AMD. You should also eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale and colorful fruits and vegetables. Eating foods, like fatty fish like salmon will also provide your diet with omega 3 fatty acids that can also help lower your risk of advanced AMD.
Early Detection Helps Save Your Vision
If you are at higher risk of developing AMD, especially because of your age, it is essential to have a comprehensive eye exam once a year or as recommended by your eye doctor. Early detection and treatment can help slow down the progression of this eye disease.
Take control of your eye health and schedule your next eye exam at Valley Eyecare Center by calling (602) 955-2700.
