The best approach to ensuring protection against the onset of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the possible treatment of the condition involves an understanding of some of the main circumstances under which the condition arises.
A reduction in the essential macular pigments, lutein and
zeaxanthin, critical for the protection and proper functioning of the mechanisms required for the detection and imprinting of the light signals that come into the macula from the outside world.
As lutein and
zeaxanthin are the essential pigments within the macula, it is critical to replenish them as they become depleted through the aging process.
A reduction in antioxidant levels within the retina and surrounding structures that make possible the presence and proliferations of free radicals that damage these structures and keep them from optimal functioning.
An increase in damaging free radical activity occurs through smoking, exposure to second-hand smoke, in diets high in saturated fats, cholesterol, and low in the "good fats" found in fish, whole grains and legumes. Smoking and high-fat diets are associated with AMD.
Decreased levels of natural antioxidants in the healthy eye are assocaited with AMD. Some of these essential natural antioxidants are glutathione,
vitamin C, and the carotenoids, lutein and
zeaxanthin. Dietary supplementation with these antioxidants protect against the progression of AMD. Other recommended antioxidants to protect the macula and retina include
vitamin A,
vitamin E, L-carnosine,
taurine,
lipoic acid,
selenium,
zinc (with
copper), grape-seed extract, and
coenzyme Q10.
The onset of ocular atherosclerosis involves blockages in the choroidal blood vessels that adversely effect the functioning of the retina and, particularly, the macula.
Damaged blood vessels in the eye are associated with the onset of AMD. Blockages of these blood vessels, known as ocular atherosclerosis, raises blood pressure, creates deposits under the macula, and abnormal growth of blood vessels into the retina.
Dietary supplements are beneficial in preventing and slowing down ocular atherosclerosis. These include
bilberry extract,
ginkgo biloba, grape-seed extract, and genistein.
Bilberry protects blood vessel walls and reduces leakage of capillaries, common in neovascular AMD.
Ginkgo biloba improves blood flow and inhibits plaque accumulation in the blood vessels of the eye and maintains the elasticity of blood vessels. Grape-seed extract strengthens blood vessel walls, even shortly after ingestion. The phytochemical genistein, found in soy, inhibits blood vessel growth, slowing the progression of neovascular AMD.
Hydergine help with ocular atherosclerosis. Hydergine dilates blood vessels, stimulates mental functioning, and is effective in treating atrophic AMD.