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Can Nutritional Supplements Prevent Macular Degeneration?
At least once every clinic I encounter a new patient with eye findings that indicate early signs of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) Without alarming the patient I explain that ARMD is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in people over 55, more than glaucoma. WebMD features accurate and timely information about all aspects of ARMD.
Most patients are eager to preserve their precious eyesight, so the discussion invariably shifts to the role of vitamins, nutritional supplements, and antioxidants.
We know that damage from ARMD accumulates from life-long biochemical changes to the delicate layer of pigmented cells underneath the retina called the Retinal Pigment Epithelium. Genetics, sunlight, diet, and other environmental factors all play a role in causing the oxidative damage.
Current recommendations for ARMD patients include supplemental vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids like lutein, as well as the minerals selenium and zinc. Click here to learn more about nutritional supplements and their role in preventing ARMD. You and your doctor can decide which specific formula is best for you.
Now here's the hook. Given that these supplements are known to delay or halt the damage, wouldn't it also make sense for younger adults (even children) to consume appropriate doses of these nutrients throughout life in order to maintain the health of the retina? They recommend sunblock for infants to protect their skin from UV damage, right? Skin, eye, what's the difference?
Think of it this way: Asking a 65 year-old to begin taking antioxidants is like asking Mrs. O'Leary to install a fire extinguisher in the barn after the cow has already knocked over the lantern! Maybe it wouldn't hurt, but it would have been even more useful if it happened years earlier.
Related Topics: New Eye Drugs Treat Macular Degeneration, 10 Overlooked Reasons to Quit Smoking
Technorati Tags: supplements, macular degeneration, ARMD
Most patients are eager to preserve their precious eyesight, so the discussion invariably shifts to the role of vitamins, nutritional supplements, and antioxidants.
We know that damage from ARMD accumulates from life-long biochemical changes to the delicate layer of pigmented cells underneath the retina called the Retinal Pigment Epithelium. Genetics, sunlight, diet, and other environmental factors all play a role in causing the oxidative damage.
Current recommendations for ARMD patients include supplemental vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids like lutein, as well as the minerals selenium and zinc. Click here to learn more about nutritional supplements and their role in preventing ARMD. You and your doctor can decide which specific formula is best for you.
Now here's the hook. Given that these supplements are known to delay or halt the damage, wouldn't it also make sense for younger adults (even children) to consume appropriate doses of these nutrients throughout life in order to maintain the health of the retina? They recommend sunblock for infants to protect their skin from UV damage, right? Skin, eye, what's the difference?
Think of it this way: Asking a 65 year-old to begin taking antioxidants is like asking Mrs. O'Leary to install a fire extinguisher in the barn after the cow has already knocked over the lantern! Maybe it wouldn't hurt, but it would have been even more useful if it happened years earlier.
Related Topics: New Eye Drugs Treat Macular Degeneration, 10 Overlooked Reasons to Quit Smoking
Technorati Tags: supplements, macular degeneration, ARMD
