Conditions

Macular Degeneration

In macular degeneration, the macula, the part of the eye that is responsible for registering fine detail in the center of the field of vision, begins to break down, resulting in a progressive loss of visual clarity that begins in the center of the visual field and gradually expands out. This degeneration rarely effects peripheral sight and most people with this condition retain their ability to distinguish colors.

There are two types of macular degeneration: exudative (wet) and atrophic ( dry ­ also sometimes called the nonexudative).

In exudative macular degeneration, hemorrhaging or leaking of fluid, from a network of tiny blood vessels that develop under the center of the retina, causes scarring and loss of vision.

In atrophic degeneration, macular tissue simply breaks down and wastes away, without any signs of fluid leakage, bleeding or scarring.

Macular degeneration is associated with aging, and the underlying cause is not known. However, many experts believe this disorder is a result of free-radical damage, specifically from exposure to ultraviolet light rays, much as cataracts are.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Sudden or gradual loss of central visual acuity in elderly persons
• Distortion of visual images
• Amsler's grid distortions or missing lines
• Irregularity of color, transparency, and increased pigmentation of the fovea
• Presence of drusen, atrophy, neovascularization

Diagnosis:

Patients are referred for full ophthalmologic examination if ARMD is suspected.

The Amsler's grid is administered to assess visual loss.

Treatment Options:

There is no known cure for ARMD; however, there are procedures that can help slow vision loss.

Traditional Treatments:

A procedure known as photocoagulation may help some people with the wet type of macular degeneration. In this technique, a krypton laser is used to destroy the "run-away" blood vessels causing the leaking and bleeding and, therefore, the scarring of the macula. This procedure is suitable only for certain people.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies:

Although this condition is considered irreversible, it can only help to take steps to fight free-radical damage with some of the natural treatments outlined in this section.

Nutritional Supplementation:

• Lutein has stong antioxidant properties and has been shown to be effective in maintaining and restoring ocular health. Take 5 mg three times daily.
• N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant that chelates heavy metals so they can be excreted from the body. Take 500 mg twice daily.
• Selenium is a potent antioxidant. Take 200 mg daily.
• Shark cartilage may help people with the wet type of macular degeneration, particularly if the disorder is detected early. This supplement suppresses the formation of new blood vessels; if the vessels do not proliferate, they cannot leak and bleed onto the macula. Each day, take one 750 mg capsule per 11 pounds of body weight, divided into three equal doses.
• Vitamin A and beta-carotene are free-radical fighters. These nutrients protect against oxidative damage caused by the absorption of light in the eye. Take 10,000 IU of vitamin A and 10,000 to 20,000 IU of beta-carotene daily.
  Warning: If you are pregnant, intend to get pregnant, or have liver disease, consult your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin A.
• Vitamin C and bioflavonoids provide antioxidant protection and strengthen tissue. Take 1,000 mg of vitamin C plus 500 mg of bioflavonoids three times daily.
• Vitamin E strengthens connective tissue and assists in the healing of damaged membranes. Choose a product containing mixed tocopherols and start by taking 200 IU daily, then gradually increase until you are taking 400 to 800 IU of vitamin E daily.
  Warning: If you have high blood pressure, limit your intake of supplemental vitamin E to a total of 400 IU daily. If you are taking blood thinners, consult your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin E.
• Zinc is an important for the formation of antioxidant enzymes in the body. Take
  100 mg of zinc twice a day, with meals. If you take 30 or more milligrams of zinc daily, you should also take supplemental copper to maintain a proper mineral balance. Take 1 to 2 mg of copper daily.
• Grape seed extract is a powerful antioxidant that protects against free radical damage.

Alternative Therapies:

• Bilberry, blueberry, ginkgo biloba, and zinc can all help halt the loss of vision. Treatment at an early stage is most effective.
• See a homeopathic practitioner for a constitutional remedy.

General Recommendations:

• If you smoke, quit, and avoid secondhand smoke. Studies of both men and women have shown that smoking cigarettes significantly increases the risk of developing macular degeneration, and the risk increases with every year a person smokes.
• Get regular exercise.
• Relaxation techniques of any type ­ whether meditation, biofeedback, breathing exercises, yoga, prayer, creative visualization, or anything else ­ help to revitalize the body and, ultimately, the eyes.
• Increase your consumption of green leafy vegetables.

Warnings:

• If you are pregnant, intend to get pregnant, or have liver disease, consult your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin A.
• If you have high blood pressure, limit your intake of supplemental vitamin E to a total of 400 IU daily.
• If you are taking blood thinners, consult your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin E.