The World Health Organization estimates that macular degeneration is the fourth leading cause of blindness worldwide, and the incidence continues to increase with the aging population. Macular degeneration can lead to a progressive loss of vision, but research indicates that there are nutrients that can help to slow and even prevent this progression.
Lutein
Lutein is a carotenoid found in foods like spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables. It is also found in high concentrations in the human body, particularly in the macula of the eye, where it helps to protect the pigment there from oxidative damage. Lutein protects against the damage caused by high-energy--and free-radical generating--blue light. Scientific research studies demonstrate that loss of pigment in the macula, and low levels of lutein, are significant risk factors for macular degeneration. Maintaining adequate levels of lutein can help to prevent, and even increase the pigment density of the macula. This has been found to be especially true when lutein is combined with zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin. Supplement with 6 to 10 mg of lutein, preferably in conjunction with other carotenoids.
Zeaxanthin
Like lutein, zeaxanthin has also been found in high concentrations in the macula of the eye, protecting macular pigment from oxidative damage, especially from blue light. Zeaxanthin helps to protect against the development of macular degeneration, and can also inhibit the progression of this disease. Look for a supplement that provides 5 mg of zeaxanthin.
Meso-Zeaxanthin
Lutein is converted in the retina into meso-zeaxanthin---a carotenoid that we cannot obtain from food but which also composes a significant proportion of the pigment in the retina and helps to protect the eye from oxidative damage. With age, it is believed that our bodies convert less lutein into meso-zeaxanthin. Supplementation with meso-zeaxanthin increases macular pigment, and can help to prevent progression of macular degeneration.
Antioxidants -- Vitamins C & E, Beta-Carotene and Zinc
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) was a nine-year study funded by the National Eye Institute and was the first major research study to establish the benefits of antioxidant supplements---notably vitamins C, E, beta-carotene and zinc---in reducing the progression of macular degeneration by 25 percent in those with moderate disease. Many companies have since developed eye-support formulas based on the dosage of nutrients used in this study. Look for a dietary supplement that specifically utilizes the doses from the ARED Study; 500 mg vitamin C, 400 IU vitamin E, 15 mg beta-carotene (or 25,000 IU vitamin A as beta-carotene), 80 mg zinc and 2 mg copper.
Multivitamin
A multivitamin provides vitamins and minerals that are essential for optimal health. Two-thirds of people in AREDS took a multivitamin in addition to the antioxidants specifically found to help protect against progression of macular degeneration. Look for a multivitamin in capsule or powder form for easier absorption.
