Macular Degeneration Vitamin Therapy

Macular degeneration is a condition associated with the loss of vision. According to Duke University's Duke Eye Center, as many as 12 million Americans have macular degeneration. Macular degeneration occurs when part of the retina, called the macula, becomes damaged and cells begin to die. Macular degeneration is most prevalent in people older than 55 years old, when the macula weakens from age. Age-related cases of this condition are referred to as AMD. Laser therapy may be a treatment option for some people with AMD. Taking high doses of vitamins can slow the progression of the disease.

Vitamin E

The National Institutes of Health's (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements says that high levels of vitamin E in the diet can be helpful as a preventative tool and a treatment method for age-related macular degeneration. The Office of Dietary Supplements reports that people who get at least 30 IU (international units) of vitamin E daily have a 20 percent less risk of developing AMD. Those affected by macular degeneration can slow their vision loss by taking 500 IU of vitamin E, according to a study reported in the July 6, 2002, issue of "BMJ."

Zinc

Zinc is used along with antioxidant vitamins to slow the progression of macular degeneration, according to an October 15, 2001, clinical advisory put out by the National Eye Institute (NEI). When used in combination with vitamins E and C, zinc supplementation can decrease the risk of vision loss by 19 to 25 percent. The level of benefit received by taking zinc varies, according to whether the patient has intermediate or advanced AMD and if one or both eyes are affected. The Duke Eye Center recommends daily doses of 80mg zinc oxide for its patients to reap the benefits of vitamin therapy.

Vitamin C

Daily doses of vitamin C, another antioxidant, when used along with zinc, vitamin E and copper, are also beneficial to macular degeneration sufferers. A study sponsored by the NEI called AREDS (age-related eye disease study) gave 500mg of vitamin C and other antioxidants to people who had a high risk of developing AMD. Results showed that the risks of developing intermediate or advanced forms of the disease were lowered when taking vitamin C as part of a daily vitamin regimen.

Copper

Macular degeneration patients who are using vitamin therapy to treat their condition may also be prescribed a daily copper supplement. The National Eye Institute explains that when high doses of zinc are used as a therapy for AMD, people run the risk of developing copper deficiencies. To counteract this risk, 2mg of cupric oxide (copper) should be taken.