Macular degeneration, or MD, causes more blindness in American adults older than 60 than any other cause, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. MD is caused by free radical damage in the macula -- the area of the retina responsible for sensing light. When the macula breaks down, MD and impaired vision can occur. Scientists have found that a number of natural supplements can help prevent MD and delay its progression.
Fish Oil
Oxidation and inflammation in the macula fuels MD. Fish oil, packed full of omega-3 fats that combat both, may be effective in preventing MD, WellSphere.com reports. It reports that people who eat fatty fish twice per week have a decreased risk of contracting MD. A specific type of omega-3 fats found in fish oil, DHA, is found in high concentrations within eye tissue and may help repair the rods and cones within the macula after free radical damage. Because fish oil supplements can contain harmful amounts of heavy metals such as mercury, choose fish oil supplements that have been purified of toxins.
Antioxidant Vitamins
Vitamin antioxidants such as vitamin C and E can shield the macula from damage caused from sunlight, MayoClinic.com reports. These antioxidant vitamins can reduce the activity of harmful sunlight-derived free radicals found within the eye. MayoClinic.com claims that an antioxidant supplement mix containing 15mg beta carotene, 500mg vitamin C and 400IU vitamin E can significantly delay the progression of MD.
Lutein
Lutein, a natural antioxidant found in leafy green vegetables and brightly colored fruit, is effective at preventing MD, Health Castle reports. Lutein is able to help block excessive light that carries the blue wavelength -- the wavelength thought to promote free radical activity in the retina. If you choose to supplement with lutein, aim for 6mg to 15mg per day to combat MD.
Zeathanthin
Zeathanthin is lutein's partner in protecting the eye. In fact, zeathanthin is found alongside lutein within the retina -- in even higher amounts. Although no human studies have been done with zeathanthin supplements, intake of zeathanthin has been associated with decreased MD risk, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports.
