Macular degeneration is an eye disease that is typically connected with aging. More than 10 million people in the United States suffer from macular degeneration, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This condition is characterized by blind spots or blurred vision and typically worsens with age. Although macular degeneration requires the attention of a physician, certain vitamins may help slow the progression of this disease. Consult your physician before using vitamins to treat macular degeneration.
500 mg of Vitamin C Per Day
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin for treating macular degeneration, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. It's an antioxidant that may help prevent free radical cells from damaging your retina. Vitamin C also boosts your immune system, helping prevent damage from toxins, viruses and bacteria. The UMMC recommends a dosage of 500mg per day to combat macular degeneration. This vitamin is available in supplement form, as well as in foods such as strawberries, spinach, avocados, kale, broccoli and citrus fruits.
600 IU of Vitamin E Per Day
Vitamin E is necessary for the repair of cells, including those of your retina, according to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch, authors of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." It also helps deprive free radicals of oxygen, preventing them from attacking your retina and contributing to macular degeneration. The Balches recommend taking 600IU of vitamin E daily. If you prefer to get vitamin E from food sources, increase your intake of sweet potatoes, rice, whole wheat, eggs and dandelion greens.
25,000IU of Vitamin A Per Day
Vitamin A is one of the most important vitamins for proper eye function, according to the Balches. Deficiencies of this vitamin may contribute to cornea dryness, night blindness and macular degeneration. Vitamin A is also an antioxidant and immune system stimulant, which may help prevent damage to your retinas. The Balches note that dosages of 25,000IU per day may be necessary to slow macular degeneration; however, dosages over 10,000IU per day may be toxic. To prevent toxicity, consume foods high in beta-carotene, which your body converts into natural vitamin A. Hot peppers, romaine lettuce, kale, carrots and spinach are rich sources of beta-carotene.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 1997
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Macular Degeneration
