The back of your eye has a lining called the retina, and one area of the retina is the macula which provides the straight-ahead vision you use for tasks such as reading. Wet macular degeneration occurs when abnormal, fragile blood vessels grow and leak under the macula. This condition typically results in significant, permanent changes in vision. As a result, some people turn to herbal remedies, such as butcher's broom, for hope in restoring vision.
Butcher's Broom
Butcher's broom is an evergreen shrub common to the southern parts of Europe and the United States. People commonly use the root of the bush for liquid extracts and tablets or to make tea. Researchers have not determined that using butcher's broom can treat or prevent wet macular degeneration or any other forms of this condition. However, butcher's broom may promote blood vessel health which may, in theory, help prevent leaking blood vessels under the macula.
Other Uses
The most common uses of butcher's broom include venous and circulation conditions. When considering these uses, it leads to the theory that this supplement may help prevent wet macular degeneration. Butcher's broom may also help reduce inflammation as well as treat hemorrhoids, constipation and varicose veins.
Treatment
Your eye doctor will determine a treatment plan for your wet macular degeneration, and this will depend on the extent of the leaking blood vessels. In some cases, light therapy or injections of medicine may help improve damage. If you and your doctor conclude that butcher's broom could help prevent or treat wet macular degeneration, your doctor will determine a dose of this supplement.
Considerations
Wet macular degeneration may cause sudden, extensive loss of vision, or you may notice that telephone poles or other straight lines appear bent or curved. If you experience these symptoms or other signs of vision changes, contact your eye doctor immediately. Discuss butcher's broom with your eye doctor before starting a supplement. She will help you evaluate the potential benefits and risks to determine if you should begin taking butcher's broom.
