The macula is an area of tissue in the retina of your eye. If the cells of your macular tissue begin to break down, you may experience vision changes. This condition, called macular degeneration, often occurs in older adults, but certain nutrients may help prevent it. Researchers are exploring whether intake of medications or minerals such as iodine could increase your risk for damage from macular degeneration.
Effects
Macular degeneration damage results in changes to your central vision, which you use for everyday tasks such as recognizing faces, reading or driving. This condition may cause slow, progressive vision loss, or you may experience a sudden loss of vision. Sudden vision changes may result from the wet form of macular degeneration that results when fragile blood vessels grow under the macula in response to macular damage. These abnormal vessels may break, moving the macula out of position. Treatment will not typically restore your vision.
Iodine
Iodine is an element that aids in regulating your thyroid gland. A deficiency could lead to thyroid disease and mental disabilities, as well as problems with growth and development, explains the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Even though your body requires iodine for proper functioning, medications containing iodine compounds or solutions may increase your risk for macular degeneration, reports the American Macular Degeneration Foundation.
Medications
If you have a thyroid condition or other health problem, your doctor may recommend a prescription medication that contains an iodine compound. Discuss your concerns with your doctor, and she will help you weight the benefits of treatment against the possible risks of macular degeneration. One possible medication is potassium iodide, which doctors may prescribe for patients with respiratory problems such as asthma, emphysema or chronic bronchitis, reports Drugs.com. Doctors also give potassium iodide prior to radiation scans of the thyroid. Many additional medications contain iodine, such as drugs used in the treatment of thyroid disease.
Prevention
Your doctor may recommend that you use a medication with iodine, but, as a precaution, she may also suggest you take a daily supplement that contains nutrients proven to help reduce your risk for macular degeneration. These beneficial nutrients include zinc, beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids may also help prevent macular degeneration.
