Macular degeneration is a condition that damages your central vision. The back lining of your eye, called the retina, contains a central area, called the macula, and in some people, the cells that make up this tissue start to break down, resulting in this life-altering eye disease. For most people, treatment will not restore vision and, in desperation, many turn to supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, that may not protect the eyes.
Glucosamine
The compound glucosamine is an integral part of the cartilage found between your joints. Taking glucosamine supplements may have benefits for some chronic joint conditions, such as osteoarthritis, however glucosamine does not have any proven effects on slowing down or preventing macular degeneration or other eye diseases.
Chondroitin
Chondroitin is another component of the cartilage in your body, and may have a beneficial role in treating or preventing joint diseases such as osteoarthritis. Like glucosamine, however, chondroitin does not have any known benefits in the treatment or prevention of eye diseases such as macular degeneration.
Beneficial Nutrients
Even though glucosamine and chondroitin do not have any proven effects on macular degeneration, certain nutrients may offer some protection. As part of a study on eye disease, the National Eye Institute determined that high doses of vitamins E, C and A, when accompanied with zinc could decrease the risk of advanced damage from macular degeneration by around 25 percent. You will need 400 International Units, or IU of vitamin E, as well as 500 mg of vitamin C and 25,000 IU of vitamin A. The National Eye Institute recommends 80 mg of zinc and, to prevent copper deficiency, 2 mg of copper.
Considerations
Talk with your doctor before using glucosamine, chondroitin or the nutrients recommended by the National Eye Institute study. She will help you determine the nutrients you need for a healthy body and good vision. Certain nutrients or supplements may react with medications or health conditions, so you should not make changes to your nutrient or supplement regimen unless directed by your doctor.
