Macular degeneration is a disease that affects the retina and can cause blurred vision or blind spots. Age-related macular degeneration affects more than 20 million Americans and is more common as one gets older. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study, or AREDS, found that a certain combination of vitamins can help slow intermediate macular degeneration to progressing to advanced disease. If you have macular degeneration, talk to your health care provider and your eye doctor about whether these vitamins can benefit you.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is part of the vitamin formula recommended to slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration. This vitamin is needed to produce collagen, which helps form blood vessels, tendons, ligaments and bone. It also helps protect against cell damage because of its antioxidant properties. The University of Maryland suggests taking 500mg per day.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is another antioxidant vitamin that can help slow the progression of macular degeneration. The Office of Dietary Supplements says that oxidative stress is thought to play a role in the development of age-related macular degeneration, as well as cataracts, and the anti-oxidative properties of this vitamin can counteract that. Although more studies are needed for more evidence, the National Eye Institute's AREDS study recommends taking 400 IU of vitamin E a day.
Beta-Carotene
Beta-carotene is a carotenoid, a pigmented compound found in many fruits, grains, oils and vegetables. Beta-carotene is a provitamin because it can be changed into active vitamin A. Beta-carotene is also converted into retinol, which is necessary for vision, and is then changed into retinoic acid. For macular degeneration, suggested dosages are either 15mg of beta-carotene daily, or 25,000 IU of vitamin A.
Zinc
Zinc is considered an essential mineral, and daily consumption of this mineral is necessary because the body does not store it. It helps boost the immune system, aids wound healing, and plays roles in DNA synthesis and cell division. The Office of Dietary Supplements says that zinc may help age-related macular degeneration because it helps prevent cellular damage to the retina and may help reduce vision loss. The University of Maryland suggests taking 80mg of zinc per day.
Copper
When you take extra zinc, it is important to also take copper, since the added zinc can cause a copper deficiency and the anemia that can accompany this. Taking 2mg of copper a day can help prevent the deficiency.
