The macula is the part of the eye that is responsible for giving you clear central vision. Macular degeneration is caused by the cells in the macula dying, ultimately affecting your vision. In some cases, certain supplements can be taken to try to slow the deterioration of your eyesight, but you will not be able to restore your lost vision.
Age-Related Eye Disease Study Supplements
One supplement that has been used to slow the progression of macular degeneration was developed in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, also known as AREDS. This study gave patients 500 mg of vitamin C, 400 IU of vitamin E, 15 mg of beta carotene, 80 mg of zinc and 2 mg of copper each day, the National Eye Institute explains. The copper was needed because taking large amounts of zinc can cause a copper deficiency, which can cause anemia.
Guidelines
The AREDS formulation of zinc and vitamins can help keep macular degeneration from progressing and causing vision loss. You may benefit from this supplement if you have intermediate macular degeneration in one or both eyes, or if you have advanced macular degneration in one of your eyes. If you have early macular degeneration, taking the AREDS supplement may not be appropriate for you because there is no evidence that this supplement is effective at treating early macular degeneration, the National Eye Institute notes.
Fatty Acids
Another type of supplement that you can take to treat macular degeneration is omega-3 fatty acids, AllAboutVision.com notes. Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of fat that is found in fatty fish, such as mackerel and herring. Omega-3 fatty acids can also be taken in supplement form and are an important component in fish oil. Omega-6 fatty acids, which can be found in some vegetable oils, can increase your risk of developing advanced macular degeneration.
Considerations
Some people may prefer to increase their vitamin intake by changing their diet, MayoClinic.com notes, which can provide similar benefits as the vitamin supplements. On the other hand, it can be difficult to get enough of these vitamins and minerals through diet alone, though some people combine dietary changes and the supplements. These supplements will not reverse any already existing vision loss, but they can help slow the progression of the disease. You should talk with your eye doctor about the benefits of vitamin supplementation before you start taking any supplements.
