Macular degeneration is an eye disease that damages an area of tissue on the back of your eye. This area, called the macula, aids in producing the straight-ahead vision you need for your daily activities, such as recognizing faces or reading. Macular degeneration can damage your vision permanently, and, as a result, many people turn to methods of preventing the disease. Talk with your doctor about the possible benefits of supplements such as CoQ10 for macular degeneration.
Symptoms
Damage to your macula will often result in changes to your central vision. You may notice a blurred area or an area that appears dark. Advanced forms of macular degeneration can result in changes in how you see straight lines. For example, you may notice that a telephone pole or a streetlight looks bent or jagged. Damage can also cause a complete loss of your straight-ahead vision.
CoQ10
CoQ10, also known as coenzyme Q10, is found in the center of the cells in your body, producing a compound that helps your body perform tasks such as muscle movement. CoQ10 also has antioxidant properties that may help slow the breakdown of cells. In theory, the antioxidant nature of coenzyme Q10 could help prevent damage to macular cells. If you think coQ10 supplements may help reduce your risk of macular degeneration, talk with your doctor. She can help you determine if this supplement is appropriate for you or if other supplements may provide better protection against this eye disease.
AREDS
In a study called the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, conducted in 2001, the National Eye Institute determined that specific nutrients may help prevent advanced macular degeneration damage. For optimum benefit, you will need high doses of these nutrients. The necessary doses of these nutrients to meet these recommendations include 500 mg of vitamin C, 400 international units of vitamin E, 25,000 IU of vitamin A and 80 mg of zinc. To prevent copper deficiency associated with high zinc intake, the National Eye Institute recommends 2 mg of copper each day.
Considerations
You should not start using coQ10 supplements without first consulting your doctor. He can help you determine if this supplement is appropriate for you or if you should use another supplement, such as a vitamin that contains the full AREDS formulation to prevent macular degeneration. High doses of some nutrients and supplements may not be appropriate for you, and your doctor can help you determine what prevention methods will help reduce your risk of this disease.
