Your eyes have a lining called the retina. This tissue contains cells that collect light, which your eye and brain convert into visual images. One area of the retina is called the macula, a central section of tissue that helps provide you with the straight-ahead vision necessary for most tasks. Damage to the macula may result in macular degeneration. To avoid vision loss from this condition, many people look to nutrients such as B vitamins to prevent damage.
Symptoms
Early stages of macular degeneration may cause blurry vision, particularly in the center of your vision. You may also need extra light when you read, sew or do other detailed tasks. Macular degeneration may also alter the way you see colors, causing them to appear dull or hazy. In more advanced stages of macular degeneration, a person will notice significant changes in central vision and depth perception. Many people with advanced macular degeneration may notice that straight lines appear bent or wavy.
B Vitamins
A number of vitamins fall under the B vitamin category. These include vitamins B-1, B-2, B-3, B-6, B-7, B-9 and B-12. Each of these nutrients has a function in your body, often helping produce energy and hormones, as well as promoting proper growth and development. In a study conducted by Harvard Medical School, research determined that vitamins B-6, B-9 and B-12 could play an important role in preventing the advanced form of macular degeneration in women. Even though preliminary research indicates a possible benefit, you should not begin a supplement regimen without first consulting your doctor.
Risk Factors
Your doctor can help you identify any risk factors you have for macular degeneration. This condition typically occurs in older adults. In fact, approximately one-third of adults age 75 and older have some level of macular degeneration, reports Macular Degeneration Research. Women have a greater likelihood of having this condition, and Caucasians also have a greater risk. Other risk factors include a family history of the disease, smoking, excessive sun exposure and poor diet.
Considerations
Vitamins B-6, B-9 and B-12 may not offer the appropriate prevention for everyone, and your doctor may determine that you should use other prevention methods. This may include wearing sunglasses when you anticipate exposure to ultraviolet rays, eating a healthful diet rich in a variety of nutrients or taking a multivitamin or eye supplement.
