Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is a disease of aging that destroys central vision. Vision loss generally occurs gradually without pain and might limit the ability to perform tasks such as driving and reading, with some patients eventually losing all sight. AMD has no cure, but the condition might be helped or prevented with the addition of vitamin B-complex, along with other activities. As with all supplements, the advice of a health professional should be sought before beginning a vitamin regimen.
B-Complex
Several B-vitamins have been identified as beneficial to the prevention of macular degeneration in a study published in the "Archives of Internal Medicine." Vitamin B-6, or pyridoxine; vitamin B-12, or cobalamin; and folic acid were shown to reduce the risk of the development of AMD in women at a high risk for cardiovascular disease. Vitamin B-6, B-12 and folic acid are available as single-agent vitamins, but might also be obtained in a combination vitamin, known as B-complex, which contains the eight essential B-vitamins.
Manage Other Diseases
Chronic diseases might contribute to the chance of developing age-related macular degeneration. Cardiac diseases such as high blood pressure and atherosclerosis might place additional pressure on blood vessels in the eyes. Other conditions such as diabetes might also lead to the premature destruction of blood vessels in the eye. Managing these chronic conditions might decrease the chance of developing the disorder.
Preventive Health
Preventive health care might reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration, such as getting regular eye exams that might detect AMD in its early stages. Maintaining a healthy weight is recommended, as being overweight can increase the risk of developing diabetes, which might increase the chance of developing macular degeneration due to high blood sugar. Discontinuing smoking might also decrease the risk of developing AMD, as it might lower the chance of developing cardiovascular disease.
Dietary Changes
Eating a diet rich in healthy fruits and vegetables might help prevent macular degeneration. Fruits and vegetables are high in vitamins, such as those contained in B-complex. Many fruits and vegetables are often high in antioxidants, which help prevent degeneration of many bodily tissues, including the retina of the eye. Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E can be obtained in supplement form, but many more antioxidants must be obtained directly from food. Omega-3 fatty acids might also help reduce the chance of developing AMD. Omega-3 fatty acids might be obtained through the diet from foods such as coldwater fish, including salmon and tuna, or from other foods such as nuts. Omega-3 fatty acids are also widely available as a dietary supplement capsule or tablet.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Macular Degeneration -- Prevention
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; "Folic acid, pyridoxine, and cyanocobalamin combination treatment and age-related macular degeneration in women -- the Women's Antioxidant and Folic Acid Cardiovascular Study"; 2009
- National Eye Institute: Age-related Macular Degeneration
