Your eyesight is one of your most valuable senses, but as you age, your visual acuity can decline. Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is the most frequent cause of vision loss in people over the age of 60. It affects the macula of your retina, the part of your eye responsible for fine vision. As the macula deteriorates due to low blood supply and decreased oxygen, a blind spot develops in your central field of vision. There are two types of AMD, wet and dry. Dry AMD, the more common type, causes gradual vision loss in one eye, while wet AMD results in sudden loss of central vision. Talk to your doctor about some newer treatments, including herbal remedies.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is a ancient species of tree that has been around since the Mesozoic era. The tree can live for thousands of years. It is native to Japan, Korea and China, but cultivated worldwide. In China, the tree is considered sacred. Along with its seeds, the distinctive fan-shaped ginkgo biloba leaves are harvested for medicinal use. AltMD states ginkgo biloba contains a wealth of active compounds and antioxidants, including ginkgolides, bioflavonoids, proanthocyanidins and bilabolide. These substances work synergistically to improve oxygen supply to the eye and reduce blood vessel damage. Take ginkgo biloba under your doctor's supervision, particularly if you have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinning medication.
Bilberry
Bilberry, a relative of the blueberry, grows in Northern Europe and is used as both a food and an herb. Bilberry is a perennial shrub that produces black, wrinkled berries that are collected in the late summer. Bilberries are high in antioxidant compounds called anthocyanosides, which act to improve circulation and strengthen blood vessels. Anthocyanosides also increase production of rhodopsin, a pigment that helps to improve night vision, and they may also help protect the retina. Do not take bilberry without your doctor's consent, especially if you have diabetes or are taking blood thinners.
Grape Seed Extract
Grapes in their many forms have been praised as a both a food and a healing herb for over 6,000 years. Grapes grow on a climbing vine and grape seed extract is derived from the seeds. The seeds contain powerful antioxidants called oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes, or OPCs. These compounds protect cells against both fat-soluble and water-soluble oxidants. According to "Prescription for Herbal Healing," grape seed extract may benefit those suffering from macular degeneration by improving blood vessel permeability and protecting the retina from damage. Grape seed extract should not be taken along with blood thinner medication.
Quercetin
Quercetin is a bioflavonoid plant pigment that is particularly abundant in black tea, blue-green algae, onions and red wine. It is a strong antioxidant that works to protect cells against structural damage. "Prescription for Herbal Healing" states while quercetin does not actually improve circulation to the retina, it does appear to protect the retina and lens from the damaging effects of neurological toxins and low levels of oxygen.
References
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Macular Degeneration; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; September 2009
- altMD: Ginkgo Biloba
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Bilberry; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; December 2008
- University of Maryland Medicial Center; Grape Seed; August 2010
