Macular Degeneration & Niacin

Eye diseases such as macular degeneration can result in loss of vision, a permanent complication. Some research indicates that you can prevent advanced damage from macular degeneration with certain nutrients, and you can find "eye vitamin" formulations of these studied nutrients in most pharmacies. As researchers continue to evaluate this eye condition, other nutrients, such as niacin, show promise in helping people with macular degeneration. Talk with your doctor about the possible benefits of using niacin for your eyes.

Macular Degeneration

Tissue lines the back of your eye, and this tissue, called the retina, contains cells that receive and transmit visual information. One area on the retina, the macula, is responsible for your straight-ahead vision. Macular degeneration occurs when you have damage to the cells in the macula, and this leads to vision changes. As the condition worsens, vision will decrease, and, ultimately, many people with macular degeneration have permanent blindness.

Niacin

Niacin, also known as vitamin B-3, has many roles throughout your body, but this nutrient may also have some effect on your eyes as well. In a 2004 study at the Scheie Eye Institute at the University of Pennsylvania, researchers determined that a niacin supplement may increase the amount of blood that reaches the macula. This could, in theory, help nourish and protect undamaged cells in the macula, preventing further damage to vision. During the study, researchers did not notice any improvement in vision after a niacin dose.

Side Effects

Despite the possible benefits of niacin, you should talk with your doctor to determine if this is the right supplement for you and your eyes. Niacin may cause burning and tingling on your skin. You may also experience other side effects such as dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating and weakness. Niacin use may also interfere with medications, so you should work closely with your doctor to ensure that you do not take any medication that could affect treatments for other health conditions.

Considerations

If you have macular degeneration or have risks for the disease, keep all appointments with your eye doctor. She will monitor your condition and recommend any treatment if necessary. Your doctor may also discuss ways to prevent advanced macular degeneration, and this includes taking high doses of antioxidant nutrients such as zinc and vitamins A, C and E. If your doctor thinks these nutrients may help you without interfering with other health problems, he will tell you how much of each antioxidant to take, or he will recommend an eye vitamin that contains the appropriate dose of each of these nutrients.

Macular Degeneration & Niacin