Macular degeneration - causes, symptoms and treatment with supplements and vitam

This disease is usually initiated by partial degeneration of retina. Macular degeneration is the most frequent cause of blindness afflicting people in the late age. The most effective prevention is the usage of great amount of antioxidants.

What is Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is characterized by interference of macula lutea (yellow spot) – an area in the middle of the retina controlling the central visual field and regulating the chromathopsy. Although the peripheral vision remains untouched, the center of the vision field is blurred, grey, or filled with black spot. The result is limited or entire inability to read, drive, watch television, or even distinguish familiar faces. This disease has two types. First and most frequent ( 90%) type is called “dry” macular degeneration; macula is consecutively extenuated and surrounded by a layer of dead decayed tissue below it. There is no surgery or treatment available for this form. Second type of this disease is “wet” macular degeneration (AMD); it is caused by reproduction of new blood-vessels below the retina and repetitive rupture of the retina which causes rapid deterioration of central vision.

Macular degeneration – signs and symptoms

Macular degeneration is characterized by grey or black spot in the center of the vision field. Peripheral vision remains sharp in both or at least one eye. Macular degeneration is also indicated by curved vision – straight lines look wavy, printed letters are blurred, and objects seem to have strange proportions and shapes. Also colors are dilute and blurred.

Causes of the macular degeneration

The main cause of macular degeneration is probably free radicals damaging cells. High fat food, smoking, or overexposure to the sunlight might lead to creation of free radicals in the retina. High blood pressure and atherosclerosis might also initiate the macular degeneration, because they limit the blood circulation into the retina.

Treatment of the Macular Degeneration

Antioxidants such as vitamin C, E and various kinds of carotenoids might neutralize free radicals causing macular degeneration process. Carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin are the most effective because they protect the yellow spot from ultraviolet sunrays. Zinc is enormously important component in the retinal function because it slows the disease progress. Especially elderly people who suffer from deficiency of zinc should use it in combination with cuprum. To reach maximal protection, use dietary supplements stated above together with blueberries. Blueberries contain antioxidant substances and increase the blood circulation on the retina. Blueberries could be replaced by grape seed extract or gingko biloba. However, no of these substitutes is as effective as blueberry. The grape seed extract is prosperous in therapy of hemeralopia. Gingko has beneficial qualities for patients suffering from memory disorders. Selenium is perfect for increasing overall antioxidant ability of human organism.

Suitable dietary supplements

Vitamin C: 500mg twice per day (if a diarrhea occurs, lower the dosage)
Vitamin E: 250 mg twice per day
Carotenoids: 2 capsules daily during a meal
Zinc: 30 mg daily (after two months of the therapy, add dietary supplements with 2 mg of cuprum)
Blueberries: 80 mg of the extract three times per day
Grape seed extract: 100 mg twice a day (standardized up to 92 to 95 percent of antocyanidins)
Gingko biloba: 40 mg of the extract twice per day
Selenium: 200 mcg per day (overdosing is toxic!)

Necessary medical consultation

If one experiences any of the macular degeneration symptoms, a medical examination from a specialist. If one suffers from any health difficulties, he should consult using dietary supplements with his physician.

Macular degeneration – facts

Macular degeneration is unlikely to occur to people younger than 50 years old. On the other hand, one quarter of people older than 65 years and one third of people in the age of 80 suffer from macular degeneration symptoms.

People smoking one or more packet of cigarettes are twice as inclinable to illnesses such as macular degeneration as the non-smokers. The percentage of probability to ever suffer from this disease is also higher for people who stopped smoking than for whole-life non-smokers.

Macular degeneration – suggestions

Wear a dark glasses and wide hats in the sun.
Stop smoking while smoking might initiate the macular degeneration process.

Additional information relating to Macular degeneration

Antioxidants contained in grape seed extract protect the visual retina from damages which might cause diseases such as the macular degeneration or even blindness.