Are All Macular Degeneration Supplements The Same?
While the answer to this question does involve some level of complexity and nuance, the short answer is no – not all vitamins for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are the same. While manufacturers formulate their supplements based on the available scientific evidence, the interpretation of that evidence is where the formulations can vary significantly in terms of dosages and exact nutrients. Given that many patients will be taking the same supplement for many years, it is important to gain guidance from your eye doctor as to which supplement is best for their patients suffering from AMD.
Vitamins for macular degeneration are primarily based on research studies, the biggest and most well known of which are the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) and its follow-up, AREDS2. These studies investigated the effects of specific combinations of nutrients on the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
The key findings that shaped vitamin recommendations include:
- Antioxidant Vitamins: Vitamins C and E were found to help protect retinal cells from oxidative damage.
- Carotenoids: Lutein and zeaxanthin (and meso-zeaxanthin) are believed to filter harmful blue light and provide antioxidant protection.
- Zinc: This mineral is essential for eye health and plays a role in maintaining the structure and function of the retina.
- Copper: Added to prevent copper deficiency that can result from high zinc intake.
High doses of zinc can interfere with the absorption of other important minerals, like copper, and can cause side effects such as nausea, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues.
“The Top 6 Ways to Maintain Healthy Eyes?”
As life gets busy, it can be easy to take clear, comfortable vision for granted. Although vision loss is an extremely common fear we share in society, it can often take a problem of some sort to occur before we think about how best to treat our eyes and preserve our vision throughout life. Based on the latest evidence and an understanding of some of the most common stressors our eyes face in the modern world, here are some of the top ways to maintain healthy eyes:
- Eat Whole, Colourful Food (“Eating Colours for Vision Wellness”): Using the well studied “mediterranean diet” as a template, eat a variety of colourful plant foods every day. Especially when paired with healthy sources of fat, protein, and fiber, this dietary pattern provides a high level of antioxidant absorption. Emphasizing green and orange coloured plant foods will provide precious eye-healthy antioxidants such as Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Vitamin C.
- Avoid Smoking: One of the most well established and damaging things you can do for your long-term vision may be smoking. Smoking has been highly linked to both Cataracts and Age-Related Macular Degeneration, which is an irreversible and often devastating form of vision loss. All forms of smoking (including second hand smoke) should be avoided for optimal Vision Wellness.
- Minimize Chronic Stress: As a general wellness principle, this may be one of the most important factors in terms of how we age. Spending time outdoors, exercising in ways that bring joy into your life, spending time with loved ones, and even prioritizing sleep hygiene are fundamental aspects of how much ongoing inflammation, and subsequent diseases we may develop throughout life.
- Wear High Quality Sunglasses: Protecting your eyes from harmful UV light is an important principle of Vision Wellness. Cumulative and excessive amounts of ultraviolet light from the sun contribute to conditions like Cataracts and Age-Related Macular Degeneration, so having 100% UV-blocking sunglasses are crucial to protect your eyes throughout life.
CALL 250-862-5900Book My Appointment
Dr. Daniel Walker, OD, FOWNS, FCOVD
Dr. Walker is accepting new patients and welcomes his returning patients alike. Click on the “Book Appointment” button to book a Vision Wellness Assessment appointment. We look forward to seeing you!
0 Comments