Ah, Her we go! MD Alternative Treatment

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Macular degeneration is a painless, degenerative eye disease that affects more

than 10 million Americans. It is the leading cause of legal blindness in persons

over the age of 55 in the United States. While complete blindness does not occur

in most people with the disorder, macular degeneration often interferes with

reading, driving, or performing other daily activities.

There are two forms of macular degeneration. Dry macular degeneration affects

about 90% of those with the disease and causes gradual loss of central vision,

initially only in one eye. Wet macular degeneration, which accounts for 90% of

all severe vision loss from the disease, involves a very sudden loss of central

vision.

Macular degeneration is accompanied by the following signs and symptoms:

a.. Slightly blurred vision

b.. Dry type: a blurred spot in the central field of vision, which may

become larger and darker

c.. Wet type: straight lines that appear wavy and the rapid loss of

central vision; sometimes, wet macular degeneration starts with a sudden blind

spot

What Causes It?

Dry macular degeneration occurs from the breakdown of the light sensitive

cells in the center of the retina, called the macula. Wet macular degeneration

occurs when new blood vessels behind the retina grow toward the macula and leak

blood and fluid.

Who's Most At Risk?

People with the following conditions or characteristics are at risk for

developing macular degeneration:

a.. Age-the risk increases with age

b.. Cigarette smoking

c.. Family history of macular degeneration

d.. Cardiovascular disease

e.. Elevated levels of cholesterol

f.. Light eye color

g.. Excessive exposure to sunlight

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Nutrition is a valuable treatment for dry macular degeneration. It may

also help prevent both wet and dry types related to aging.

Nutrition

Antioxidants that protect your retina-such as carotenoids, selenium, zinc,

and vitamins C and E-may either delay the progression of macular degeneration if

you already have the eye condition (meaning that your vision won't get worse as

quickly) or prevent the development of this serious eye disorder. Two particular

carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, may be particularly beneficial. Antioxidants

can be obtained from foods or supplements.

Eating a diet high in vitamins C and E and carotenoids is likely all that

you need to lower your chances of developing macular degeneration in the first

place. (In other words, supplements are probably not necessary for prevention.)

Vegetables rich in carotene include orange and yellow squash, and dark, leafy

greens, such as kale, collards, spinach, and watercress.

If you already have macular degeneration, especially if it is somewhat

advanced, and you decide, with the advice of your healthcare provider, to take

supplements, the following are some suggested amounts of key nutrients:

a.. Mixed carotenoids, 25,000 to 50,000 International Units (IU) a day

b.. The carotenoid lutein, 5 milligrams (mg) a day

c.. Selenium, 200 to 500 micrograms (mcg) a day

d.. Zinc, up to 50 mg a day

e.. Vitamin C, 60 to 2000 mg a day in divided doses; doses over 1000 mg

a day may cause gastrointestinal problems, including nausea and diarrhea

f.. Vitamin E, 50 to 1000 IU a day (usually 400 to 800 IU a day)

Flavonoids (such as quercetin, rutin, and resveritrol) may also play a

role in preventing macular degeneration. A study of 3,072 adults with macular

changes showed that moderate red wine consumption may offer some protection

against the development or progression of macular degeneration. Red wine is high

in certain flavonoids (including quercetin, rutin, and resveritrol) that have

antioxidant activity; damage from oxidative stress is thought to contribute to

the development of macular degeneration. Dark berries, such as blueberries,

blackberries, and dark cherries, are high in flavonoids as well.

Omega-3 fatty acids may also offer some protection against macular

degeneration. In a study of more than 3000 people over the age of 49, those who

consumed more fish in their diet were less likely to have macular degeneration

than those who consumed less fish. (Most types of fish are rich in omega-3 fatty

acids). Similarly, a study comparing 350 people with macular degeneration to 500

without found that those with a proper ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids

and higher intake of fish in their diets were less likely to have this

particular eye disorder. Another larger study found that consuming

docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), two types of omega-3

fatty acids found in fish, four or more times per week may reduce the risk of

developing macular degeneration. Notably, however, this same study suggests that

alpha-linolenic acid (ALA; another type of omega-3 fatty acid) may actually

increase the risk of this eye condition.

Herbs

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), which contains flavonoids, may help halt or lessen

some retinal problems. Clinical studies suggest that it may be useful in

treating vision problems specifically due to macular degeneration. If you use

anticoagulants, do not use ginkgo without close monitoring by your healthcare

provider.

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and grape seed (Vitis vinifera) are also

high in flavonoids; therefore, they may help prevent and treat macular

degeneration. Clinical studies suggest that these herbs may stop vision loss and

improve visual sharpness. Here are the recommended doses:

a.. Ginkgo standardized to 24%, 120 mg once or twice a day

b.. Bilberry extract standardized to 25%, 120 to 240 mg twice a day

c.. Grape seed, 50 to 150 mg once or twice a day

Homeopathy

Although scientific research does not necessarily support the use of

homeopathy to treat or prevent macular degeneration specifically, an experienced

homeopath would consider your individual case to decide whether treatment may be

beneficial for you.

Acupuncture

Studies on acupuncture and macular degeneration have been mixed. In a

study of 51 patients with macular problems, researchers found little change in

visual sharpness or other symptoms after 12 acupuncture treatments. Another

study showed a connection between low blood flow to the head and macular

degeneration. Restoring normal blood pressure with acupuncture improved vision.

Prognosis/Possible Complications

Blindness is a possible outcome of macular degeneration. Low vision aids

may help if you have partial blindness. Sometimes blood vessels build up

underneath the retina, causing the retina to become detached or scarred. If this

happens, the chances of preserving your central vision are poor. This condition,

called subretinal neovascularization, occurs in about 20% of cases of

age-related macular degeneration. The condition will likely recur even after

laser treatment.