Macular Degeneration Vitamins

Macular degeneration is defined as a slow deterioration of the retina of the eye that occurs with age. Elderly people often complain about poor eyesight (black spots appear on the central vision), which is mainly due tothis eye disease. If appropriate treatment is not taken, macular degeneration will completely rob the eye of its eyesight. The most standard therapy to treat these eye problems is to include vitamin rich foods or supplements in the diet.

Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration refers to progressive damage of the macula, central part of the retina. A healthy macula provides crystal clear central vision and so when the macula starts getting damaged, sharp central vision is no longer possible. Although, this problem is observed in the elderly (above 65), smokers are prone to develop this eye problem in the early stages of their life.

Types

This eye problem is classified into two types; dry and wet. In case of wet macular degeneration (WMD), there is abnormal development of blood vessels, near the macula. When these blood vessels rupture, the blood leaks into the macula. As a result, the photoreceptor cells contained in macula get damaged, leading to permanent loss of eyesight. On the other hand, dry macular degeneration is an age related disorder that causes slow deterioration of cells contained in the macula.

Vitamins for Macular Degeneration
Aging eyes are susceptible to free radical damage but a proven way to keep eye problems at bay, even in old age is through intake of vitamins. They can be either taken through foods or in supplemental form. These vitamins are listed below:

Vitamin A
Intake of vitamin A rich foods can go a long way in preventing eye problems during old age. Vitamin A is basically a powerful antioxidant and can definitely protect the retina from this eye problem. Ask any ophthalmologist and he would recommend vitamin A foods to ensure healthy eyes. The statement 'vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness' clearly tells how important it is to include vitamin A in the diet.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C can certainly play a very important role to maintain healthy vision. Vitamin C foods and supplements is a well-known remedy to slow down the progression of this eye disease.

Vitamin E
This is yet another vitamin recommended for optimal eye health. Doctor often prescribe vitamin E supplements to prevent further deterioration of eyesight caused due to macular degeneration. Vitamin E can prevent free radical damage of the retina that occurs with age. Having vitamin E rich foods on a daily basis is beneficial to greatly minimize the chances of macular degeneration.

Vitamin Supplements
As this chronic eye problem is progressive, treatment involves preventing the disease from reaching to an advanced stage. Eyesight damage from this eye problem being irreversible, these vitamins cannot restore normal eyesight, but can surely stop the progression of the disease. Generally, the doctor prescribes multivitamin supplements (tablets or capsules) as they contain all essential vitamins. Also, there are quite a few vitamin formulations sold under different brands such as 'VisiVite'. Besides containing vitamins, these formulations also include eyesight promoting substances like zinc, selenium, lutein and zeaxanthin. However, one has to consult with a well qualified ophthalmologist to know about the exact dosage of these vitamin supplements.

Caution
Whether it is vitamin A, C or E, one cannot forget that moderation is the key to reap benefits of vitamins. Too much intake of vitamins can be harmful to the liver. Taking large doses of vitamins in the form of supplements will not be of any help. However, smokers and those having alcohol on a regular basis, need to have vitamin dose that is slightly higher than the normal range. This is because smoking restricts the body's ability to absorb nutrients from food. So in order to overcome the problem, excess vitamin intake is essential. On the whole, those having healthy foods rich in vitamins need not include vitamin supplements in the diet.

An easy away to prevent the occurrence of macular degeneration is to diligently follow a healthy diet at a young age that promote a healthy eyesight. Having foods rich in vitamins, regularly is the most effective way to keep the eyesight at its best, for years to come.