Macular degeneration

Age related macular degeneration, also known as AMD. It defines the progressive and chronic disease of the macula (the pigmented area near the centre of the retina, at the back of the eye). Comparing the human eye to a camera, the macula would be the most sensitive central area of the film: the disease doesn’t affect the rest of the retina, but the vision will not be clear (anyway the most important central vision would be lost).

The common symptom is a blurred, or dark/distorted area near the centre of vision and can progress slowly or faster, but doesn’t lead to a total blindness. It’s most likely to occur after age 60, sometimes earlier and doesn’t necessarily affects both eyes. Consider that smoking doubles the risk. The macula is the key mechanism of our vision: it’s the part of the eye which allows us to see in detail all the common everyday activity. If it deteriorates, can even lead to the complete loss of central vision: i.d. looking at a person you’ll be able to see laterally but not the face.

This risk can be significantly reduced using three natural supplements: lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin. These are the only carotenoids present in the macula in a very high concentration and giving its distinctive yellow colour. All other hundreds different carotenoids are not present. What’s the main function of these carotenoids, besides of course being powerful antioxidants? They are natural sunglasses for the eyes, protecting the macula from the sun. As a highly specific antioxidant supplement, also add astaxanthin.

There are two categories of macular degeneration: dry and wet. Dry macula (so called because there is no leakage from surrounding blood vessels) affects 90% of people, as it gets thinner and loses elasticity doesn’t transmit anymore images to the brain. In wet macula the new blood vessels under the retina have the tendency to break and leak into the retina AND the macula (in this case there is leakage): scar tissues is then formed and consequent damage of retinal cells.  

Another important benefit of using those three carotenoids is that you simultaneously combat cataracts, a completely different disease caused by the clouding of the lens of the eye. The “early” and “intermediate” stages usually start without symptoms. Besides, not everyone with early AMD will develop late AMD. Earlier it can be detected only with a comprehensive dilated eye exam – visual acuity test – Amsler grid – fluorescent angiogram – optical coherence tomography: you may ask your doctor. However, having late AMD in one eye means you are at increased risk for late AMD in your other eye. Please note the differences between early and late stages.

As for prevention, AMD occurs less often in people who exercise, avoid smoking, protect their eyes from ultraviolet light, eat foods like fish and green leafy vegetables. Consider also fish oil supplement together with vitamin C, vitamin E, copper and zinc. I don’t have to remind you that supplements are not a cure in case of confirmed diseases, nevertheless they’re benefitting enormously. While in case of advanced AMD only injections of specific drugs into the eye remain as a remedy, together with photodynamic therapy and laser surgery.

Risk factors also include: genetics (people with a family history of AMD are at a higher risk) and race (Caucasians are more likely to develop the disease than African-Americans or Hispanics/Latinos).

My personal hint: I STRONGLY recommend eating goji berries.

….Always humble,

Angiolino

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