What is macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a progressive eye condition affecting as many as 15 million Americans and millions more worldwide – with the number expecting to increase as the baby boomer generation ages. There are several forms of macular degeneration but the most common is age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

“AMD occurs with degeneration of the macula, which is the part of the retina responsible for the sharp, central vision needed to read or drive,” says Dr Edward Paul, a Wilmington, North Carolina optometrist regarded as one of the leading authorities on macular degeneration, eye health and nutrition. “Because the macula is primarily affected in AMD, central vision loss may occur.”

Though AMD rarely results in complete blindness, it can diminish all but the outermost of your peripheral vision, resulting in you seeing only dim images or black holes at the center of your eyesight. This is nothing short of devastating, as it hinders daily activities and essentially quality of life.

Wet and dry macular degeneration

According to Dr Paul, macular degeneration is diagnosed as either dry (non-neovascular) or wet (neovascular). “Neovascular refers to growth of new blood vessels in an area, such as the macula, where they are not supposed to be,” he explains.

Dry macular generation is more common than wet macular degeneration, says Dr Paul, with about 90 percent of AMD patients diagnosed with dry AMD. The wet form, though less commonly diagnosed, usually leads to more serious vision loss.

“Dry AMD is an early stage of the disease and may result from the aging and thinning of macular tissues, depositing of pigment in the macula or a combination of the two processes,” says Dr Paul. “Dry macular degeneration is diagnosed when yellowish spots known as drusen begin to accumulate from deposits or debris from deteriorating tissue mostly around the macula.”

With dry AMD, gradual central vision loss may occur but is not nearly as severe as the damage associated with wet AMD symptoms.

Treatments for AMD

A landmark study published in the British medical journal BMC Ophthalmology, indicates that a combination of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent AMD-related vision loss. Seventy-seven percent of the study participants receiving supplementation (a product called TOZAL Eye Health Formula, available at AZglobalwellness.com) experienced stabilized or improved vision after six months.

“The only treatment for dry AMD is vitamin therapy,” says Dr Paul. “For wet AMD, treatments aimed at stopping abnormal blood vessel growth include the FDA-approved drugs Macugen and Lucentis, which has been shown to improve vision in a significant number of people with wet macular degeneration.”

Diet and nutrition key in protecting your vision

Dr Paul is amongst the vast majority of researchers and eye care practitioners who believe that diet and certain nutrients lower the risk for AMD. “As demonstrated in the TOZAL Study, it may be possible to improve vision in patients with dry AMD and reduce a patient’s risk of developing wet AMD with proper diet and nutritional supplementation.”

Omega-3s optimal for eye health

Research strongly suggests that omega-3 fatty acids – considered “good fats” – have a protective effect against advanced macular degeneration.

Omega-3s are found predominantly in fatty cold water fish, such as tuna, salmon and mackerel as well as in plant sources such as flax. (Click for more health benefits of omega-3s ).

Recipes high in omega-3s:
Hickory Smoked Tuna Quesadillas and more
Smoked Salmon and Peach Roulade
Roasted Salmon with Walnut Sherry Vinaigrette plus other recipes high in healthy fats
Farmland Flax Cookies

Antioxidants prevent AMD

Antioxidants are beneficial to health in many ways, including prevention of macular degeneration. Lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants found in egg yolks as well as dark leafy greens, are particularly protective, but other high-antioxidant foods can also help improve eye health.

Recipes for healthy vision:
Quiche in Pepper Pots
Apricot Pasta Salad
Greens and Grains Tart

Health tips to prevent macular degeneration

Health tip #1: Consume more omega-3s & antioxidants

A balanced diet chockfull of omega-3 fats and antioxidant-rich foods is key in warding off AMD. Dr Paul suggests, “In addition to supplemenation, pateints at risk for AMD should increase their consumption of leafy green vegetables and fish such as tuna, salmon and mackerel.”

Health tip #2: Limit omega-6 consumption

Though unsaturated fats are considered healthier than saturated or trans fats, the omega-6 fatty acids may actually do more harm than good. “Consumption of omega-6 fatty acids, prevalent in vegetable oils, was associated with an increased risk of developing AMD,” warns Dr Paul. (Click to learn more about The omega-3 vs omega-6 controversy.)

Health tip #3: Wear sunglasses

Replace your uber-cool stylish shades with ones that offer sun protection. Dr Paul recommends sunglasses with UV protection. More sunglasses – even ultra chic styles – are being made with lenses that help block the potentially harmful effects of the sun.

Health tip #4: Quit smoking

In addition to the many other unhealthy effects of smoking, Dr Paul says smoking increases a patient’s risk of developing AMD by a whopping 350 percent and recommends smoking cessation programs. (7 Expert tips to quit smoking for good.)

Health tip #5: Diet right and exercise

”Obesity, inactivity, hypertension, diabetes and increased blood lipid levels all increase a persons risk of developing AMD,” warns Dr Paul. However, a balanced diet (including omega-3s and antioxidant-rich foods) and regular exercise can improve all of these conditions.

Want more health tips to improve your vision? Read on

10 reasons to quit smoking 
Choosing sunglasses to protect your eyes
SheKnows Dental and Vision Channel