
How to recognise Macular Degeneration:
- Slow (dry) or sudden (wet), painless loss of central vision
- Blurred vision
- Straight objects may appear distorted or bent
- Ability to see fine details becomes difficult
- Dark spot near or around centre of visual field
What causes Macular Degeneration?
- Advancing age
- A possible genetic link
- Dry Macular Degeneration is the most common form, where degenerative changes occur in the layer of cells (retinal pigment epithelium) beneath the retina
- Wet Macular Degeneration occurs when the retinal pigment epithelium fails to stop blood vessels from growing into the retina
- Free radical damage and oxidative stress
- Poor oxygen and nutrient supply in combination with poor clearance of waste products in the retina
How do I prevent Macular Degeneration?
- Regular eye and macula checks from the age of 50
- Give up smoking
- Decrease exposure to environmental toxins – internally and externally
- Increase consumption of fresh fruits, including berries and vegetables, especially those that are orange or yellow coloured
- Reduce trans fats (found in many processed foods) and incorporate fish, legumes, nuts and seeds into your diet
- Regular exercise and weight management for a healthy lifestyle
- Make sure your office chair allows you to sit comfortably at your computer, being able to see the screen without stressing your neck.
What else can I do to help preventMacular Degeneration?
Naturopathic recommendations to assist in the prevention and treatment of Macular Degeneration include:- Antioxidants: particularly lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamins C and E, betacarotene, selenium, zinc and copper all help to protect the eye from oxidative stress and free radical damage
- Bilberry, standardised for anthocyanosides, helps improve microcirculation to the eye, regenerate visual pigments in the retina, assists night vision and helps relieve eye strain and fatigue
- Ginkgo is potent antioxidant and helps increase circulation to the retina
- Grapeseed is a potent antioxidant that helps reduce photophobia and improve night vision
- Omega-3 fatty acids high in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may be of significant benefit in prevention and early treatment of Macular Degeneration
