Macular Degeneration

Symptoms

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a medical condition which usually affects older adults and results in a loss of vision in the center of the visual field (the macula) because of damage to the retina. It occurs in "dry" and "wet" forms. It is a major cause of blindness and visual impairment in older adults (>50 years). Macular degeneration can make it difficult or impossible to read or recognize faces, although enough peripheral vision remains to allow other activities of daily life.
See also :

• Cataract
• Eye Problems
• Vision Problems

Home remedies

• Lutein : Consuming lutein as part of the diet might help to prevent AMD (age-related macular degeneration)
• Zeaxanthin : Several observational studies have connected high dietary intake of foods providing zeaxanthin with lower incidence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), most notably the Age-Related Eye Disease study (AREDS).
• Astaxanthin has been found to cross the blood-brain barrier and the blood-retinal barrier, meaning that it has the power to protect your brain and your eyes from free radical damage. It lowers your risk for AMD and improves your eyesight.
• Basil : The high levels of the flavonoid zeaxanthin make it a great solution for protecting eye health and preventing age-related macular degeneration.
• Papaya is rich in zeaxanthin. It's a potent carotenoid that may slow—and even prevent—the development of AMD. You'll even find it in your macula and retina. Your eyes need it to help maintain clarity and focus.
• Cruciferous Vegetables generate glucosinolates, which are converted into isothiocynates during digestion. They protect your body in a number of important ways, such as cancer and Macular Degeneration and helps build the immune system and supports bone health, Detoxifying enzymes and Curing coughs. Arugula, broccoli, cauliflower, watercress and cabbage, are classified as a cruciferous vegetables.
• Leeks contain the powerful phytonutrients, lutein and zeaxanthin, which help prevent macular degeneration and other eye disorder.
• Blueberries (and their European cousins, bilberries) have positive effects on visual acuity and the prevention of Macular Degeneration.
• Dried figs are at the top of the dried fruit list for phenol antioxidant levels. Fruit antioxidants have demonstrated higher eye health benefits than vegetable antioxidants, including carrots, even offering protection against age related macular degeneration (ARMD), the leading cause of blindness.
• Grapes are used to treat constipation, indigestion, fatigue, kidney disorders, Macular Degeneration and prevention of cataract : high levels of flavonoids like quercetin and resveratrol, are able to prevent this buildup of metabolic waste, also known as lipofuscin, in RPE, as well as protect metabolic pathways against oxidative damage.
• Bilberry is used for glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts.
• Lutein has long been hailed for its ability to help protect against, and even reverse, the devastating effects of age-related macular degeneration.
• Grapes can prevent the age related loss of vision or macular degeneration. Three servings of grapes a day can reduce the risks of macular degeneration by over 36 %.
• Watermelon protects against Macular Degeneration.
• Saffron not only protects the vision cells (photoreceptors) from damage, but may also slow and possibly even reverse the course of blinding diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa.
• Rosemary : Carnosic acid doesn’t only protect against retinal damage. Past studies have found it also protects against oxidative stress in the brain.
• Exercise: Regular exercise that raises your heart rate for 20 to 30 minutes increases HDL.
• Lose Weight and stop eating transfats: Carotenoids concentrate in the fat first, so if overweight, lose weight! Meantime, while you're working on it, take more lutein and zeaxanthin and employ the most successful diet recorded to lose weight and reduce disease: the Hale Project documented the amazing success of the Mediterranean Diet (MeDi). Not only is it a smart way to eat, but it also reduced all causes of death and disease by fifty percent in study participants aged 70-90 with active disease processes established after ten years adherence, practicing moderate red wine consumption, light exercise, and not smoking. Macular degeneration or not, this diet is proven!
• Drink Red Wine or use Resveratrol: High-altitude or heat-stressed vine wines from Argentina, Chile, Australia, or damp, moldy vines found in areas like the Finger Lakes of New York are typically higher in resveratrol and will not only raise HDL but also influence health at 1-2 glasses per day. If you don't drink wine or it is contraindicated for you, then use non-alcoholic resveratrol.
• Take Niacin and Fish Oil: both increase HDL.
• Quit Smoking: Besides reducing HDL smoking asphyxiates the eye.
• Get an Oil Change: Remove all transfats from your diet and replace them with healthy, healing oils to raise your HDL. Employ olive oil, coconut oil, ghee, hemp oil, and flax oil.
• Eat a preferably organic diet, rich in the carotenoids, to replenish the macular pigment (MOPD –remember the pictures?). Egg yolk, kale, spinach, collard and turnip greens lightly steamed, romaine lettuce, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, red and yellow vegetables, and fruits are all great sources.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.