Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)
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- What is ARMD?
- Symptoms of ARMD
- Causes of ARMD
- Prevention of ARMD
- Risk factors for ARMD
- Complications of ARMD
- When to see a doctor about ARMD
- Diagnosis of ARMD
- Conventional treatment of ARMD
- Alternative/complementary treatment of ARMD
- Living with ARMD
- Caring for someone with ARMD
Alternative / complementary treatment of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD)
Alternative / complementary treatment of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) centres on treating the symptoms and prevention of this condition from occurring in the first place, through proper nutrition and supplementation.
Herbs
There are a number of herbs which are very beneficial in reducing symptoms or may even prevent this condition from developing in the first place:
- Bilberry - the herb bilberry has been used for centuries to treat eye conditions. Bilberries have a high level of anthocyanosides, an antioxidant, which is the active component of the berry. Studies on animals have shown that bilberry can prevent age-related macular degeneration from developing in the first place. People with diabetes should be careful using this herb as there may be issues with glucose and insulin
- Ginkgo biloba - studies show that people who are supplemented with ginkgo biloba may have less deterioration of vision and it may even prevent vision loss. Ginkgo biloba works to stimulate proper circulation and this helps to ensure that enough blood and nutrients are reaching the eyes
Vitamins
There are a number of vitamins which are very beneficial in reducing symptoms or even preventing this condition from developing in the first place:
- Betacarotene - this is the precursor to vitamin A and is often used instead of vitamin A, as it has less toxicity when used in higher doses. Betacarotene is a potent antioxidant which acts to prevent free radical damage to the macular (as well to every other cell in the body) and has been shown in major studies (along with other antioxidant vitamins) to slow the progression of ARMD. Betacarotene supplements should not be used by those people who are current or previous heavy smokers or alcohol drinkers as a large recent study implicated a higher incidence of cancer in those people taking this supplement, but the study also recommended getting betacarotene from the food in the diet for these groups of people was safe and did not increase risk for cancer
- Vitamin A - several large studies have shown that the antioxidant vitamin A may be useful in preventing free radical damage to the macular (as well to every other cell in the body) and has been shown to slow the progression of ARMD, especially when it is taken with the other antioxidant nutrients (vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and selenium)
- Vitamin C - studies show that vitamin C is a major antioxidant which acts to prevent free radical damage to the macular (as well to every other cell in the body) and has been shown in major studies (along with other antioxidant vitamins) to slow the progression of ARMD
- Vitamin E - studies show that vitamin E is a major antioxidant which acts to prevent free radical damage to the macular (as well to every other cell in the body) and has been shown in major studies (along with other antioxidant vitamins) to slow the progression of ARMD
Minerals
There are a number of minerals which are very beneficial in reducing symptoms or even preventing this condition from developing in the first place:
- Selenium - the mineral selenium is a potent antioxidant which acts to prevent free radical damage to the macular (as well to every other cell in the body) and has been shown in major studies (along with other antioxidant vitamins) to slow the progression of ARMD
- Zinc - the mineral zinc is a major antioxidant which acts to prevent free radical damage to the macular (as well to every other cell in the body) and has been shown in major studies (along with other antioxidant vitamins) to slow the progression of ARMD
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Other nutrients
There are a number of nutrients which are very beneficial in reducing symptoms or even preventing this condition from developing in the first place:
- Coenzyme Q10 - a large study showed that when the mitochondria were supported with coenzyme Q10 (together with acetyl-n-carnitine and omega 3 fatty acids) this decreased symptoms and slowed degeneration of the macular by over 20% in the group trialling the supplements, while the group receiving no vitamins had 10% degeneration in symptoms
- Lutein - studies show people who have a diet rich in foods high in the antioxidant lutein have a lowered risk for developing age-related macular degeneration. Lutein acts as a potent antioxidant preventing the retina and macular from getting damaged by free radicals. Lutein is one of the natural pigments that colours the eye and is found in broccoli, corn, egg yolks, grapes, oranges, spinach
- Omega 3 fatty acids - several studies have shown that those people with a health level of omega 3 fatty acids in their diet (from consuming oily fish such as salmon, tuna) have a lower risk for developing AMD; other studies also found that a healthy balance of omega 3 to omega 6 fatty acids was also a factor in reducing risk for AMD; a new study showed that omega 3 fatty acids should be obtained from DHA and EPA and not ALA, as ALA seemed to increase risk for developing AMD
- Zeaxanthin - studies also show that people who eat foods high in zeaxanthin also have a much lowered risk for developing age-related macular degeneration. Zeaxanthin is one of the natural pigments that colours the eye and is found in retina and macular, so levels of this nutrient need to be optimal levels to ensure proper working and health of the macular
Dietary modifications
Changes in the diet can help reduce symptoms or even prevent this condition from developing in the first place:
- Eat more fish - increasing intake of oily fish such as salmon, trout, mackerel, tuna, sardines, will help to increase levels of omega 3 fatty acids in the body and this may help reduce inflammation and help symptoms
- Eat more leafy green vegetables - such as kale, spinach, collard, mustard greens to help boost the levels of lutein, zeaxanthin and betacarotene in the body and reduce risk of age-related macular degeneration developing in the first place, but if it is in progression, then they may be able to reduce further degeneration
- Eat more orange coloured vegetables - such as carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato to help boost the levels of lutein, zeaxanthin and betacarotene in the body and reduce risk of age-related macular degeneration developing in the first place, but if it is in progression, then they may be able to reduce further degeneration
- Eat more orange coloured fruits - such as apricots, oranges, peaches, nectarines to help boost the levels of lutein, zeaxanthin and betacarotene in the body and reduce risk of age-related macular degeneration developing in the first place, but if it is in progression, then they may be able to reduce further degeneration
- Eat more zinc rich foods - the foods rich in zinc may somewhat help reduce the amount of degeneration in the eye by releasing more antioxidants in the area, to reduce the degeneration. The foods with the highest levels of zinc are oysters
Lifestyle modifications
There are certain lifestyle modifications that should be adhered to as they greatly reduce risk of age-related macular degeneration occurring in the first place and they also prevent further worsening of symptoms in people who already have the condition:
- Exercise - people with age-related macular degeneration are recommended to incorporate some exercise in their day (at least 30 minutes per day), to ensure there is good blood flow to the eyes
- Stop smoking - studies have shown that smoking is a definite risk factor which is implicated in the development of age-related macular degeneration
Alternative treatments
- Acupuncture - two older studies have suggested that a course of acupuncture may be useful in relieving some of the symptoms of eye disease, including age-related macular degeneration
Always ensure that you notify your medical practitioner of any supplements that you want to take - it may interfere with other medication or conditions you have. Confirm with your doctor it is safe to take BEFORE you try it.
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< 9: treatment of ARMD 11: living with ARMD > Last reviewed: 14 September 2007 || Last updated: 15 March 2009
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
