Macular Degeneration Causes and Treatment

Eye Care
Priya Singh
January 4, 2023
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4 minutes read

Age-related macular degeneration, also known as “wet” or hemorrhagic degeneration, comprises 90% of all cases of macular degeneration.

It is a condition that hinders the part of the eye’s retina that is responsible for central vision. The macula of the eye deteriorates from a gradual thinning, thereby causing a blurring of forwarding sight.

A person with age-related macular degeneration, however, will usually retain sharp vision to the sides. Because the macula weakens gradually in those with age-related macular degeneration there is a chance for early detection and possible protection against the condition worsening.

Table of Contents

What Causes Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Experts believe one of the most prominent causes of age-related macular degeneration is free radical damage. Free radicals are highly reactive chemical substances that can harm the integrity of cellular material within the body, leading to premature disease and ageing. Some of these free radicals may attack the retina. Two common reasons include exposure to the sun and smoking. They proceed to damage cellular material that is responsible for the functioning of healthy vision.

Experts also believe that heart disease and diabetes may contribute to this eye condition as well. These diseases can decrease the crucial flow of blood to the eyes. Blood is responsible for transporting vital nutrients needed to maintain clear and healthy eyesight. These nutrients help fight free radical damage.

Wet Macular Degeneration Treatment

Currently, there is no widely accepted medical treatment for age-related macular degeneration.

Dietary and Lifestyle Steps

The following are protocols most experts on age-related macular degeneration recommend:

Cut back on foods high in saturated fats
If you smoke, try to quit. Smoking has been shown to double your risk of this eye condition.
Always wear sunglasses outside, especially on bright days. Those with blue or green eyes are particularly sensitive to potential sun-induced damage.
If you are not averse to it, drink a daily glass of red wine. A large study showed that people who imbibed wine moderately had an almost 20% reduced risk for macular degeneration.
It assists blood is flowing more easily, and also contains potent antioxidants that can neutralize free radicals.
Eat a lot of dark green vegetables such as spinach and collards, which are high in lutein and zeaxanthin, two nutrients vital for healthy eyes.

Nutritional Supplement to Combat Macular Degeneration

As per the National Eye Institute, the government body whose mission is to “protect and prolong the vision of the American people” revealed “that a combination of zinc, vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene” can help with age-related macular degeneration.

However, there are nutrients in addition to these, which have been shown to be crucial in promoting a healthy vision:

Lutein

A carotenoid that acts as an antioxidant and also helps minimize the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. The colour of the macula itself, in fact, comes from this nutrient.

Copper

Needed because the mineral zinc can decrease its absorption, and thus cause a possible deficiency.

Bilberry

In Europe, this nutrient is widely accepted and recommended for its broadly protective and therapeutic benefits for eye health. Studies have shown it to be beneficial for macular degeneration, cataracts, and poor vision. It has the ability to strengthen the blood vessels thru which nutrients travel to the eyes. It is also a powerful antioxidant.

Selenium

A powerful overall antioxidant mineral that will help neutralize free radical damage in the body, including the eyes.

Zeaxanthin

A powerful nutrient that has been shown in studies to decrease the incidence of age-related macular degeneration in individuals with high levels of it in their blood. It is found in high concentrations in leafy green vegetables, such as spinach.