Macular Degeneration Treatment   There are no medicinal treatments for macular degeneration.  If an individual is diagnosed with the wet form, laser photocoagulation is recommended as soon as possible to prevent the onset of blindness.  This procedure is only effective when performed in the early stage, by the advanced stage, the damage is irreversible.  The dry form does not have any treatment options. For individuals who have lost their central vision, low vision devices are available to assist their peripheral vision. [8]   Alternative treatment is focused on preventing the wet form and limiting the damage caused as a result of the dry form.  The underlying theory is to prevent oxidative damage from free radicals and to improve circulation to the retina.     Supplements helpful for Macular Degeneration   Zinc Zinc is an essential mineral for metabolism of the retina. It is often deficient in elderly patients.  Low intake of zinc is associated with an increased risk for age related macular degeneration. [9]  In the large Age Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) zinc use was associated with a decreased rate of mortality in patients with macular degeneration.  It was also found to be an integral aspect of treatment with antioxidants to prevent advanced stage macular degeneration. [10]   Copper Copper is a necessary addition to the treatment regimen for macular degeneration, to offset the adverse reactions associated with high doses of zinc.  Supplementation with high doses of zinc can cause reflex copper deficiency, which can result in anemia.  Copper must be supplemented to avoid this side effect. [11]   Vitamin E Vitamin E is an antioxidant.  It is present in large amounts in the retina.  Vitamin E is the most abundant fat-soluble antioxidant in the retina.  Studies have shown Vitamin E to be protective against the development of macular degeneration. [12]  One study found that supplementation with Vitamin E reduced the risk of macular degeneration by as much as 13%. [13]  Vitamin E was also a piece of the antioxidant formulation used in the AREDS study that found its supplementation prevented advanced stages of macular degeneration. [14]   Vitamin C Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant.  It is present in high amounts in the retina, and functions along side Vitamin E in preventing free radical damage to the eyes. Vitamin C is a protective nutrient, and is used by the retina for preventing damage caused by sunlight.  Vitamin C was included in the antioxidant formula in the large AREDS study.  It was shown to prevent the development of advanced macular degeneration.   Beta-carotene Beta-carotene is essential for proper function of the retina.  It is present in high amounts in the pigmented cells of both the retina and macula.  Beta-carotene was found to be effective at preventing the advanced stage of macular degeneration in the AREDS study. {15]   Lutein Lutein is a carotenoid. It is present in high amounts in the pigmented cells of the macula.  Lutein is protective against the damage caused by sunlight.  Medium to high intake of lutein is associated with a decreased risk of developing macular degeneration. [16]     Ginkgo biloba Ginkgo is a botanical antioxidant that has been shown to improve blood flow to the eyes.  It is also considered anti-atherogenic.  Ginkgo has been proven in studies to improve visual acuity in patients with macular degeneration. [17]  This improvement is thought to be due to its potent antioxidant effects.     Learn More About Macular Degeneration Introduction to Macular Degeneration Macular Degeneration Treatment Products helpful for Macular Degeneration Go Back Learn More

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