Natural macular degeneration supplements to prevent the symptoms of macular degeneration.

Dry Macular Degeneration

Dry macular degeneration is the early stage of the disease. It may be caused by the aging and thinning of the macular tissues, the deposition of pigment in the macula, or by a combination of the two processes. Yellowish spots known as drusen begin to accumulate from these deposits or from the debris from deteriorating tissue, and this occurs primarily in the area of the macula. Loss of central vision may occur very gradually but can be as serious as the wet neovascular form of AMD.

Wet Neovascular Macular Degeneration

Approximately, 10% of dry AMD cases will progress to a more severe, advanced form of eye disease known as wet macular degeneration. Wet macular generation occurs when new blood vessels grow (neovascularization) beneath the retina and leak blood and fluid into the surrounding tissue.

The leakage of blood and fluid causes permanent damage to the light-sensitive retinal cells. These cells then die off and blind spots are created in the central vision. During the process of neovascularization, the body attempts to create a new network of blood vessels to supply more nutrients and oxygen to the eye's retina. This process fails and instead creates scarring that leads to a loss of central vision.

Wet forms of macular degeneration are further classified into two general sub-types – classic and occult. Classic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is usually associated with severe vision loss. It occurs when blood vessel growth and scarring has very clear, delineated outlines observed beneath the retina. Occult neovascularization produces less severe vision loss and new blood vessel growth beneath the retina is not as distinctive and leakage is less obvious.

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• Fluorescein angiography

This procedure involves a special dye that is injected into the arm and an ophthalmologist photographing the retina as the dye passes through.
Fluorescein angiography examines the retinal blood vessels surrounding the macular and will determine whether laser treatment is necessary

• Indocyanine green angiography

During this procedure infrared wavelengths are used to view the retina in order to help identify symptoms of macular degeneration that may not be detected with fluorescein angiography

• Optical coherence tomography (OCT)

This is a noninvasive examination technique that produces a cross-sectional image of the posterior retina.

• Microperimetry

This procedure uses the Rodenstock scanning laser ophthalmoscope and is used to quantify macular sensitivity and fixation pattern.

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• Slow, or in very rare cases a sudden, painless loss of vision are common symptoms of macular degeneration
• Blurred or shadowy areas in your central vision
• Blind spots
• Straight lines that when viewed look irregular or bent
• Objects appearing in a different color or shape (when viewed with each of the eyes)

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• Age – macular degeneration increases with age
• Race – although macular degeneration occurs in all races, it is more common in Caucasian individuals
• Gender – women have been found to be at higher risk of macular degeneration
• Family history – it has also been found that macular degeneration tends to be hereditary
• Exposure to sunlight
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Drug side effects

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Natural and holistic treatments can also help to promote healthy vision and reduce symptoms including blurred vision, hemorrhaging of the eyes, and disorders of the retina. Treatments such as herbal and homeopathic remedies can provide a gentle alternative to conventional drugs, and at the same time address overall health and wellbeing.

Natural macular degeneration supplements may include herbs such as Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) which has well known anti-oxidant properties, ensuring the health of all cells and tissues of the body, including the eyes, and also assist with circulation. Bilberry also helps to facilitate delivery of essential oxygen and nutrients to the eye and has been the subject of numerous research studies related to ocular health.

Other macular degeneration supplements include Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos) which is an effective all round tonic for the immune system and helps to maintain digestive health, liver functioning and promote healthy blood sugar levels. Sutherlandia frutescens is also commonly used in macular degeneration supplements for its adaptogenic properties as well as anti-oxidant effects. Remember to always ensure your natural remedies are sourced from reputable companies for maximum safety, therapeutic dosage and effectiveness.

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• Consult an ophthalmologist or eye specialist immediately if you experience any signs of vision loss.
• Use of the Amsler grid can help you to detect slight changes in your vision – this test helps you to monitor your vision daily in the comfort of your home.
• Stop smoking naturally, as smokers have a higher risk of developing macular degeneration.
• Eat a healthy balanced diet packed with leafy green vegetables.
• Protect your eyes from sun exposure by wearing sunglasses to block ultraviolet sunrays.
• Increase your intake of nutritional supplements such as antioxidants and zinc.
• People over 65 years should have regular vision exams that include screening for age-related macular degeneration.

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