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Natural herbal &
homeopathic remedies for age related Macular Degeneration
Macular Degeneration
HEALTH HERBS & NUTRITION
- REMEDIES - EYES AND VISION - macular degeneration
Macular degeneration is one of the most common eye diseases in the
elderly. In effect, it is the leading cause of blindness in people
termed legally blind. In America alone, millions of people are
affected by it.
Basically, macular degeneration occurs when age takes its toll on
the macula, the area of the retina responsible for central vision
sharpness. Degenerative changes take place in the blood vessels and
retinal cells of the macula resulting in gradual loss of central
vision. This type of macular degeneration is known as dry macular
degeneration and accounts for nearly 90% of the cases.
Wet macular degeneration, which comprises 90% of all
severe vision
loss from the disease, involves a sudden loss of central vision. It
occurs when new blood vessels behind the retina grow toward the
macula and leak blood and fluid, or in other words, abnormal blood
vessels develop in the retina and hemorrhage.
One of the major risk factors is prolonged exposure to bright light
which has led to the view that damage to the retina is caused by
free radicals. Cell metabolism along with the effect of rays
(especially light rays) produce these highly unstable and reactive
atoms or group of atoms. There occurrence in large numbers degrades
cell membranes. Antioxidant enzymes and nutrients (vitamins and
minerals) are therefore required in the blood to gobble up these free radicals and render them
harmless.
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Slightly blurred or dark central vision |
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Difficulty in doing activities that require sharp vision
(e.g., driving and reading) |
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A blurred spot in the central field of vision, which may
become larger and darker (dry maculopathy) |
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Straight lines that appear wavy (distortions) and the
rapid loss of central vision; sometimes, starting with a
sudden blind spot (wet maculopathy) |
Please Note:
Peripheral (side) vision may remain clear.
If you have any of the above symptoms, an immediate visit to an
optometrist or an ophthalmologist is called for. S/he will then
perform the following tests to gauge your state:
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Eye chart testing – your vision will be checked with an
eye chart to measure your eye’s ability to see at
various distances. |
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Pupil dilation – medicated drops are placed in your eyes
to widen their pupils so that more of the retina is
available for scrutiny |
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Checking for presence of drusen (tiny yellow deposits in
the retina). |
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Amsler's grid - Testing is carried out using Amsler's
grid, which incorporates covering one eye and focusing
other on a black dot in the center of a
checkerboard-like grid. If the straight lines in the
pattern appear wavy or the lines appear to be missing,
this indicates to the second kind of macular
degeneration – the wet one. |
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Age – natural deterioration of the macula |
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Cigarette smoking
(cigarette smoke creates a hell lot of free radicals) |
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Excessive exposure to sunlight or other ultra-violet
(UV) rays |
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Genetic |
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Cardiovascular disease |
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Diabetes |
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Unhealthy dietary habits (like high intake of saturated
fats and dietary cholesterol) |
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High cholesterol levels |
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Light eye color |
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Beer consumption (unconfirmed) |
Conventional treatments for dry macular degeneration may include
nutritional supplementation such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E,
beta-carotene with zinc and antioxidants to prevent free radicals or
unstable oxygen from damaging the retina. The wet form of macular
degeneration can lead to serious vision loss but there are various
laser treatment options such as photodynamic therapy available to
lessen the vision loss in the early stages.
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.
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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Vaccinium myrtillus (Billberry) - Most famous use
of bilberry is in the treatment for vein and lymphatic
disorders. This is achieved by the berries of bilberry
which are rich in anthocyanins that strengthen the
capillaries and reduce their permeability. This
facilitates delivery of essential oxygen and nutrients
to the eye and has been shown to be effective in the
prevention and treatment of retinopathy. Other
constituents of the bilberry berry are vitamin C,
tannins and catechin, a polyphenol. Anthocyanins, which
are antioxidants, along with vitamin C fight against the
free radicals present in the food and the atmosphere.
These, together with vitamin E, have proved to be very
good in treating eyesight related problems like
macular degeneration. It also reduces the incidence of hemorrhage
in the eye which is usually associated with diabetes.
Studies have clearly suggested that eye symptoms normally associated with the natural aging
process can be effectively managed using bilberry. |
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Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos) - This herb is found
in the Cedarberg mountains in the Western Cape of South
Africa., Rooibos, just like bilberry, also has powerful
anti-oxidant properties, mainly due to its supeoxide
dismutase (SOD) mimetic properties. SOD is an enzyme in
the body which is especially designed to neutralize
unstable free radicals as soon as they occur and can
therefore help to prevent retinopathy. It is also
considered an effective all round tonic and restorative
and the one that balances blood sugar levels. Rooibos’s
high mineral content helps in maintaining healthy
metabolism. It alos helps in lowering blood pressure and
enhancing immunity. It is an extremely nutritious herb,
containing Vitamin C, Alphahydroxy Acid, potassium,
copper, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, manganese and
fluoride. These minerals have been shown to have great
benefit with regards to eye health. |
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Grape seed extract is a potent source of
proanthocyanidins or pycnogenols containing naturally
occurring proanthocyanidins, a naturally powerful
antioxidant. Proanthocyanidins also have an affinity
for cell membranes, providing nutritional support to
reduce capillary permeability and fragility. The way
in which these versatile compounds are distinct from
flavonoids is their simple chemical structure, which
allows them to be readily absorbed into the bloodstream.
Vitamin E defends against fat-soluble oxidants and
vitamin C neutralizes water-soluble ones, but OPC’s are
active against both types. Grape seed extract has also
been investigated for its affect on free radicals and
thus its promotion of health. |
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Camellia sinensis (Green tea) is the tea plant,
the plant species whose leaves and leaf buds are used to
produce tea. White tea, green tea, oolong and black tea
are all harvested from this species, but are processed
differently to attain different levels of oxidation.
Green tea contains high levels of substances called
catechin polyphenols, known to possess strong
antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antitumorigenic, and even
antibiotic properties. |
Nutritive diet (actually, in some cases, nutritional supplements as
well, according to your doctor’s prescription) is a valuable
treatment for dry macular degeneration. It may also help prevent
both wet and dry types related to aging.
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Most of research has focused on foods containing
vitamin E and A (vitamin A is found in the form of beta carotene
in plants) as these two are believed to be very
effective in protecting eyes from free radical damage. The
results show that people consuming enough dark green
leafy vegetables (rich source of beta carotene) have
much less degeneration of their maculae. This is probably due to the
findings that lutein and zeaxanthin, which are
antioxidants in the carotenoid family and related to
beta carotene, build up in that part of the retina where
macular degeneration occurs. Once there, they protect
the retina from damage caused by sunlight by filtering
out the rays at either end of the spectrum. |
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As damage from oxidative stress is thought to contribute
to the development of macular degeneration, antioxidants
like vitamin C and selenium are considered vital for
protection against the development or progression of
macular degeneration. |
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Zinc is an essential requirement for producing two
important enzymes in the retina that are needed for
vision. Therefore, zinc intake is related to significant
reduction in the rate of visual loss in people with
macular degeneration. |
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Omega-3 fatty acids also contribute towards protection
against macular degeneration. This is commensurate with
the studies that show that people having lots of oily
fish (rich in omega-3s) in their diet had fewer such eye
problems. |
Foods
rich in the above vitamins and minerals are:
Vitamin C: Diet containing fresh fruits and vegetables should
provide you with enough vitamin C in a day although emphasis must be
given on citrus fruits (fresh fruits in totality and not their juice
only) like grapes and blackberries, as they also contain bioflavonoids. Some important fruits and vegetables are
blackcurrant, vegetables (broccoli, potatoes)red capsicums and chillies, strawberry, kiwifruit and rockmelon.
Vitamin A: Usual sources of vitamin A (in the form of beta
carotene) are whole milk, curds, egg yolk, pumpkin, carrots, leafy
vegetables, tomatoes, mangoes, and papaya.
Vitamin E: Its sources include avocados, nuts, seed oils,
sunflower seeds, green leafy vegetables, eggs, pumpkin seeds and
wheat germ.
Zinc: Seafood (particularly shellfish and oysters), wheat germ,
dairy products, chicken, beef, eggs and nuts are rich sources of
zinc.
Selenium: wholegrain cereals, fish, liver, shellfish, red meat,
chicken, garlic.
Lutein and zeaxanthin: richest source are spinach and kale.
Omega-3 fatty acids are primarily found in seafood; fish such as
salmon (especially Atlantic and red, canned in brine)sardines
(canned in water), mackerel (canned in brine), mullet, tuna etc.,
and pecans and trevally. Walnuts are also an extremely good source
of omega-3.
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Flavonoids (such as quercetin, rutin, and resveritrol)
may also play a role in preventing macular degeneration
or delay the progression of macular degeneration if you
already have the eye condition. Red wine and dark
berries such as blue berries, dark cherries and
blackberries are rich sources of these flavonoids. |
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Be lean and mean as obesity is considered in today’s
time a major contributory factor in eye disorders.
Therefore, and also to avoid many more other diseases,
avoid refined foods and foods containing trans-fatty
acids such as white breads, pastas, cookies, sugar,
cream, crackers, cakes, rice, boiled potatoes, puddings
and pies, condiments, pickles, sauces, French fries,
onion rings, donuts, and margarine. |
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Instead of red meats, go for more lean meats, cold-water
fish, tofu (soy, if no allergy) or, still better, beans
for protein. |
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Use light and healthy cooking oils, such as olive oil or
vegetable oil. |
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Avoid excessive consumption of stimulants like tea,
coffee, alcohol, and tobacco. |
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Go heavy on fluids - Drink at least 7 - 8 glasses of
water daily |
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Stop smoking naturally, as smokers have a higher
risk of developing macular degeneration. |
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Protect your eyes from sun exposure by wearing
sunglasses to block ultraviolet sunrays. |
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People over 65 years should have regular vision exams
that include screening for age-related macular
degeneration. |
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Consult an ophthalmologist or eye specialist immediately
if you experience any signs of vision loss. |
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