An area in the retina called the macula controls the central vision in one’s eye. When this critical region of the retina deteriorates, a condition develops that is known as macular degeneration. While peripheral vision is retained, this disorder can lead to a loss of central vision.

In people over the age of 60, macular degeneration is the most common cause of legal blindness. It also accounts for almost 12% of blindness in the United States as a whole.

The most common form of macular degeneration is age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). This form has a few common names such as age-related maculopathy (ARM), aged macular degeneration, and senile macular degeneration. Vision loss due to ARMD affects approximately 10 million Americans.

ARMD can be categorized in two forms. The first is dry from (atrophic) and the second is wet form (exudative). 70-90% of cases of ARMD are atrophic and so therefore it’s the more common. With the atrophic form, vision is less severe as the form progresses at a slower rate. In this form, the aging process causes the macula to thin over time and the pigmented retinal epithelium, which is a dark-colored cell layer at the back of the eye called the pigmented retinal epithelium is gradually lost.

In the wet form of ARMD, the retina is distorted as a result of new blood vessels growing beneath it. As a result of leaking, these new blood vessels can cause scar tissue to form on the retina. Distorted vision is often the result of the exudative or wet form. Other repercussions include making straight lines appear wavy and the development of a central blind spot. This form progresses at a more rapid rate and vision loss is more pronounced. For most cases of the exudative form, treatments are unavailable.

The most frightening news about age-related macular (AMD) is many Americans are unaware that it is the leading cause of blindness among older adults. This unawareness results in failure to have routine eye exams, which can catch the disease in its earliest stages. Which is why I chose to publish information about this topic and some alternative treatments.

The blood and the nutrients within it such as oxygen, vitamins and lutein must pass a membrane, called Bruch's membrane. This membrane can become calcified as time goes on which results in the blockage of nutrient entry and the exit of cellular debris. This can be remedied by taking magnesium, a calcium-antagonist (natural calcium blocker).

After passing Bruch's membrane, nutrients permeate a single-cell layer of cells called the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The RPE basically sanitizes cells containing cellular garbage deposits. Portions of vitamin A that are shed from the rod cells are digested via the RPE. To do this, the RPE produces an antioxidant called glutathione peroxidase. This antioxidant is generated from vitamin E and selenium. So therefore, supplementation with both will be very beneficial. Without vitamin E and selenium, the RPE will build up cellular garbage deposits.

According to a recent study, 60-year olds retained the ability to see faint light the same as 20-year old adults when they had adequate retinal levels of lutein and zeaxanthin. Some excellent sources of lutein and zeaxanthin are spinach and kale. I recommend taking 15 milligrams of lutein and zeaxanthin to be taken daily.

I also recommend taking up to 600 mg a day of Bilberry but make sure it's standardized, containing 25 percent anthocyanosides. Aside from it’s ability to strengthen capillaries and reduce bleeding in the retina, Bilberry’s active flavonoid compounds, anthocyanosides, act as antioxidants in the retina. What this means is that supplementing with bilberry would theoretically be effective in both the prevention and treatment of early-stage macular degeneration.

Studies have also shown zinc an effective treatment for macular degeneration. I recommend taking 45 mg daily along with 2 mg of copper.

Aside from that, a high-potency multivitamin, which contains antioxidants and nutrients, is a great way to promote healthy eyes.

The stuff to avoid includes:

High-dose calcium supplements without balancing magnesium.

Hydrogenated fats that interfere with the omega-3 fats.

Low-fat diets, which rob the retina of omega-3 fats.