Macular Degeneration

The term macular degeneration is used by doctors to describe a process that occurs within the eye where a particular region of the retina, known as the macula, begins to progressively break down. Macular degeneration can begin to occur around age 50 and is the leading cause of blindness in Americans. Ultimately, macular degeneration can result in complete central vision loss. As macular degeneration occurs, one may first notice reduced visual sharpness – such as when reading or working on the computer, then visual distortions, and finally darkened regions of the visual fields that can later become true “blind spots.”

There are two main forms of macular degeneration: dry macular degeneration and wet macular degeneration. These terms describe two different processes that can cause cellular breakdown within the macula. Dry macular degeneration occurs when the cells of the macula are slowly becoming damaged by oxidation and then begin to lose function. This process can lead to moderate or advanced vision-loss and usually evolves over a long period of time. Wet macular degeneration, on the other hand, occurs when blood vessels begin growing and rupturing in the macula causing immediate damage to those cells. This damage can result in more advanced vision-loss and often requires immediate treatments to reduce additional blood vessel formation within the macula.

Wet macular degeneration occurs in a smaller percentage of the population (approximately 10% of those with macular degeneration will have the wet form), whereas dry macular degeneration is much more common. Much of our discussion is focused on dry macular degeneration, although the basic principles for supporting macular health can be applied to both forms.

What is the macula and why is it important?
The macula is the region of the eye that contains the highest concentration of specialized cells known as “cones.” These cells are responsible for vision in daylight and are what help us see with sharpness, or acuity. As the macula degenerates, one loses the ability to see images sharply: a term doctors refer to as “visual acuity.” Typically, advanced macular degeneration leads to loss of visual acuity and complete central vision loss. One can usually maintain peripheral vision for quite some time, but central vision will deteriorate if the health of the macula is not supported.

What happens next?
If you, or someone you know should develop macular degeneration, an opthamologist will first determine the root cause: dry or wet macular degeneration. Although the long-term treatments for both forms of macular degeneration are quite limited, some immediate intervention may be indicated. It is then important to begin tracking the progression of the condition. Often times, one will be given a grid-chart (known as an Amsler Grid) to monitor changes in visual acuity and distortions in the visual field.

From a naturopath’s perspective, the most important next step in addressing macular degeneration, either for prevention or treatment of macular degeneration, is to begin supplying the macula with high-doses of eye-supportive nutrients. There is strong research to advocate for the use of vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, flavonoids, and carotenoids to reduce progression of macular degeneration.

Vitamin C: this water-soluble vitamin is a very powerful anti-oxidant that helps reduce oxidation of tissues. Because the degeneration occurring in the macula is most likely due to oxidation, supplementing with a high-dose antioxidant, such as vitamin C, can often reduce progression of the disease. Orally, one can supplement up to 2000 mg of vitamin C per day. Intravenously, one can infuse up to 15,000 mg of vitamin C at a time.
Supplements such as BioGenesis Electrolyte Plus C or Bio Potent C would be good sources for vitamin C. Citrus fruits generally contain high amounts of vitamin C as well.

Vitamin E: this fat-soluble vitamin is another very powerful anti-oxidant. Some research suggests that, when taken in conjunction with a zinc supplement, moderate doses of vitamin E may help slow progression of macular degeneration. Orally, one can consume up to 1,500 IUs of vitamin E per day. Vitamin E is not administered intravenously. Vegetable oils, cereal grains, meat, poultry, eggs, some fruits, and vegetables contain vitamin E. Clinical Nutrient Antioxidant is a supplement from Integrative Therapeutics that contains vitamin E, Zinc, Grape Seed extract and several other eye-supportive nutrients.

Zinc: this mineral is used by almost every cell in your body, it is a necessary cofactor for new cell growth and is also known for being extremely immune-supportive. Orally, one can safely supplement 40 mg of zinc sulfate per day. Intravenously, one can infuse up to 100 mg at a time. A supplement such as Zinc A.G. from Metagenics would be an excellent source of zinc. Also, a diet rich in various meats, seafood, dairy products, nuts, legumes, and whole grains will provide relatively high doses of zinc.

Flavonoids: many herbal medicines such as Bilberry, Ginkgo biloba, and Grapeseed extract all contain high-levels of flavonoids. Flavonoids are responsible for giving plants their vibrant colors and have been shown to have impressive antioxidant capabilities. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables guarantees a varied intake of flavonoids. You may also incorporate a high-quality bioflavonoid supplement such as Very Berry from New World Naturals or Venocap by Thorne to ensure adequate antioxidant levels.

Carotenoids: in particular, there is some research to support the use of a specific carotenoid called lutein to promote retinal health. Lutein can be supplemented orally or through diet. Spinach, broccoli, and kale are especially rich in this carotenoid. You might also try a supplement such as Pure Harvest Greens from Integrative Therapeutics or liquid A-mulsion drops from Genestra.

Other nutrients to consider: Taurine, Selenium, B vitamins – including folic acid, Carnitine, Calcium, Potassium and Magnesium are also very important co-factors for optimizing eye health. Eating a healthy produce-rich diet is vital for maintain good levels of these nutrients. You may also consider taking a daily multi-vitamin packed with high levels of vitamins and minerals: some of our favorites include PhytoMulti by Metagenics, and UltraGenesis by BioGenesis.

IV therapy for Macular degeneration
When wading through a variety of supplement options to address health concerns, and especially when addressing time-sensitive health issues such as macular degeneration, IV therapy may be an option to consider. Utilizing IV therapy is valuable because much higher nutrient doses can be administered intravenously, and because IV administration results in faster cellular uptake of nutrients. At NaturoMedica, we have formulated an IV protocol that is ideal for addressing macular degeneration. With very high doses of zinc, vitamin C, selenium, B vitamins, taurine and several other eye-supportive nutrients, our Macular Degeneration formula is ideal for preventing progression of this condition and, in some cases, may even be indicated for prevention of other eye-related concerns.

An ounce of prevention
Because there is high likelihood that macular degeneration has a genetic correlation, if any of your relatives have developed macular degeneration, it may be prudent to consider a preventative eye-health plan for yourself. Come in and see your NaturoMedica doctor to discuss options and determine what next steps would be best for you.