Can supplements help you fight macular degeneration and protect your vision from this age-related problem?
Dr. Baruch Kuppermann, an ophthalmologist at UCI Health’s Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, says that certain vitamins and supplements can slow down advanced agerelated macular degeneration (AMD), the primary cause of vision decline in older individuals.
According to the National Eye Institute’s Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS), zinc, vitamin C and E, and other potent antioxidants can halt the progression of intermediate AMD to advanced stages.
Dr. Kuppermann emphasizes the importance of incorporating these supplements into your daily regimen to protect your eyes as you age and potentially reverse vision loss.
Essential preventive measures:
• Zinc and copper: Studies show zinc’s effectiveness in preventing age-related eye disease, with a recommended daily dose of 50–80 milligrams of zinc, supplemented by 2 milligrams of copper to counter zinc depletion.
• Lutein and zeaxanthin: These antioxidants, abundant in dark green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, have shown to slow AMD progression. Alternatively, take 6-20 milligrams daily in supplement form.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fish, omega-3s offer eye protection. Consuming fish two to three times weekly or taking a daily fish oil supplement high in omega-3s is beneficial.
• Vitamins C and E: These antioxidants safeguard against cellular damage. Aim for 500 milligrams of vitamin C and 400 international units (IU) of vitamin E daily, obtainable from various foods or supplements.
• Multivitamins: Opt for a multivitamin containing essential vitamins and minerals, including 2 milligrams of copper to counteract zinc’s effects.
Additional protective measures:
• Blue-light blocking sunglasses: Sunglasses with yellow, orange, or browntinted lenses shield the macula from harmful blue light waves.
• Amsler grid self-exams: Regular checks using the Amsler grid can help monitor vision for distortion or missing fields, indicating potential issues that warrant further examination by an eye doctor.
• Regular eye exams: Routine eye exams are crucial for early detection of AMD and other vision problems, allowing for timely intervention to prevent further vision loss.
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