Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Overview

Age-Related Macular Degeneration is an ailment characterized by the degeneration of the macula in the retina of the eye, resulting from the death of the rods and cones within the macula, primarily affecting elderly individuals. ARMD initially leads to diminished vision in the central field, which can later extend to affect peripheral vision. This means that the first signs of ARMD include blurred and distorted vision. Lines that should appear straight without ARMD may seem wavy. Over time, ARMD can obstruct central vision, leading to frontal blindness.

Recent evidence suggests that ARMD may be a localized (in the Eyes) form of Atherosclerosis.  ^[1]

 It is estimated that 25% of all people above the age of 65 and 33% of all people above the age of 75 are afflicted with at least the beginnings of ARMD.  14% of people aged 55 to 64 are afflicted with ARMD.

 There is a hereditary aspect to the risk of developing ARMD.

 Caucasians have a greater risk for ARMD compared to persons of African descent.

 Women over the age of 75 have twice the risk of developing ARMD compared to men of the same age.

 ARMD is the leading cause of severe visual impairment in developed countries.

Amino Acids

 Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) may help to treat ARMD.  ^[3]

 EDTA (EDTA) - the synthetic Amino Acid used in Chelation Therapy, may alleviate ARMD.  ^[4]

 Taurine helps to prevent and reverse ARMD (Taurine concentrates in the Macula of the Retina, where it exerts Antioxidant effects that counteract ARMD).  ^[5]

Antioxidants

 Many types of Antioxidants help to prevent ARMD (by deactivating Singlet Oxygen Free Radicals).

Carotenoids

 Astaxanthin may help to prevent ARMD.

 Lutein may help to prevent and treat ARMD.  ^[6]

 Zeaxanthin may help to prevent and treat ARMD - consumption of 2.9 mg or more of Zeaxanthin per day may lower the risk of developing ARMD by approximately 57%.  ^[7]

Enzymes

 Optimal levels of Glutathione Peroxidase may help to prevent ARMD - ARMD patients often have low levels of Glutathione Peroxidase.  ^[8]

 Optimal levels of Glutathione Reductase may help to prevent ARMD - ARMD patients often have low levels of Glutathione Reductase.  ^[9]

Hormones

 Melatonin may help to prevent ARMD.  ^[10]

Lipids

 Omega-3 Fatty Acids may help to prevent and treat ARMD:  ^[11]

 Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) may help to prevent and treat ARMD.  ^[12]

 Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) may help to prevent and treat ARMD.  ^[13]

Minerals

 Selenium (200 mcg per day or more) may help to prevent ARMD and may improve vision in ARMD patients.  ^[14]

 Zinc (80 - 100 mg per day) may inhibit the degeneration of the Macula that is integral to the progression of ARMD and helps to prevent loss of vision in ARMD patients.  ^[15]

Prescribed Medications

 VEGF Antagonists (injected into the Eyes) may be useful for treating (wet) ARMD due to their ability to inhibit Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-induced growth of Blood Vessels in the Eyes.  Drugs from this class include: