Age-related macular degeneration is the most common cause of irreversible blindness in people over the age of 65. It is a slow progressive disease that affects the central area of the retina called the macula. This is the location of the retina responsible for central vision or the vision which gives us the greatest detail in our sight.

The exact cause of macular degeneration is not known but the earliest changes occur in the choroid (vascular layer of the eye) and pigmented retinal epithelium. These changes begin as thickening of Bruch’s membrane, which is the layer of the choroid next to the retina. These thickened areas become raised and have the appearance of warts. These changes produce loss of pigment and cell death of the functioning layers of the retina. It eventually leads to fluid accumulation, hemorrhage and scar tissue. Loss of central vision occurs but this rarely produces total blindness because the peripheral vision is preserved.

The disease commonly occurs over the age of 65 years but there are several hereditary conditions, which can lead to this disorder at a much earlier age. Patients usually complain of blurred vision and difficulty with close work. They can also develop wavy lines and distortion of linear targets. There is loss of color sense and the development of scotomas (small areas of blindness).

There is a higher incidence of macular degeneration with hypertension, arteriosclerotic vascular disease and diabetes.

There are several types of macular degeneration. The two common types described are the dry and wet types. The dry or areolar type consists of degeneration of the retinal pigment cells resulting in drusen (small wart like growth) hyper and hypopigmented areas in the retina with loss of rods and cones and generalized atrophy. The wet type or exudative type presents as vascular leakage with exudates and a detachment of the retina with loss of vision. A small percentage of these cases can be treated successfully with the argon laser.

There is another type of macular degeneration, which occurs in the diabetic. This results from leakage of small blood vessels, which leads to fluid accumulation under the retina and loss of central vision.

You should shift your diet away from meats and dairy products towards a largely vegetarian diet that includes cold water fish (salmon and cod) and eggs. There is evidence that this type of diet will help in weight reduction, reduce the risk of arteriosclerotic vascular disease, lower blood pressure, reduce the incidence of diabetes and improve blood flow to the eye.

If you do not have a regular exercise program now is the time to start. You should begin slowly under your physician’s supervision. Begin with 10 to 15 minutes several times a week. This should gradually be increased to 30 minutes of moderate exercise everyday. The ideal exercise will increase your heart rate a small amount without producing undue fatigue.

General guidelines are to exercise at 60% of your maximum heart rate. To calculate this number subtract your age from 220. This number is your maximum heart rate. 60% of this number will be your target heart rate. During exercise be sure to monitor your heart rate.

Example: Let say your age is 60.

First calculate your maximum heart rate

220-60 is 160.

Next calculate your target heart rate

60% of 160 is 96

A heart rate of 96 is therefore your goal when you exercise.

Find something that you enjoy and remember to continue your program. Brisk walking is a favorite activity of many people. Other exercises to consider are swimming, aerobics, and cycling. If you are physically limited consult with your doctor on other activities.

Moderate exercise improves your cardiovascular system, helps keep off extra pounds, lowers cholesterol, reduces high blood pressure and improves retinal circulation. Exercise also helps to improve your mental outlook and reduces stress. These factors are important in helping the body fight disease. This is probably the best thing you will do for your health!

Meditation is exercise for the mind. It is well known that there is a mind body connection in health and disease. Meditation will help reduce stresses that adversely affect our bodies. Studies have shown that meditation helps to lower blood pressure, slow the heart rate and produces a general feeling of well being.

There are many different methods to meditate depending on one’s religious background. It can be a simple prayer, positive visualization, saying a positive affirmation or utilizing techniques to slow the breathing.

During this process it important and letting go of negative thoughts. Sometimes being in a very pleasant natural environment, such as a park or a walk in the country away from the stresses of the daily life will be like meditation. Meditation should be a daily practice to help reduce stress.

In 1920 Dr. William Bates introduced a series of eye exercises to reduce eyestrain, improve circulation and the function of the eye. These exercises have been used successfully by thousands of people with visual disorders.

Two books to learn more about the Bate's method are:

W. H. Bates, MD, The Cure of Imperfect Sight by Treatment Without Glasses, Health Research, Pomeroy, Washington, 1978

P. Mansfield, The Bates Method, Vermillion, London, 1992

#4 - Eliminate coffee, aspirin, margarine, alcohol and  stop smoking. Why?

Coffee should be reduced or eliminated. Studies have shown that coffee can produce a 13% reduction in retinal blood flow. This is especially important in patients that have existing retinal damage and who are losing vision.

Several studies shown that there is an increase risk of bleeding into the eyes in patients with macular degeneration who take aspirin. If you have been started on an aspirin program discuss this with your doctor.

Margarine interferes with the circulation and with the synthesis of gamma linolenic acid.

Avoid eating margarine, Crisco and hydrogenated fats. They are all toxic and they interfere with the synthesis of this essential fatty acid. Gamma linolenic acid along with selenium are needed to maintain normal vasculature of the retinal vessels. A study in Australia people who use margarine and sun bath have a 700% higher incidence of malignant melanoma than those who sun bath and use butter. There is also a higher incidence of lung cancer in smokers who use margarine compared to butter.

High alcohol consumption also reduces the levels of antioxidants and carotenoids. Avoid alcohol or severely limit your intake to maintain the proper levels of these important antioxidants.

If you smoke please do everything possible to stop. There is a 6.6 times greater risk of developing macular degeneration in smokers, even former smokers have a 3.2 greater risk. Each cigarette robs the body of 25 mg of vitamin C. Smokers have an increase in lipids (both fat and cholesterol) which increase the risk of severe cardiovascular disease. These factors produce narrowing of the retinal blood vessels that carry valuable nutrients to the eye.

UV and Blue Violet sunrays increase the risk of developing macular degeneration. Studies have shown that people who spend a great deal of time outdoors are twice as likely to develop macular degeneration. A good pair of sunglasses which block 100% of UVA and UVB and block at least 85% of blue violet sun rays are essential to protect the eyes from the harmful effects of the sun. On a sunny day a wide brim hat should also be worn.

The 1958 Helsinki study proved those agents, which opened the blood vessels (Vasodilators), and that cleared blood vessel of plaques (Antioxidants) result in improvement of vision. In this study patients who received Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Heparin showed a 67% visual improvement.

The results of the Multicenter Ophthalmic and Nutritional Age Related Macular Degeneration Study in 1996 showed that AMD subjects who were given a broad spectrum antioxidant stabilized in their better functioning eyes. The subjects that used placebos (no vitamins) lost an average of one line of vision.

        Vitamin A

        Vitamin C

Vitamin E

        Beta-carotene

        Glutathione

It is a vital antioxidant, which protects the immune system, preventing the formation of free radicals. It is especially important to combine Selenium with Vitamin E. They act together to aid in the production of antibodies and to help maintain a healthy heart, liver and eyes. Selenium is found in meat and grains. Since the content of Selenium is very low on much of American farm soil there has been a marked reduction in the levels found in meat and grains.

The Archives of Ophthalmology reported a study that tested the effectiveness of Zinc in macular degeneration. Patients who took zinc supplements showed significantly less deterioration than patients who did not. It is now recommended that moderate dosages of Zinc may be beneficial in macular degeneration. Dosages greater than 100 mg a day can reduce copper stores in the body, increase bad cholesterol (LDL) and depress your immune system. Because of this, high dosages of zinc are not recommended.

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Lutein and Zeaxanthin are carotenoids, which make up the pigment in the macula of the eye. These are the pigments which give food their color. They are found in eggs, colored fruits and leafy green vegetables. The following are good sources of carotenoids: kale, spinach, mustard greens, pumpkins, eggs, corn, orange peppers and grapes. Eggs contain the highest amount of both compounds, corn contains the most Lutein and orange peppers have the most Zeaxanthin.

They are needed to help maintain the macula lutea, the part of retina responsible for the sharpest vision. They also act as a filter to protect the eye against photo induced damage and they also protect the eye from free radicals. Studies show that animals deprived from this pigment develop macular degeneration in a few weeks. Eggs contain three times the concentration carotenoids because chicken are fed marigold to make the yolks more yellow. Marigold supplements and marigold tea have been proposed as a good source of this valuable nutrient.

A recent study by the national Institutes of health found that people who ate the highest amounts of food rich in carotenoids had a 43% lower risk of developing macular degeneration.

Vegetable (100 grams) Beta carotene* Lutein/Zeaxanthin*

Raw carrot 7,900 260

Kale 4,700 21,900

Brussel sprouts 480 1,300

Raw spinach 4,100 10,200

Corn 51 780

Broccoli 700 1,900

Green peas 350 1,700

Green beans 44 740

Tomatoes 520 100

Leaf greens 1,200 1,800

Collard greens 5,400 16,300

*Amounts in micrograms.

Sources: Journal of the American Dietetic Association 1993: 284-295.

Interest developed in this European plant, when World War II British Air Force pilots reported improved night vision after taking Bilberry. It is now used in Europe for many eye disorders including cataract, macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa and diabetic retinopathy. It contains anthocyanosides, which have been shown to stabilize collagen, increase intracellular vitamin C levels and decrease capillary fragility. Studies have also shown a decrease in platelet aggregation (similar affect as aspirin) and a reduction in blood sugar. Bilberry may improve oxygen delivery to the eye and act as an antioxidant.

It is a tree that lives as long as 1000 years. Originally found in China, it was imported into the United States in 1784. The Ginkgo leaf extracts are now among the leading prescription medications in both Germany and France. The primary clinical application has been in the treatment of vascular insufficiency. Many studies have demonstrated improved circulation in-patients with arterial insufficiency. In addition to improving retinal circulation, Ginkgo also has a protective affect against free radicals. Another study has shown that a combination of Ginkgo Biloba and Zinc may slow the progression of visual loss.

Homeopathy is scientific method of therapy based on the principle of stimulating the body’s own healing processes in order to accomplish cure. The basic system was devised and verified by Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician, nearly 200 years ago. Homeopathy’s astounding success rates in both chronic and acute diseases has not only stood the test of time, but has rapidly achieved widespread acceptance in Europe, India and South America.

In Homeopathy ("homeo-" means "similar"), each of us is a total complete individual, no aspect of which can be separated from any other. To be effective, any valid therapy must be based on a deep understanding of and respect for the uniqueness of each individual. In Homeopathy each patient is evaluated as a whole person- mental, emotional and physical. The prescribing remedy is based on the unique patterns found on all three levels. This means that each person is given a remedy that will stimulate his or her particular body to heal. Ten people with macular degeneration might receive ten different homeopathic remedies.

Homeopathy has been carefully researched and its effectiveness has been reported in the following well respected national medical journals: Jacobs J, Treatment of Acute Childhood Diarrhea with Homeopathic Medication. Pediatrics 1994; 93:719-7255, Reilly DT , Is Homeopathy a Placebo Response? Lancet 1986; Oct: 881-886 and Kleijnen J, Clinical Trails of Homeopathy. British Medical Journal 1991; 302: 315-323.

Homeopathy can be a valuable adjunct in your treatment of Macular Degeneration

Chelation therapy is used for patients with heavy metal poisoning, poor circulation due to arteriosclerosis and conditions related to these primary diagnoses. The causes of macular degeneration are many, but it is felt that arteriosclerosis (Hardening of the arteries) and the formation of free radicals contribute to this disease.

Chelation therapy has been documented to be helpful in treatment of both macular degeneration and heart disease. In arteriosclerosis, the blood vessels are damaged and then obstructed by the buildup of plaque. During and following chelation therapy, this plaque is dissolved very slowly and the blood flow throughout the body improves. Chelation more or less safely 'scrubs" the blood vessels in the same way "Drano" cleans out your bathroom pipes!

This in turn treats the "hardening of the arteries" that lead to macular degeneration by not only dissolving calcified plaques but also making the blood vessels more elastic. Chelation does not adversely affect the calcium in your bones--- rather, studies show it may actually make your bones stronger by increasing levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which increases osteoblastic ("bone-building) activity!

Micro-current Therapy: As its premier research project, the newly announced Macular Degeneration Foundation plans to conduct a nationwide controlled clinical trial to define the vision-enhancing value of administering what it terms Micro-current Stimulation (MCS).

MCS is a novel, non-invasive and inexpensive treatment adapted from a FDA approved therapy used to treat other disorders. In preliminary studies by the foundation this treatment has improved both visual acuity and color perception. Foundation researchers plan to use state of the art electrophysiology tests to measure the impact of MCS on macular cells. Individuals reporting a significant improvement in visual acuity after this therapy include legendary golfing great Sam Snead.

The Foundation's two-year preliminary MCS trial involving 120 patients resulted in an average of: 68 percent improvement over pre-treatment vision for patients with dry macular degeneration and a 58 percent improvement over pre-treatment for those with the wet form of macular degeneration.

Treatment of patients with macular degeneration entails periodic administration of pulses of small amount of square-wave direct current at low voltages, delivered through electrodes in contact with the skin overlying key nerves around the eye.