Other names for Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Dry AMD
Wet AMD
Macular deterioration

Synopsis of Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a progressive eye disease that damages the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision. It is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults, particularly those over 60. The condition does not cause complete blindness but can severely impair central vision, affecting reading, driving, and facial recognition.

There are two main forms:

1. Dry macular degeneration (atrophic):

   • More common (90% of cases)

   • Gradual thinning of the macula

   • Develops slowly over time

2. Wet macular degeneration (neovascular):

   • Less common but more severe

   • Caused by abnormal blood vessel growth under the retina

   • Leads to rapid vision loss and scarring

Early symptoms may include:

• Blurred or fuzzy central vision

• Difficulty recognizing faces

• Straight lines appearing wavy (especially in wet AMD)

• Dark or empty areas in central vision

• Need for brighter light when reading

Risk factors include:

• Aging

• Smoking

• High blood pressure

• Obesity

• Family history

• Poor diet low in antioxidants or omega-3s

When to see a doctor:
If you experience distorted vision, sudden changes in sight, or difficulty seeing centrally, see an eye care professional. Diagnosis is made through dilated eye exam, optical coherence tomography (OCT), or fluorescein angiography. Early detection is key to slowing progression.

Natural remedies for Macular Degeneration

Eat a Diet Rich in Carotenoids: Emphasize leafy greens and orange/yellow vegetables.

Quit Smoking and Control Blood Pressure: Both are major risk factors.

Use Amsler Grid Daily: To monitor central vision changes.

Wear Sunglasses with UV Protection: Reduces retinal damage from light exposure.

Maintain a Healthy Weight and Exercise Regularly: Supports overall circulation and eye health.

Ingredients

These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Macular Degeneration

algal oil
alpha-carotene
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
anchovies
anthocyanins
astaxanthin
beta and delta tocopherols
beta-carotene
beta-tocopherol
blueberry
cryptoxanthin
turmeric
d-alpha tocopherol
delta-tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
fish oil
grape
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
lutein
lycopene
marine lipid
mixed carotenoids
omega-3 fatty acids
selenium
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
spirulina
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
zeaxanthin
zinc
algae
3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dione
algal oil
Anthocyanidins (unspecified)
Alpha-carotene
Alpha-Glycosyl Isoquercetin
Algal Oil
Avocado
Alaska Blueberry
Anthocyanin
alpha-carotene
anthocyanin
anthocyanidins
Anthocyanins
anthocyanosides
Antioxidant (unspecified)
Apocarotenal
beta-carotene
beta-zeacarotene
Bog Bilberry
Blueberry (unspecified)
Blueberry
Bioflavonoids
Cryptoxanthin
Cyanidin
Cod Liver Oil
Cryptoxanthin
carotenoids
Carotenoids
Coenzyme Q10
Cyanidin-3-glucoside
Cytokines
Canthaxanthin
Docosahexaenoic Acid
DHA
Delphinidin
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
Folic Acid
Ferulic Acid
Flavanol (mixture)
Flavin mononucleotide
Ferulic acid derivative
Fish Oil
Flavanols
Folate
Ginkgo Flavonglycosides
Glutathione peroxidase
Gamma-carotene
Hydroxyphenylethanols
Idebenone
Idebenone
Lycopene
Lutein
Lutein
Lycopene
Mixed Carotenoids
Marine lipid (unspecified)
N-Acetyl Carnosine
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3
Omega-3
Phytofluene
Procyanidin (unspecified)
Proanthocyanidins
Phytoene
Rutin
Rutin
Resveratrol conjugates (mixed)
SOD (Superoxide Dismutase, antioxidant activity)
Superoxide Dismutase
Tomatoe
Vitamin E (mixed tocotrienols)
Vitamin E (unspecified)
Vitamin A (retinol acetate)
Vitamin A (vitamin A cetate)
Vitamin B2
Vitamin E (Alpha-Tocomonoenol)
Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols)
Vitamin E (Gamma Tocotrienol)
Vitamin E (beta tocotrienol)
Vitamin E
Vitamin E (beta-tocotrienol)
Vitamin E (tocopheryl succinate)
Vitamin E (tocotrienol unspecified)
Vitamin E (delta tocopherol)
Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol)
Vitamin E (beta tocopherol)
Vitamin E (mixed)
Vitamin E (beta and delta tocopherols)
Vitamin E (beta-tocopherol)
Vitamin E (mixied tocopherols and tocotrienols)
Vitamin E (tocotrienols)
Vitamin E (gamma tocopherol)
Vitamin A (not specified)
Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate)
Vitamin E (alpha tocotrienol)
Vitamin A (retinyl acetate)
Vitamin E (Mixed Tocopherols and Tocotrienols)
Viramin E (mixed tocopherols)
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopheryl hydrochloride)
Vitamin E (delta-tocotrienol)
Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols/tocotrienols)
Vitamin E (mixed tocotrienols/tocopherols)
Vitamin D3
Vitamin A (unspecified)
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)
Vitamin E (gamma unspecified)
Vitamin E (alpha tocopheryl succinate)
Vitamin E (delta-tocopherol)
Vitamin E (tocofersolan)
Xanthophyls
Zeaxanthin