Macular Degeneration?

Question

Any current advances beyond the clinical trials for wet macular degeneration? Options for the blind?

Answer 1

So you have looked at the current clinical trials?

That's all that is out there as far as possible new options.

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/search;jsessionid=7F502D04694790042DA9986668E71140?term=macular+degeneration

Answer 2

Damage from free radicals, the unstable oxygen molecules that can harm cells, is probably the leading cause of macular degeneration. A diet high in saturated fats, cigarette smoke, and exposure to sunlight can lead to the formation of free radicals in the retina. High blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes may also be contributing factors because they limit blood flow to your eyes.

Working as antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin E, and different types of carotenoids can neutralize the free radicals linked to macular degeneration. The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin are especially important -- in fact, the macula's yellow color is due to their presence. They protect the macula by filtering out the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. Zinc plays a key role in the functioning of the retina as well. Not only are many older people deficient in this mineral, but some research suggests it can slow the progression of the disorder. You'll also need extra copper because zinc inhibits its absorption.

Stop smoking: It's a major contributor to macular degeneration.
Eat lots of dark green vegetables; they're high in lutein and zeaxanthin.
Having a glass of wine a day may prevent macular degeneration. A recent study of more than 3,000 people ages 45 to 74 found that drinking moderate amounts of wine reduced their risk of the eye condition by 19%. Other alcoholic beverages were not associated with a lower risk.

Eating spinach or collard greens may prevent macular degeneration, because they're very high in lutein and zeaxanthin. In one recent study, individuals who ate about three cups of spinach or collard greens a day were 43% less likely to develop age-related macular degeneration than people eating few of these leafy green vegetables.

Supplement Recommendations -

Vitamin C
Dosage: 1,000 mg twice a day.
Comments: Reduce dosage if diarrhea develops.

Vitamin E
Dosage: 400 IU twice a day.
Comments: Check with your doctor if taking anticoagulant drugs.

Carotenoids
Dosage: 2 pills mixed carotenoids a day with food.
Comments: Each pill should supply 25,000 IU vitamin A activity.

Zinc/Copper
Dosage: 30 mg zinc and 2 mg copper a day.
Comments: Add copper only when using zinc longer than 1 month.

Bilberry
Dosage: 80 mg 3 times a day.
Comments: Standardized to contain 25% anthocyanidins.

Grape Seed Extract
Dosage: 100 mg twice a day.
Comments: Standardized to contain 92%-95% proanthocyanidins.

Ginkgo Biloba
Dosage: 40 mg 3 times a day.
Comments: Standardized to have at least 24% flavone glycosides.

Selenium
Dosage: 400 mcg a day.
Comments: Don't exceed 600 mcg daily; higher doses may be toxic.