Top 7 Eye Vitamins and Minerals for Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration is an eye disease that affects vision and if not treated properly can lead to vision loss also. It affects the macula which provides sharpness and detailing to the central vision. This disease is common in people over 60 years of age; it can occur at any age.

There are two types of macular degeneration

1. Dry macular degeneration – This condition happens because of the build-up of drusen under the retina, drusen is a cellular waste material. The build-up of drusen results in the breaking down of the macula which creates a blurry or blind spot in the vision.

2. Wet macular degeneration - This happens because new blood vessels develop under the macula. These new blood vessels are not developed properly and are thin and fragile. The blood from these vessels leaked onto the retina and macula which results in swelling of the macula that can affect vision and even blindness if not diagnosed or treated properly.

Some really good Vitamins and Minerals are good for eye health and minimize the conditions caused by age–related macular degeneration. Many Vitamins, Anti-oxidants, Supplements, and Minerals help minimize eye-related diseases.

Here are Vitamins and Minerals for Macular Degeneration –

1. Vitamin C – Vitamin C is effective in minimizing the conditions related to age–related macular degeneration. It is available in various fruits and vegetables and helps keep blood circulation towards the eyes. It reduces the risk of getting age–related macular degeneration by reducing the free radicals and promoting the formation of collagen which is a protein that gives structure to the eyes. As a strong and effective antioxidant, Vitamin C helps prevent many eye diseases. According to many observational studies, Vitamin C is also helpful in minimizing the risk of cataracts that can affect vision and make the vision cloudy. It is also really helpful for building ocular blood vessels that are healthy for our eyes.

2. Vitamin E – Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant for protecting the cells of our eyes. It also helps in protecting the eyes from free radicals also known as unstable molecules. These free radicals can damage the sensitive tissues of the eyes, which lead to age–related macular degeneration. It is usually found in greens, fortified cereals, and nuts such as peanuts and hazelnuts. A deficiency of Vitamin E can lead to retinal damage, loss of photoreceptors as well as lipofuscin accumulations. Taking high levels of Vitamin E can help increase the concentration in the retina and also fight against the age–related macular degeneration.

3. Zinc – Zinc is usually found in food items such as meat, fish, seafood, milk, spinach, mushrooms, beans, etc. It plays an important role in protecting your eyes from macular degeneration. Zinc is really important in maintaining the retinal vascular system. It helps to produce melanin, a pigment that helps to protect the eyes from sun damage. It also helps to minimize the inflammation that can help protect the eyes from wet age–related macular degeneration. Zinc supplementation can protect the retina, as it is found in the ocular tissue of the retina.  

4. Copper – The deficiency of copper can damage the nervous system, known as peripheral neuropathy, which can cause various vision problems that is the reason why Copper which is found in shellfish, nuts, whole grains, and meat can protect your eyes from many vision problems by enhancing the antioxidant enzymes in the eyes.

5. Zeaxanthin – Zeaxanthin is a nutrient also known as carotenoid which is found in leafy green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, lettuce, peas, etc. It is also found in animal-based foods in very low concentrations. It protects the eyes from oxidants and sunlight damage by working as a light filter. It is also really useful in protecting the eyes from cataracts and macular degeneration.

6. Folate – Folate is also a Vitamin B that helps in minimizing the risk of various eye diseases such as AMD also. Available in food items like oranges, peanuts, grains, cereals, etc, it helps in maintaining cell health that leads to slowing the development of macular degeneration.

7. Omega -3 Fatty Acids – EPA and DHA which are found in omega-3 fatty acids are really important in maintaining eye health. Fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acid is also beneficial for protecting the eyes from dry eye diseases.

Conclusion - Macular degeneration is an eye condition that happens because of damage to the macula. There are vitamins, minerals, and supplements that can help prevent or slow down macular degeneration.

Location: Plainfield, IL, USA

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