Macular degeneration comes in two varieties. “Wet” MD is so-called because it involves leakage of fluid into your macula causing damage to the delicate cells, leading to poor vision. “Dry” MD is the more common type, and is a direct degeneration of the cells.

While wet MD can be treated these days with in-eye injections to prevent growth of damaging new blood vessels in the eye, there is no such treatment for the dry type of MD. However, there has been some talk over recent years about taking antioxidant supplements to reduce progression of the disease.

A recent review study has examined the benefits of antioxidant supplements to reduce the progression of macular degeneration, and came up with some interesting findings.

• Do not smoke. Smoking is the biggest known cause of progression.
• Colourful vegetables are important. Our bodies are designed to extract maximum benefit from nutrients in our diet.
• There is no consistent evidence that taking supplements will prevent macular degeneration, although one major study did show that taking vitamins A, C and E, beta-carotene and zinc can delay progression of the disease a little once it is present.
• Supplements may be harmful. Beta-carotene is potentially risky for smokers.

Overall, the two points to take home from this study are:

1. Don’t smoke
2. Eat well

Tags: Macula, Eye Disease, Eye Health, Antioxidants