Dry Age Related Macular Degeneration
Dry AMD is the most common form of this disease. The cells of the macula decay and disintegrate. At present there is no cure or reliable treatment for this form of the condition.
Studies suggest that people who eat a diet rich in carotenoids (powerful antioxidants) have a lower risk of developing AMD. Vegetables that include these important antioxidants are raw carrot, kale, brussels sprouts, raw spinach, corn, broccoli, green peas, green beans, tomatoes and lettuce.
Vitamins
A study carried out by the National Eye Institute (NEI) in the USA showed that patients who had moderate AMD and took high dose vitamins reduced the risk of their macular degeneration getting worse by up to 25%. These vitamins include beta-carotene which must not be taken if you smoke as it may increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers.
For non-smokers or smokers who have completely stopped smoking for over 6 months the following commercial vitamin preparations contain the same vitamin mixture that was found to be effective in the NEI study.
- www.viteyes.co.uk or pharmacies or alternatively
- PreserVision Soft Gel Capsules available at pharmacies
In some cases in Hampshire patients can obtain these vitamins on prescription if this is recommended by a consultant ophthalmologist.
Smoking is a major risk factor for both wet and dry macular degeneration. If at all possible patients should stop or reduce smoking.