It is the degeneration and breakdown of the macula. Macula is a part of the retina that
has an oval shape and is located at the back of the eye. It has a key role in central vision and seeing fine details.
Macular degeneration is usually painless and characterized by progressive visual loss, blurry or darks spots or shadows at the center of the visual field, decreased visual acuity, and distorted vision (seeing distorted and wavy straight lines). Macular degeneration is the main cause of blindness in elderly people.
Potential risk factors:
- Aging: age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
- Smoking.
- High blood pressure.
- Hereditary.
- Diabetes.
- Nutritional deficiencies, especially antioxidants.
- Obesity.
- High level of bad cholesterol (LDL).
- Excessive exposure to sunlight.
Nutritional Support:
Restricted Foods:
- Foods high in saturated fats, Trans-fat, and hydrogenated fat.
- Fried foods.
- Processed foods with longer shelf life.
- Alcohol.
Recommended Foods:
- Whole grains.
- Legumes.
- Foods high in Lutein: carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and mango.
- Foods high in Lycopene: gac, watermelon, and tomatoes.
- Foods high Zeaxanthin: kale, spinach, collard green, kiwi and grapes.
- Foods high in Astaxanthin: salmon.
- Foods high in Bioflavonoids: berries.
- Foods high in Zinc: lentils, beans, and sunflower seeds.
- Parsley, coriander, and seaweeds.
Recommended Supplements:
- Lutein: 10 -20 mg a day.
- Zeaxanthin: 2 – 3 mg a day.
- Astaxanthin: 3 – 6 mg a day.
- Zinc: 25 – 50 mg a day.
- French Maritime Pine Bark Extract: 50 – 100 mg a day.
- Grape Seed Extract: 50 – 100 mg a day.
- Ginkgo Biloba: 240 mg a day.
- Selenium: 100 – 200 mcg a day.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 1- 3 grams a day.
- Taurine: 1000 mg a day.
- Digestive Enzymes: three times a day with meals.
Miscellaneous Suggestions:
- Cessation of smoking.
- Detoxification and cleansing of the liver and colon together.
