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| Macular Degeneration |
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Macular degeneration occurs when the macula or central portion of the retina (the inside layer of the back of the eye), begins to deteriorate. Because the macula is responsible for focusing vision so that we can read or see fine detail, its deterioration results in increasing loss of vision. Deterioration can be caused in many ways, because the eyes are protected and nourished by a number of specialized structures and membranes. —Dark melanin pigment helps block harmful sun rays, but this pigment begins to dissipate with age. The dark phytochemical pigments in blueberries, for example, can helprejuvenate lost melanin. —A special membrane called the Bruch’s membrane allows oxygen and nutrients to pass, but can become blocked with calcium as we age. The best way to prevent calcification in any tissue structure is by taking in adequate magnesium and vitamin K. Leafy greens like kale and spinach are good sources. —The macula is nourished by a system of capillaries called the choroid layer. If blood circulation is poor, or the integrity of these delicate blood vessels is compromised, the choroid layer becomes unable to deliver nutrients to the macula, and conditions like sub-retinal swelling or hemorrhage can develop as red blood cells leak into the area behind the retina. Antioxidants like vitamin C, or Pycnogenol® , quercetin— a nutrient found in apples and onions, and vitamins D and K, are known to significantly improve blood vessel integrity. —Then there is a single layer called the RPE, retinal pigment epithelium, which acts as a trash collection system. The RPE requires a super antioxidant called glutathione to do its work. Glutathione is produced by the body, but requires many nutrients including vitamin E, selenium, and alpha lipoic acid for its manufacture. —The light receptor cells, the rods and cones, require the essential omega-3 fatty acid DHA, found in fish, and vitamin B12 to keep the DHA in place. Antioxidants are also vital to protect the DHA. —The nerve layer of the retina transmits vision signals through the optic nerve to the brain. It requires yellow phytochemical pigments lutein and zeaxanthin for protection from solar radiation. The lighter your eye color, the less you have of these two vital pigments. Egg yolks are the best sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, followed by leafy greens like kale, Swiss Chard, and romaine lettuce. FYI Numerous studies have found that: •Consumption of one egg per day can drastically reduce the risk of AMD, and does not cause any type of cardiovascular disease. (see website Newspaper and Newsletter links for articles on eggs, and heart nutrition) •Daily aspirin is a recognized factor in the development of AMD and cataracts, as it can cause retinal “micro bleeds” that are devastating to eye capillaries. (Prestigious journals like JAMA and Lancet have reported that aspirin may actually increase the risks of heart attack and stroke in many people.)What You Can Do •Consume a healthy diet high in antioxidants, nuts, fruits and vegetables. •Protect your eyes by always using quality sunglasses (UVA and UVB protective) when outside. •Don’t smoke. Smoking raises the risk of AMD 7 fold, by robbing every cell of nutrients (including oxygen), and increasing toxin exposure internally and externally (smoke in the eyes is truly damaging). •Avoid hydrogenated fats like margarine which interfere with the synthesis of essential omega-3 fats. This not only increases the risk of AMD, it also increases the risk of skin, lung and other cancers dramatically. •If you are over the age of 50, or have already been diagnosed with AMD, monitor your vision regularly at home by using an Amsler Grid available at http://www.i-care.net/Amsler.html. And, be sure to see an eye care professional regularly to ensure early detection and periodic monitoring. •Consider the informed use of quality supplements to provide vital nutrients that could help prevent you from ever having to lose your sight and independence because of macular degeneration. |
