Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Dr. James E. Croley III
What is the Macula?
The macula is the part of the retina where you fine clear vision is located. You use this portion of the retina to read, watch TV, or drive a car. It is located in the central part of your retina. All the rest of the retina only provides peripheral vision. You cannot read anything with your side vision.
What is Macular Degeneration?
The cells in the macula can degenerate as you age. There several genetic factors which can make you more susceptible to developing macular degeneration. Also smoking can contribute to the risk of developing macular degeneration. There is some evidence that UV light exposure form the sun may contribute to macular degeneration. There are two types of macular degeneration which are called dry and wet macular degeneration. Eighty five percent of people have dry macular degeneration and ten to fifteen percent of people develop wet macular degeneration. Dry macular degeneration may slowly progress over years of time and wet macular degeneration may cause loss of vision very rapidly.
Does Nutrition make a Difference in the Disease of Macular Degeneration?
Obviously eating a healthy diet is good for your body in a general sense. The Mediterranean diet has been thoroughly studied and makes the most sense as far as a diet is concerned. There is also significant evidence that limiting the amount of animal protein that you eat is beneficial in living longer.
There are two long-term clinical studies conducted in several sites including many universities around the United States over a five year period of time that show the reduction in progression of macular degeneration in people using specific supplements. These studies are known as the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 1 and 2.
AREDS 1 was completed in 2001 and reported the chance of retaining macular health status by 25% and preserving vision by 19%.
AREDS 1 Formula
. 500 mg of vitamin C
. 400 units of vitamin E
. 80 mg zinc oxide
. 15 mg beta-carotene
. 2 mg copper oxide
AREDS 2 was completed in 2013 and reported that the new formula reduced the risk of progression an additional 25% compared to AREDS 1.
AREDS 2 Formula
. 10 mg of lutein
. 2 mg zeaxanthin
. 1000 mg omega-3 fatty acids
. 25 mg zinc
. 500 mg vitamin C
. 400 units of vitamin E
. 2 mg copper oxide
The National Eye Institute now recommends the AREDS 2 formula for people with at least intermediate Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
Dr. Croley has three offices in Lee County, including one at 4061 Bonita Beach Road in Bonita Springs. Call (239) 949-1190. Online at www.floridacataract.com.
