Vitamins and Nutrition
The Age Related Eye Disease Study findings:
www.nei.nih.gov/amd/summary.asp
This study found that 500 milligrams of vitamin C, 400 milligrams of vitamin E and a multi vitamin that includes 15 milligrams of beta-carotene and 80 milligrams of zinc oxide and 2 milligrams of copper was associated with a decreased risk of severe vision loss in patients with moderate macular degeneration.
Other studies have clearly shown that smoking is a very strong risk factor for the development of AMD. Patients are strongly encouraged to stop smoking or not begin smoking in order to reduce the risk of AMD.
Studies also suggest that the following may be beneficial:
- Omega 3 fatty acids consumption (oily fishes such as mackerel, tuna, sardines) etc.
- Maintaining a normal body weight.
- Controlling Blood Pressure, if elevated.
- Controlling elevated bad cholesterol levels, if elevated.
- Protection from intense sunlight.