We have many organs in our bodies, but our eyes are what people value most. This is a reason why we are worried when an eye or vision-related problem happens. In most cases, vision-related problems are short-term and can be easily cured. Macular degeneration is an age-related eye disorder which is leading to distorted and blurred vision. It can be extremely problematic when it comes to regular activities like driving or reading [1]. In most cases, people are affected by macular degeneration after their 50s, but there are some cases when it happens earlier. In the elderly population, this disorder is the main cause of irreversible blindness [2]. In macular degeneration, cells in the macular region deteriorate slowly, which affects central vision.
The progression of age-related macular degeneration varies from one individual to other. The yellowish small area near the retina which helps people to distinguish between fine details is the macula. This is a light-sensitive tissue. This condition is not causing any pain. There are two types of macular degeneration – wet and dry. The most common symptoms of macular degeneration are objects changing size/color when viewed with one eye, blurry spots affecting the center of vision, and straight objects appearing bent or wavy. The exact cause of macular degeneration is not known, but the risk factors for it are age, heredity, gender (woman), and race (Chinese and White people) [3]. You need to talk with your doctor if you suffer from macular degeneration before you start using some of the below-mentioned home remedies for this disease.
19 Macular degeneration treatment
Contents
- 1 19 Macular degeneration treatment
- 1.1 Avoid smoking
- 1.2 Taurine
- 1.3 Grape seed extract
- 1.4 Green tea
- 1.5 Lutein and zeaxanthin
- 1.6 Astaxanthin
- 1.7 Vitamin E, Gamma Tocopherol
- 1.8 Gingko biloba extract
- 1.9 Refrain from activities that strain the eyes
- 1.10 Do eye exercises
- 1.11 Maintain proper eye hygiene
- 1.12 Evade sources of blue light
- 1.13 Avoid low-quality carbs
- 1.14 Folate
- 1.15 Lycopene
- 1.16 Reduce liquor intake
- 1.17 Do eye checkups regularly
- 1.18 Vitamin A and beta–carotene
- 1.19 Eat moringa leaf
Avoid smoking
It is believed that people who smoke tobacco can enhance the risk of macular degeneration and also worsen it. If you are not a smoker, then you should keep away from passive smoking as far as possible. [2]
Taurine
This is an amino acid and a vital antioxidant that can help in the regeneration of worn-out eye tissues. This natural cure can help to eye evade UV damage and retain central vision in old age. When someone has a deficit in the taurine, then it can lead to degeneration of vision. [4]
Grape seed extract
The grape seed extract has powerful antioxidants which can protect the eye and body organs from free radicals. There are some studies which are shown that antioxidants are useful in preventing cataracts [5].
Green tea
It is said that green tea is very beneficial for fighting many different health conditions. This home remedy can help to protect the body parts from free radical damage. Also, the consumption of green tea can be helpful for people with degenerative visual disorders. [6]
Lutein and zeaxanthin
People who suffer from macular degeneration should add some antioxidants to their diets because they can help to fight against macular degeneration. These antioxidants can be found in plants with bright-hued fruits. You should include vegetables like spinach, kale, carrots, tomatoes, and romaine lettuce in your diet. The lutein can help to delay the onset of dry macular degeneration by preventing sun damage.
Astaxanthin
This is a carotenoid that is found mostly in algae. This carotenoid accumulates in the tissues of fish species like shrimp, salmon, and trout. This is a very effective home remedy to bolster eye health. You should include sea foods in your diet because they will fight against macular degeneration. [7]
Vitamin E, Gamma Tocopherol
It is known that Vitamin E and Gamma Tocopherol can aid in reducing retinal damage to a large extent. You can find these nutrients in many supplements. You can take the Vitamin E in capsule or supplement form but talk with your doctor before you start taking it.
Gingko biloba extract
This natural cure is rich in antioxidants, and it aids in cellular metabolism. Also, it can prevent degenerative damage to the eyes. There are some studies which are said that this natural cure can be a useful tool to fight against retinal damage [8].
Refrain from activities that strain the eyes
When someone suffers from macular degeneration, then it makes sense to refrain from activities that can strain the eye, especially the retina and macula. You should avoid watching TV for long hours. Also, when you work in front of computer screens, you need to take a break. If you go out in the sun, then you should wear sunglasses with UV protection. If you have a habit of reading books at night, then you should use proper lamps which offer the required illumination.
Do eye exercises
We know that we cannot prevent macular degeneration from affecting the central vision in the long run, but we can delay its onset by resorting to specific eye exercises. There are some specific eye exercises that can help you to strengthen the eye tissues and muscles. Talk with your eye specialist about what kinds of exercises for macular degeneration you should make.
Maintain proper eye hygiene
It is very important to maintain proper eye hygiene because it can stop the worsening of macular degeneration. Also, you should stop and avoid activities that can be stressful for the macula and eye. Also, people who are wearing contact lenses should be very careful. These people need to keep the lens clean from dust, grime, and articles. You should wash your lens with suitable liquid from time to time. You should never go to bed without taking them off.
Evade sources of blue light
You can evade sources of blue light and ultraviolet rays because this can help you to avoid worsening macular degeneration. [2]
Avoid low-quality carbs
It is a known fact that eating foods that are made of refined starches and excess sugar is bad for our heart health and waistline, but it is also detrimental to eye health. When you eat foods made with low–quality carbohydrates, then they can double the risks of eyesight loss. There was one study in which was said that those people who eat foods that are with a high glycemic index can be affected by macular degeneration more than others. When people are consuming high–glycemic foods in the long term, then it can increase their blood sugar levels, which can affect the retina adversely. [2]
Folate
It is a known fact that the consumption of folate can be good for eye health, and it is necessary to keep eye diseases at bay [9]. You can find folate in many vegetables and foods, such as green peas, corn, seaweed, sunflower seeds, lentils, and soybeans.
Lycopene
This type of carotenoid and other similar carotenoids, which are found in the vegetables like tomatoes, is very important to fight the onset of macular degeneration. There are some studies which are shown that the regular intake of lycopene can reduce the risk of macular degeneration. Lycopene can be useful in fighting against other types of visual disorders. If you consume a tomato on a daily basis, then it can help to keep your eyes healthy and fine. [10]
Reduce liquor intake
There are some studies in which are believed that excess alcohol intake is detrimental for people who suffer from macular degeneration. When someone is diagnosed with macular degeneration, then he or she should reduce or stop alcohol consumption.
Do eye checkups regularly
It is very important to have prevention and early detection because this is the best option for all people. When someone steps into their 40s, then it is recommended to go to regular eye checkups every six months or so. This can help to identify macular degeneration at an early stage, and it can help you cope better. Dry macular degeneration can lead to wet macular degeneration, and this is a reason why people with the former condition opt for periodical checkups.
Vitamin A and beta–carotene
One of the most important vitamins and minerals for maintaining eye health in people are Vitamin A and beta–carotene. The beta–carotene offers nourishment to the eye’s photoreceptors, and also it aids in macular functioning. Also, it can help to prevent photo-oxidation of the lens. You should eat a diet that is rich in these nutrients because they will keep the health of your eyes.
Eat moringa leaf
Moringa leaf has more or equal amounts of nutrients and antioxidants. It is rich in zinc, beta–carotene, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. The mentioned nutrients can help people who suffer from macular degeneration to cope with the disease better. The antioxidants present in moringa leaf can help to prevent retina damage to an extent. Also, the zinc which is present in the moringa leaf can slow down the growth of macular degeneration. Nowadays, you can find the moringa leaf in capsule form in markets. [11]
References:
[1] Chakravarthy U, Evans J, Rosenfeld PJ. Age related macular degeneration. BMJ. 2010;340:c981.
[2] Downie LE, Keller PR. Nutrition and age-related macular degeneration: Research evidence in practice. Journal of the American Academy of Optometry. 2014;91(8):821-831.
[3] Seddon JM, Cote J, Page WF. The US twin study of age-related macular degeneration:
Relative roles of genetic and environmental influences. JAMA Ophthalmology. 2005;123(3):321-327.
[4] Militante JD, Lombardini JB. Taurine: Evidence of physiological function in the retina. Nutritional Neuroscience: An International Journal on Nutrition, Diet, and Nervous System. 2002;12:75-90.
[5] Gritz DC, Srinivasan M, Smith SD, et al. The antioxidants in prevention of cataracts study: Effects of antioxidant supplements on cataract progression in South India. British Journal of Ophthalmology. 2006;90(7):847-851.
[6] Chu KO, Chan KP, Wang CC, et al. Green tea catechins and their oxidative protection in the rat eye. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2010;58(3):1523-34.
[7] Banerjee M. Algal astaxanthin – A potent molecule for good health. Journal of Algal Biomass Utilization. 2014;5(4):21-28.
[8] Shim SH, Kim JM, Choi CY, et al. Ginkgo biloba extract and bilberry anthocyanins improve visual function in patients with normal tension glaucoma. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2012;15(9):818-823.
[9] Kang JH, Loomis SJ, Wiggs JL. A prospective study of folate, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 intake in relation to exfoliation glaucoma or suspected exfoliation glaucoma. JAMA Ophthalmology. 2014;132(5):549-559.
[10] Stahl W, Heinrich U, Wiseman S, et al. Dietary tomato paste protects against ultraviolet light–induced erythema in humans. The Journal of Nutrition. 2001;131(5):1449-1451.
[11] Luqman S, Srivastava S, Kumar R, et al. Experimental assessment of Moringa oleifera leaf and fruit for its antistress, antioxidant, and scavenging potential using in vitro and in vivo assays. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2012;2012:519084.