Treatments of Dry Macular Degeneration
AREDS Eye Vitamins
There is no definite treatments of dry macular degeneration other than cessation of smoking and a healthy diet of green leafy vegetables and fruits supplemented by zinc and anti-oxidant vitamins.
However, this does not mean you will lose all of your vision. The progression of Dry Macular Degeneration is slowly, and most people with this condition can able to live relatively normal especially if only one eye is affected.
The National Eye Institute's age-related Eye Disease Study which is called AREDS found that taking a high-dose formulation of antioxidants, zinc and other nutritional supplements can significantly reduces the risk of advanced dry and wet AMD by slowing the progression of AMD from the intermediate stage to the severe advanced stage .
The specific daily doses of antioxidants and zinc used in this AREDS eye vitamins formula are:
1- 500 milligrams of vitamin C.
2- 400 International Units (IU) of vitamin E.
3- 15 milligrams of beta-carotene (often labeled as equivalent to 25,000 International Units of vitamin A). This component shouldn't be taken by smokers because it can increase the risk for lung carcinoma on people who smoke.
4- 80 milligrams of zinc as zinc oxide.
5- Two milligrams of copper as cupric oxide Copper was added to the AREDS formulation which containing zinc to prevent copper deficiency anemia which is caused by high levels of zinc intake.
These antioxidants vitamins and minerals will help to maintain healthy cells and tissues so it will prevent damage in the macular cells. However, you should know that it is not a definite dry macular degeneration treatment and it will not restore vision already lost from the disease.
There is no evidence that the AREDS formula will provide any benefit to people with early stage of AMD. People who are at high risk for developing advanced macular degeneration should consider taking this formulation.
People are at high risk for developing advanced AMD if they have either:
1. Intermediate AMD in one or both eyes.
or
2. Advanced AMD (dry or wet) in one eye but not the other eye.
Before taking any supplements, Always consult your physician. The AREDS formula may be contraindicated due to other medical conditions or other medications that you are on.
AREDS 2
In late 2006, the National Eye Institute, announced a new study for patients who have advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Read More about AREDS 2.
Laser Treatment for Dry Macular Degeneration
There were studies for using other modalities in dry macular degeneration treatment such as laser treatments, which can be used for drusens and also using prophylactic laser for the fellow eye in patients with neovascular AMD in one eye. These studies showed that these lasers were not beneficial for those patients.
New medication can help to prevent the progression of Dry Age Related Macular Degeneration
Fenretinide is an oral vitamin A binding protein that is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and skin diseases such as psoriasis and acne. This drug is in its phase II trial and it shows promising effects to slow down or prevent the progression of dry macular degeneration to wet macular degeneration. Read more about Read more about Fenretinide.
Tetracyclines can be used to prevent Macular degeneration
Tetracyclines and its derivatives can be very helpful in prevention of age related macular degeneration. Read more about Tetracycline and Age Relaed Macular Degeneration
