The macula is the central and most vital area of the retina. It records images and sends them via the optic nerve from the eye to the brain. The macula is responsible for focusing central vision that is needed for seeing fine detail, reading, driving, and recognizing facial features.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 55, affecting more than 10 million Americans. It is a condition in which the central portion of the retina (the macula) deteriorates. It is equally common in men and women and more common in whites than blacks. The cause is unknown, but the condition tends to run in some families. Macular degeneration affects more Americans than cataracts and glaucoma combined.

There are two forms of macular degeneration: atrophic (dry) and exudative (wet). Approximately 85 to 90% of the cases are the dry type. Both forms of the disease may affect both eyes simultaneously. Vision can become severely impaired, with central vision rather than peripheral vision affected. The ability to see color is generally not affected, and total blindness from the condition is rare.

There is little that can be done within conventional medical treatment protocols to restore lost eyesight with either form of the disease. Leading researchers, however, are documenting the benefits of a more holistic approach in the treatment of AMD. Patients are being encouraged to increase physical fitness, improve nutrition (including a reduction in saturated fats), abstain from smoking, and protect their eyes from excessive light. Dietary supplementation of trace elements, antioxidants, and vitamins is recommended for improving overall metabolic and vascular functioning. Early screening and patient education offer the most hope for reducing the debilitating effects of the disease.

Dry Macular Degeneration
In the dry type of macular degeneration, the retina deteriorates in association with the formation of small yellow pigment-like deposits, called drusen, that form under the macula. The formation of these deposits leads to a thinning and drying out of the macula. Vision loss is related to the location and amount of retinal thinning caused by the drusen.

The dry type of macular degeneration tends to progress more slowly than the wet type, with vision being lost painlessly. The first symptom is usually a distortion in one eye, causing straight lines to look wavy. Blank spots will occur as the macula continues to degenerate. A vision test will sometimes reveal physical deterioration before symptoms occur.

The Benefits of Nutritional Supplementation
Nutrients that may improve micro capillary circulation in the eye and thus slow down deterioration of the macula include ginkgo biloba at 120 mg a day, grape seed-skin extract at 200-300 mg a day, and bilberry extract at 150 mg a day.

A double-blind case-controlled study showed that those with macular degeneration had decreased intake of vitamin E, magnesium, zinc, vitamin B₆, and folic acid. This study identified 14 specific antioxidant components that could stabilize, but not improve, dry macular degeneration when consumed for a period of 1.5 years. Supplementation with the Life Extension Mix and Life Extension Booster formulas provides these specific antioxidant components. Also, Life Extension Mix and Booster contain other nutrients, such as lutein, which have been shown to prevent wet macular degeneration.

Hydergine in doses of 4 to 5 mg a day and higher has shown benefit in treating dry macular degeneration. The following antioxidant nutrients should also be considered: alpha-lipoic acid, 500 mg a day, and glutathione, 500 mg a day.

The standard daily dose of Life Extension Mix--3 tablets, 3 times a day--provides adequate levels of vitamin B-complex, zinc, and other nutrients that are crucial for ocular function.

Anyone with dry macular degeneration also should refer to the Wet Macular Degeneration section, since those with dry macular degeneration are at a high risk of developing the more debilitating wet macular degeneration.

The Effects of UV Sunlight and Smoking
The daily application of the vitamin A-based Viva Drops can provide antioxidant protection to the lens of the eye. Also, wrap-around UV-blocking sunglasses provide significant protection against UV sun rays. Exposure to sunlight without wearing UV blocking sunglasses is a risk factor in developing macular degeneration.

Cigarette smoking among women has been shown to increase the risk of macular degeneration by 2.4-fold, compared with women who never smoked. Those who quit smoking still had a twofold increased risk relative to those who had never smoked. Even among those who had quit smoking for 15 or more years, little reduction in risk was shown, compared with current smokers. Cigarette smoking has been determined to be an independent and avoidable risk factor for age-related macular degeneration among women.

Summary
Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the United States, occurring as a result of deterioration of the central portion of the retina known as the macula. Approximately 85 to 90% of the cases are of the dry type. Although the cause of AMD remains unknown, researchers continue to find a positive correlation between the onset of the disease with genetic susceptibility, the effect of normal aging, and low levels of serum and dietary antioxidants.

1. Ginkgo biloba, 120 mg a day (dry type).
2. Grape seed-skin extract, 200-300 mg a day (dry type).
3. Bilberry extract, 150 mg a day (dry type).
4. Hydergine, 4 to 5 mg a day (dry type).
5. Life Extension Mix and Life Extension Booster for antioxidant properties and lutein (wet and dry type).
6. Lutein Plus, 1 tbsp., for lutein and zeaxanthin (wet and dry types).
7. Mega Soy Extract for genistein to help inhibit blood-vessel growth in the eye (wet type).
8. Viva Drops for antioxidant protection to the lens of the eye (wet and dry type).
9. Zinc, 30 mg (wet type).

For more information.
Contact the Association for Macular Diseases, (212) 605-3719.

Product availability: Ginkgo biloba extract, proanthocyanidins (grape seed-skin extract), bilberry extract, selenium, alpha-lipoic acid, Glutathione, zinc, Life Extension Mix, Viva Drops and Sun-Shields (wrap-around sunglasses) can be obtained by calling 1-800-544-4440 or order OnLine.