90 Capsules
List Price: $16.95
Part ID: 0102-09
Product Details
Our Healthy Eyes Vitamins formulation was developed around studies that have discovered using a specific combination of Vitamins and Minerals daily can be beneficial in slowing or halting the progression of Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
Healthy Eyes Vitamins, $16.95
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What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is a condition of the eye that is often related to aging. It is commonly referred to as age-related macular degeneration, and is often abbreviated as AMD or ARMD.
While its cause is unknown, the risk of developing macular degeneration increases dramatically with age. In fact, people between the ages of 64 and 74 have a one-in-four chance of developing the disease. Over the age of 75, the chances increase to one-in-three. The late stage, associated with vision loss, is the most common cause of legal blindness in people over the age of 50 in the western world. Many seniors already have Macular Degeneration and dont even know it.
To understand AMD its important to learn about the part of the eye affected which is known as the macula. The macula is located at the center of the retina, a light-sensitive tissue which lines the back of the eye. The macula provides us with central vision and allows us to see fine detail, such as recognizing a face, reading, or watching television. The rest of the retina is responsible for peripheral, or side vision. When the macula is damaged the result is extreme loss of central vision. Since the peripheral retina is not involved, Macular Degeneration does not lead to complete blindness. Since Macular Degeneration is painless and can cause very subtle changes in vision, getting regular exams from an eye care professional is the only way it can be detected and diagnosed.
Two forms of AMD exist
The two forms of the late stages of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are known as dry AMD and wet AMD. The dry form, also referred to as nonexudative form, usually progresses slowly causing central vision loss in 90% of patients with AMD. The wet or exudative form is more severe and progresses rapidly, but affects only 10% of patients diagnosed with AMD. Wet Macular Degeneration needs to be treated as soon as it is discover. Since wet AMD requires immediate attention by an eye care professional the rest of the information included here will be directed towards dry AMD.
Dry Macular Degeneration
In the earliest stages of this disease, yellow deposits called drusen form beneath the retina. Drusen are considered to be the dry form of Macular Degeneration and usually do not affect vision. As the disease progresses and the drusen expand in size and number, they can distort vision. When present for a long time, drusen may cause the macula to thin and stop functioning. This is known as Atrophic Dry Macular Degeneration.
Signs and Symtoms
Macular degeneration varies widely in severity. In the worst cases, it causes a complete loss of central vision, making reading or driving impossible. For others, it may only cause slight distortion. Fortunately, macular degeneration does not cause total blindness since it does not affect the peripheral vision.
Below is a brief list of things to look for:
Loss of central vision. This may be gradual for those with the dry type.
Difficulty reading or performing tasks that require the ability to see detail
One of the earliest changes is distorted vision (Straight lines such as a doorway or the edge of a window may appear wavy or bent.)
Detection and Diagnosis
Eye physicians usually diagnose AMD. Vision testing, Amsler grid test, ophthalmoscopy, fundus photography and fluorescein angiography are some common tests performed during a retinal exam.
Nutrition and Macular Degeneration
Antioxidants and AMD
There are currently no treatments for Dry Macular Degeneration. However, a ten-year National Eye Institute sponsored study, AREDS (Age Related Eye Disease Study), has shown that antioxidant vitamins and trace minerals with antioxidant properties can be of benefit in preventing the onset or progression of this disabling eye disease. This study resulted in such conclusive evidence that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) now recommends these dietary supplements as a treatment for macular degeneration.
Vitamin C and Cataracts
Recent studies also support the value of vitamin C as a means to prevent or slow the development of cataracts. One study examined long-term vitamin use among women aged 53 to 73 and found that taking vitamin C supplements for at least 10 years correlated with a 60% reduction in cataract risk.
Healthy Eyes Formula
Age-related Macular Degeneration represents a major health problem. As the population ages, the incidence of AMD will increase dramatically. However, these new studies do provide some hope for those who have or are at risk of developing AMD.
Remember that these vitamins are not a cure. They will not restore vision and may even be harmful. Some of the suggested doses exceed those recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, so discussing these supplements with your primary physician is recommended before use. Listed below is the current recommended dietary supplements for AMD based on the recent research.
Vitamin C
500 mg Daily
Vitamin E
400 IU Daily
Beta Carotene
. 15 mg Daily
Zinc Oxide
.. 80 mg Daily
Copper
. 2 mg Daily
Lutein/Zeaxanthin
20 mg Daily
This exact combination of vitamins and minerals called
Healthy Eyes Formula Vitamins can be found exclusively at Cox Pharmacy.
