Issue 48.16
Age Related Macular Degeneration or AMD is a very frustrating and depressing disease for many who suffer from it. The disease unfortunately leaves most feeling helpless because there aren’t many options for treatment and or prevention. So what can be done on the patient’s part to slow the progression of the disease?
There are two forms of the disease, dry and wet. Nutritional therapy is the only treatment that has been shown to be effective in the “Dry” form of AMD. There is new evidence to suggest that patients at risk of developing AMD may actually be able to prevent the disease with nutritional supplementation.
A few examples such as Vitamin D has been shown to reduce the incidence of AMD in women and Omega-3 fatty acids have been effective in reducing the conversion from dry to wet AMD. Other important nutrients are Lutein and Zeaxanthin. These are Carotenoids that filter harmful high energy blue wavelengths of light and act as antioxidants in the eye, helping protect and maintain healthy cells.
In my practice I recommend a supplement that contains the original AREDS formulation in combination with 10 mg of Lutein, 2 mg of Zeaxanthin, and at least 500 mg of EPA/DHA Omega-3 fatty acids. The AREDS study didn’t find Omega-3’s to be beneficial by themselves however over a hundred other studies have positively confirmed that they work in combination with other nutrients; possibly by acting as a carrier to cross the cell wall. The prescription eye vitamin – Tozal is an RX medical supplement that has been shown to improve vision in 56% of patients within 6 months. It has also been photo-documented a decrease in the number of drusen and an improvement in the overall appearance in the OCT (retinal scan).
For More information please call Dr. Larsen for a free phone consultation.
1-800-509-4491 or visit us at: Larsenlowvision.com