Issue 51.12
Two eye conditions for which nutritional supplements have been proven therapeutic are: macular degeneration, and dry eyes. People are often surprised to hear their eye doctor counseling them on nutrition, but I feel it’s important pass along what I know.
With regard to macular degeneration, the National Institute of Health conducted a study called the Age Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), which included 5,000 patients followed for ten years, in the first phase. The second phase data is due to be published in 2013. Both phases of AREDS are excellent scientific studies.
So, what do we know about food, vitamins and macular degeneration? Macular degeneration is a combination of genetics, inflammation and metabolism. Turns out that taking the right vitamins and omega-3 can reduce the risk of losing your useful central vision, even if you inherited the gene, or already have macular degeneration. Vitamins are like other drugs, you need enough, but too much is poisonous, especially if you have kidney problems or take Coumadin or Warfarin.
So how do you know which vitamin is a good vitamin, for the eyes or in general? Asking your doctor is a good idea. There are two very good multivitamins that meet the AREDS guidelines, and are safe for patients on Coumadin, Warfarin or dialysis. These products are Oculair and I-Caps-MV.
Oculair, by Biosyntrx, is my favorite because it has the best quality ingredients and recipe. Biosyntrx was organized by an ophthalmologist and a pharmacist, to meet patient’s needs. Biosyntrx updates their recipe when new studies come out, unlike most grocery store brand. I Caps MV is my second favorite. You don’t need an additional multivitamin with either one, so they’re less expensive than taking a multivitamin and a separate eye vitamin and it’s money well spent.
Omega-3 supplements help macular degeneration and dry eyes (and heart, brain, skin, hair & nails). Coromega Squeeze 3 and Thera-Tears Nutrition are two omega-3 supplements I like. Ideally, you want at least 300 mg EPA and 300 mg DHA per day.
Both vitamins and omega-3 supplements should be taken as part of a meal in order to be absorbed into the blood. Remember, they’re supposed to be “supplements” to a healthy diet rich in fresh fruits & vegetables.
People ask me if taking these will help their general health. I think so, so I take them. (I take Oculair & Coromega). They are available in our office. Call (435) 652-4040 for more information, or stop by Richens Eye Center at 161 West 200 North, between the Brigham Young home and the Catholic Church.