Macular degeneration is a disease that can become advanced if no precautions are taken. Most people do not realize how bad the disease can be, so it can be beneficial to use eye vitamins that contain specific carotenoids, which include lutein and zeaxanthin. These carotenoids are found in many plants and vegetables and have yellow or red pigments, though high concentrations of lutein can appear orange-red.
Because the eye has high concentrations of zeaxanthin and lutein, it is important to get enough of those carotenoids in your diet. Most people, however, do not eat enough of the vegetables and plants associated with those helpful carotenoids, so eye vitamins are a way to get the necessary amounts to help prevent macular degeneration in Delray Beach.
Retina
The retina of the eye can become damaged with light that is not filtered properly. Lutein and zeaxanthin will help the macula block blue lights from the retina, which can reduce the type of damage that leads to macular degeneration.
Prevention
Eye disease such as macular degeneration was thought to have no preventative measures and very little in the way of treatment. However, studies have been done that show how eye vitamins can help prevent AMD and also slow progression in those with the disease.
However, it is important that the eye vitamins used contain zeaxanthin and lutein, along with other helpful vitamins, including C, E, zinc, fish oil and omit the Vitamin A, otherwise known as beta-carotene.
AREDS 2
Along with many other studies was the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, along with the second study of the same name. The first study included vitamin A, though it was found that those who smoked or had previously smoked may have ill side effects, so the new study offered a new formulation that removed the vitamin A, added omega-3 fatty acids and the lutein and zeaxanthin.
Foods
While most people could suffer macular degeneration in Delray Beach if they do not take the proper eye vitamins, some may find that incorporating foods with lutein and zeaxanthin may be a better option. Foods that include these carotenoids include cooked kale, cooked or raw spinach, cooked collards, cooked turnip greens, canned green peas, canned corn, cooked broccoli, raw romaine lettuce, eggs, fresh cooked green beans and cooked carrots.
Because there is no recommended amount currently, most experts agree that at least six mg of lutein should be used, though it is unclear how much zeaxanthin should be used.
For more information visit Retinal Eye Care Associates.
