Macular degeneration

novamc1 · ‎07-02-2015

Might be worth starting a new thread of shared info on the subject of age-related macular degeneration. Some mention of it was made on the recent thread about dry eye. It is a separate issue, and it went a little beyond the original dry eye topic by a few of us..

Just a suggestion for anyone interested in this topic...........do an internet search for the National Eye Institute (part of the federal government's National Institutes of Health) and then the topic of macular degeneration.

Some interesting info there and possibly on other related websites, if you have this degenerative eye problem or have a family history of it.

phoenixbrd · ‎03-27-2010

@novamc1 You might want to read this article. My mother went blind with Md....I practice what this article suggests:

MACULAR DEGENERATION: BLIND FROM THE WESTERN DIET BY: JOHN MCDOUGALL M.D.

Like other degenerative diseases – heart disease, stroke, arthritis – age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is due primarily to our diet and secondarily to our lifestyle – therefore easily preventable, and to some extent reversible.......

an article from the Dr. McDougall newsletter.

novamc1 · ‎07-02-2015

Thanks for this reference, but his article is dated 2003 and cites obesity, diet, poor numbers for triglycerides and cholesterol, etc., as factors that contribute to macular degeneration.

My blood tests for the past several years indicate I have a very low level of triglycerides and high levels of "good" cholesterol, and I'm not obese or even overweight according to accepted guidelines, so I'm not sure how his article relates to the overall subject of macular degeneration as approached by my own eye specialists.

The vitamin supplements being recommended by vision experts these days contain a high level of antioxidants, and exposure to harmful sun rays are considered to be major contributors to eye disease.

The McDougall article presents one more opinion to consider against more recent research and opinion by people who specialize in eye health. I'm not sure that particular doctor is an eye specialist, but perhaps I'm wrong.

Hoovermom · ‎03-19-2010

My dad had macular degeneration and there is nothing you can do to reverse. I know I've heard about all the vitamins/supplements, but that is false information. Mom and dad both were advid followers of "natural" medicines and still fell to different types of illnesses.

patbz · ‎03-10-2010

My Dad also went blind from MD and I was (am) worried about the possibility of MD in my extreme old age. I recently had cataract surgery on both eyes and paid about $800 to have a test on both eyes mid surgery to test for MD and several other things. Thankfully, there are no signs of it in either eye.

novamc1 · ‎07-02-2015

@Hoovermom

You'll never convince the two eye specialists I know that the vitamin recommendations are false information.

They don't claim the supplements will reverse AMD. They only say that it will slow down the progression of AMD and help preserve what vision is left to enjoy.

Believe me, I've asked them some pointed questions about taking such high doses of the specific ingredients and about the skepticism I've seen expressed by some other people.

They remain firm in their recommendation to use them.

dragonflyveb · ‎04-05-2014

My eye doctor suggested that I do a genetic test for MD. With Medicare, it only cost me $50. There are 5 levels for MD, with 4&5 being the worst. 1,2, and 3 have associated percentages of risk of developing MD.

He recommended yearly checks, polarized sunglasses at all times, and taking an eye supplement.

dragonfly

Nightowlz · ‎03-11-2010

I posted some links over on the dry eye thread for @Kachina624 since she was asking about it.

I guess there are different types so would need to know what type you have to post the correct information.

Hoovermom · ‎03-19-2010

@novamc1 wrote:
@Hoovermom

You'll never convince the two eye specialists I know that the vitamin recommendations are false information.

They don't claim the supplements will reverse AMD. They only say that it will slow down the progression of AMD and help preserve what vision is left to enjoy.

Believe me, I've asked them some pointed questions about taking such high doses of the specific ingredients and about the skepticism I've seen expressed by some other people.

They remain firm in their recommendation to use them.

I am sure they believe what they believe, I know what I have experienced which trumps what they believe. Living proof.

Ibby114 · ‎03-10-2010

@Hoovermom wrote:
My dad had macular degeneration and there is nothing you can do to reverse. I know I've heard about all the vitamins/supplements, but that is false information. Mom and dad both were advid followers of "natural" medicines and still fell to different types of illnesses.

@Hoovermom My Dad had macular and taking supplements helped keep it at bay! He took Bausch & Lomb Preservision AREDS2 with Lutein and Zeaxanthin. Since it's genetic in my family, my Andrew Lessman Essential 1 multivitamin contains both ingredients.