Macular Degeneration Vitamin: Is This an Effective Treatment for the Disease?

Macular degeneration is an eye disease affecting aging adults in which the disease gradually destroys the central portion of the retina resulting in the center of the field of view becoming blurry. Victims of macular degeneration often find themselves having to use their peripheral vision to read, drive or recognize faces making it increasingly difficult to function normally and sacrificing much color and detail of vision.

Until now the most effective treatment was laser surgery, and that was only effective at slowing the growth of abnormal blood vessels in severe cases. A recent nationwide clinical study has determined that a good macular degeneration vitamin with the proper high doses and combinations of certain nutrients can effectively treat the dry and wet forms of the disease resulting in improved vision and lower instances of eventual blindness. These nutrients include zinc, vitamin C, Vitamin E, and beta carotene among others. The study showed that taking these nutrients in relatively high doses combined correctly with the right supporting nutrients, such as copper (high doses of zinc can reduce copper in the body causing anemia), is a great preventative maintenence for those in the early stages of the disease, but it is also a very effective treatment for those in the later stages as well. The study followed sufferers for an average of 6.5 years and found that among those who had progressed into the intermediate stages of the disease, a good macular degeneration vitamin reduced the risk of progressing to the advanced stages by nearly 20%.

A word of caution to smokers, studies have shown that beta carotene in elevated doses increases the risk of lung cancer in smokers. It is not recommended that smokers take these macular degeneration vitamins unless you take a formula specifically designed for smokers without the large doses of beta carotene.

If you choose to take these vitamins, it is recommended taking one that is proven to be effective. There are a lot of vitamins on the market that sound very convincing but when it comes down to it, they will do you no real good or could even harm you due to using inferior ingredients, improper combinations or doses of nutrients, etc. Don't always trust the label, use a macular degeneration vitamin proven to be effective by The National Eye Institute and always take them according to the directions.

So, is taking a good macular degeneration vitamin an effective treatment for the disease? Yes, taking one that is proven to be effective, in the correct doses can effectively slow the disease from progressing to the advanced stages and improve vision quality.