Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Today Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness is people over the age of 60. It has been called the new epidemic because we are diagnosing the disease at a higher rate and earlier age. While the exact cause still eludes us, many of the risk factors for heart disease are the same for AMD. Below you will find a summary of the medical literature to help give guidance for protection from this coming epidemic.
RISK FACTORS FOR MACULAR DEGENERATION
IF YOU HAVE: | YOUR RISK OF AMD IS: |
Cerebrovascular Disease (Stroke) | 4.64 times the average risk |
Age 65-74 | 4.54 |
Current Smoking | 2.8-5.4 |
Body Mass Index (25-30kg/m2) | 2.35 |
Total Cholesterol >6.75mmol/L | 2.3 |
Age 55-65 | 2.13 |
More than one child | 1.8 |
Triglyceride >2.03mmol/L | 1.7 |
Systolic Blood Pressure >155 | 1.7 |
Hyperopia >+1.00 | 1.7 |
Fibrinogen level >3.34g/L | 1.7 |
History of vascular disease | 1.6 |
Total Cholesterol >4.6-6.7 mmol/L | 1.5 |
History of cigarette smoking | 1.5 |
Former smoker | 1.5 |
AVERAGE RISK | 1.0 |
PROTECTIVE FACTORS FOR MACULAR DEGENERATION
IF YOU DO: | YOUR RISK OF AMD IS: |
AVERAGE RISK | 1.0 |
Average Physical Activity | 0.70 |
Fruit Intake (3.5 servings/day) | 0.64 |
Former Estrogen use in women | 0.60 |
High intake of all carotenoids | 0.59 |
Broccoli (4-5 times per week) | 0.50 |
Greater than average physical activity | 0.50 |
Lutein and Zeaxanthin (4-5 times/week) | 0.43 |
Carotenoid levels >2.39 mmol/L | 0.40 |
Current Estrogen use in women | 0.30 |
Spinach (4-5 times/week) | 0.14 |
AREAS OF STUDY
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) provided valuable research and treatment options for patients with the disease or those who were at risk of developing it. The basic findings of the study were:
A 25% less risk for AMD progression was found in a study of those taking a combination of:
- Vitamin C – 500mg
- Vitamin E – 400 International Units
- Vitamin A
- Zinc – 30mg
- Copper – 2mg
Note: Patients who currently smoke or have smoked in the past 25 years should not take Vitamin A supplementation (Beta-Carotene) as this has been shown to increase their risk of lung cancer. These patients should use eye vitamins labeled as ‘smokers formula’ or those not consisting of this supplement.
Most physicians recommend taking the anti-oxidant vitamins and minerals recommended in the AREDS study which consist of Vitamins A,C,and E, and the minerals Zinc and Copper. More recent research finds that Folate, and Vitamins B-1, and B-12 are protective against AMD. The best recommendation presently would be to take a complete multi-vitamin, and eat as many fruits and vegetables (on the lutein and zeaxanthin list) and exercise regularly. Keep an ideal body weight, blood pressure and blood cholesterol.