Macular Degeneration: Are Your Eye Vitamins Making It Worse?

By Ryan Robison, O.D.

There are two common questions we are often asked: Do I have macular degeneration? Should I take an eye vitamin? Both questions are valid since AMD (age-related macular degeneration) is the leading cause of blindness in people over sixty years of age in the United States.

Answering the first question can be as easy as looking inside the eye. However, one study found that 25 percent of eyes deemed “normal” actually had macular degeneration that was discovered by fundus photography (serial photographs of the interior of your eye through the pupil) and specialists. This is one of the reasons why we use multiple tests to measure macular health, including digital fundus photography, macular thickness, retinal stimulation strength and speed, and color perception. These tests allow us to monitor for subtle changes.

Answering the second question can be tricky. Some studies show vitamins can help reduce AMD progression, and other studies show they don’t make a difference. So you might get conflicting answers from a survey of eye doctors. However, most will advocate that being proactive is the safe approach, and when it comes to your eyes, you don’t want to take chances.

Some key ingredients that all eye vitamins will have are lutein and zeaxanthin. Dosages may differ by brand, but generally, ten milligrams of lutein and two milligrams of zeaxanthin are recommended. Zinc, a trace mineral that was tested in an AREDS2 study, was found to be beneficial in most patients. The recommended daily dose of zinc is fifteen milligrams, but many supplements for AMD contain up to eighty milligrams. Depending on your genetic profile, this amount of zinc may actually cause your AMD to get worse. We now have the ability to run a simple genetic test to see which risk category you fall into to help determine the supplement that will be the most effective for you. Fortunately, there are eye vitamins that are very effective and provide the key ingredients without zinc. Early detection and early treatment is the goal.

Schedule your appointment today and let SouthWest Vision help you keep your future bright. Call us at 435-673-5577 or go to www.southwestvision.com

Dr. Ryan Robison

About the Author

Dr. Robison is a native of St. George, Utah. He is a graduate of Dixie High School, Dixie State University, Brigham Young University, and Pacific University College of Optometry. He has memberships in the BYU Management Society, American Optometric Association, and the Utah Optometric Association. He has served on the Board of Directors for the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce and SouthWest Federal Credit Union. He has served as President of the St. George Exchange Club. He and his wife, Josie, are the proud parents of four beautiful children.