What is macular degeneration?

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in Americans 65 years of age or older. The central fine vision required for "straight ahead" viewing such as reading and driving is damaged in this condition.

Return to top

Who’s at the most risk for macular degeneration?

If you're over age 65, a smoker, white or have a family member with macular degeneration, you have an increased risk for macular degeneration.

Return to top

Is macular degeneration hereditary?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) usually affects individuals older than 50 years of age, and scientific evidence shows that genes may play a role in the development of nearly three out of four cases of this devastating eye disease.

While there is definitely a strong genetic component to AMD, it is highly likely that development of AMD is due to a combination of multiple factors including hereditary gene mutations or variations as well as environmental factors such as sunlight exposure, diet, and smoking.

Return to top

Can you get macular degeneration in one eye or does it usually happen in both?

Macular degeneration affects both eyes, however it may be worse in one eye than the other. As the disease progresses, both eyes may become affected equally.

Return to top

Is macular degeneration a growing problem?

Yes, there are a number of reasons for this: more ultraviolet light in our environment due to a thinning ozone layer, people living longer, environmental pollutants, smoking, poor diet, obesity, etc." Another factor may be our aging population, since the risk for macular degeneration rises with age.

Return to top

I have had dry AMD for years. Does this mean I’m going to get wet AMD too?

The course of development for macular degeneration is different in each person. Some people have only the dry form for decades and never develop the wet form. However, if you have the dry form, your risk of progressing to wet AMD is higher and increases each year. If you have AMD in one eye, your risk is of getting AMD in the other eye is also higher. This is why it is so important to use the Amsler Grid daily to check for any changes that may occur. There are now several good therapies for wet macular degeneration, but early detection and treatment are essential.

Return to top

How is macular degeneration diagnosed?

An eye care professional will perform a dilated eye exam, visual acuity test, and view the back of the eye using a procedure called fundoscopy to help diagnose age-related macular degeneration (AMD). If wet AMD is suspected, a fluorescein angiography test may also be performed.

Return to top

What are drusen?

Drusen are yellow deposits under the retina. They often are found in people over age 60. Your eye care professional can detect drusen during a comprehensive dilated eye exam.

Return to top

Do drusen cause vision loss in advanced dry AMD?

Drusen alone do not usually cause vision loss. An increase in the size or number of drusen raises a person's risk of developing either advanced dry AMD or wet AMD. These changes can cause serious vision loss.

Return to top

Do wet and dry macular degeneration have early, intermediate, and advanced forms?

All wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is considered advanced; however, the dry form of AMD has three stages:

Early Dry AMD - patients have several small drusen or a few medium-sized drusen. There is no vision loss or symptoms at this stage

Intermediate Dry AMD - patients have many medium-sized drusen or one or more large drusen. Some people may need more light for tasks such as reading. A blurry spot may appear in the center of the visual field

Advanced Dry AMD - patients exhibit a large number of drusen deposits and a breakdown of the light-sensitive cells (photoreceptors) and supporting tissue in the retina. A large blurry spot occurs in the center of the visual field and can become larger and darker, eventually causing a complete loss of central vision.

Return to top

Will I go blind?

It is very important to understand that macular degeneration does NOT cause “blackness” blindness. AMD affects the central vision only and can lead to “legal blindness”. Your peripheral vision will remain and you will always be able to see "out of the corner of your eye".

Return to top

What kind of vision will I have?

Most patients with severe vision loss from macular degeneration can get around, dress themselves, and prepare their food. Some patients (primarily those with the "wet" type) can have more severe vision loss.

Return to top

What can I do if I already have lost some vision from AMD?

If you have lost some sight from AMD, ask your eye care professional about low vision services and devices that may help you make the most of your remaining vision.

Return to top

I have a cataract. Is it safe to have it removed or will it make my macular degeneration worse?

The decision to remove a cataract is always an individual one. Surgery is usually considered when the cataract interferes with daily activities. Removing the cataract can let more light into the eye, which may help someone with macular degeneration to see better. Recent research has concluded that cataract removal does not appear to contribute to worsening of age-related macular degeneration. Any surgery has risks. Your doctor will make a careful examination of your eye to determine if the benefits of surgery outweigh any risks.

Return to top

Can visual hallucinations occur in people with macular degeneration?

Yes, the condition is called Charles Bonnet Syndrome. In patients who have eye diseases that prevent the normal nerve impulses from reaching the brain, there is speculation that spontaneous nerve activity may be generated by the brain, causing the visual hallucinations. The syndrome appears to be more common in women than men and it is more likely to occur if both eyes are affected by disease. The hallucinations are complex and fully formed images. They are most frequently of animals, people, faces, or scenery. Patients know that the hallucinations are not real. For most people with macular degeneration, the condition is managed by educating the patient, their family and reassuring them that they are not "going insane" or suffering from a psychotic disorder.

Return to top

What should I eat to prevent macular degeneration?

Some limited studies appear to indicate that eating a diet high in carotenoids, antioxidant vitamins (such C and E), and omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD); however, more research is required before definitive statements can be made.

Carotenoids are compounds that are found in plants, which have been associated with protection not only from macular degeneration, but from cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and a number of other medical conditions. Dark green, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, especially those high in the carotenoids known as lutein and zeaxanthin, appear to provide the best protection for AMD. Lutein and zeaxanthin are the primary pigments in the macula and are thought to protect the retina from ultraviolet light.

Lutein is found in spinach, collard greens, kale, broccoli, papaya, oranges, kiwi, mango, green beans, peaches, sweet potatoes, lima beans, squash, red grapes, and green bell pepper. Yellow corn, honeydew melon, squash, oranges, mango, kale, apricots, peaches, and orange bell pepper are good sources of zeaxanthin.

Foods abundant in vitamin C include green peppers, citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, strawberries, sweet and white potatoes, leafy greens, and cantaloupe. Vitamin E is found in eggs, fortified cereals, fruit, wheat germ, green leafy vegetables, nuts/nut oils, vegetable oils, and whole grains. Wild salmon, sardines, walnuts, and flaxseed oil are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

Return to top

Can my lifestyle make a difference?

Your lifestyle can play a role in reducing your risk of developing AMD.

• Eat a healthy diet high in green leafy vegetables and fish.
• Don't smoke
• Maintain normal blood pressure
• Watch your weight
• Exercise

Return to top

What is EyeScience Macular Health Formula^®?

EyeScience Macular Health Formula^® is the most complete ocular supplement on the market. It was created by a leading retina and macular degeneration specialist and based on two decades of published research. It contains 14 clinically proven nutrients including those found in the AREDS formula. Its unique and cutting edge blend of vitamins, herbal extracts, amino acids and antioxidants help give your eyes the protection they need to stay healthy and keep you seeing the future.

Return to top

What does AREDS mean?

Patients and their doctors have often wondered if taking vitamin supplements could help prevent or minimize the effects of various diseases. Many small studies have suggested a link between vitamin supplementation and the prevention of certain eye diseases such as cataracts or age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Unfortunately, many of these studies were not complete enough to answer some important questions.

Recently, the National Institute of Health completed a major study to address this question with regard to ARMD. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) followed 3,600 patients at 11 centers around the country over five years with various degrees of AMD. Overall, the study found that patients who are at higher risk for advanced AMD (loss of central vision) could decrease this risk by about 25% by taking certain anti-oxidant and zinc supplementation. Moreover, the safety of these supplements was carefully followed. These vitamins have become known as the "AREDS Formulation".

Return to top

Who should take the AREDS Formulation?

Your eye doctor will be able to tell by examining your retina whether or not you are at risk for developing advanced ARMD. Your eyes will need to be dilated in order to make this determination.

Return to top

What are the dosages of vitamins in the AREDS Formulation?

The specific amounts studied were: 500mg of Vitamin C, 400IU of Vitamin E, 15mg of Beta-Carotene (often labeled as 25,000 IU of Vitamin A), 80mg of Zinc as Zinc Oxide, 2mg of Copper as cupric oxide. Copper was added to help prevent copper deficiency anemia as a result of high zinc intake.

Return to top

What are the benefits of taking the AREDS Formulation?

While there is no "cure" or definitive way to prevent AMD, the AREDS Formulation is effective at reducing one's risk of developing the most severe form of the disease. The supplements decrease a patient's chance of developing "wet" ARMD by about 25% over a six year period. The Formulation was found to be effective only in those patients who already had evidence of moderate "dry" ARMD in one or both eyes, or "wet" ARMD in one eye only. Those with little or no evidence of ARMD did not benefit from the Formulation, and therefore these patients should not take it.

Return to top

Are there any side-effects from taking the AREDS Formulation?

Some patients taking the supplements had minor side-effects including urinary tract problems secondary to the zinc. Others noted mild yellowing of the skin secondary to the beta-carotene. Overall, there were no major side-effects noted.

Return to top

Does EyeScience Macular Health Formula^® contain the vitamins and minerals in the proper doses recommended by AREDS?

Our formula goes well beyond AREDS. We have included 14 clinically proven nutrients including Lutien, Zeazanthin, Bilberry, and Omega 3. Our formula does not have Betacarotene like the AREDS formula. There is growing evidence that betacartone taken in a pill form does not provide a benefit to the eyes. It is also dangerous for those who previously smoked and continue to use cigarettes.

Return to top

Is it dangerous for current or former smokers to take the AREDS Formulation?

Large clinical trials have demonstrated that beta-carotene increases the risk of lung cancer in current smokers. Therefore, these patients should avoid taking the beta-carotene found in the AREDS Formulation. Most of these patients were heavy smokers. There is no direct evidence that former smokers are at risk from beta-carotene, but given that these patients still have a heightened risk of lung cancer beyond the time they quit smoking, it would be reasonable for these patients to avoid high dose beta-carotene as well. EyeScience Macular Health Formula^® is safe for smokers.

Return to top

What is Lutein?

Lutein is a potent antioxidant carotenoid, found in abundance in fruits and green leafy vegetables. Lutein is also one of the dominant pigments found in the macular region of the healthy retina. Because of this, many eye doctors recommend Lutein to their patients with macular degeneration.

Return to top

Why wasn’t Lutein included in the AREDS?

Lutein was not available when AREDS was started but it probably would have been included if the study were started now.

Return to top

What are the advantages of EyeScience Macular Health Formula^® over competing products?

Our product is absolutely the most complete and powerful supplement on the market. Research has proven that the ingredients in EyeScience Macular Health Formula^® not only can protect against macular degeneration, but help prevent cataracts and even improve visual function overall. This exclusive nutritional formula is based on two decades of national and international studies for the treatment of macular degeneration, and contains all the nutrients in the precise concentrations most beneficial to your eyes.

Return to top

Does EyeScience Macular Health Formula^® contain any preservatives or artificial ingredients?

Our product contains no artificial colors or flavors, chemicals, starches or sugars, yeast or anything else unnatural.

Return to top

Can I take my regular multivitamin with EyeScience Macular Health Formula^®?

Yes, The EyeScience^® formulation is not a substitute for your daily multi-vitamin or other supplements you may be taking such as calcium or Vitamin D for osteoporosis. However, do not take additional supplements that are already included in the EyeScience^® formulation.

Return to top