Lutein Omega 3 or Macusheild?

[JacinthaM]

The 3 pharmacies I tried yesterday were either out of or didn't stock Lutein Omega 3. The last pharmacy (noticing I was getting panicky) recommended Macusheild, which I ended up buying. My question is: is Macusheild as good as Lutein Omega 3? Is it better? How do they compare? My eyes are fine at the moment so I am mainly taking an eye health supplement as a preventative measure as my mother suffers from AMD and is fast losing her sight.

[Richard_44]

I have been using Viteyes as well Omega 3 capsules for three years ever since I was diagnosed with early stage dry AMD.

I have been involved with two different research projects at Cardiff University (the second one was during the last week), and I have yearly scans at an opticians in nearby Newport. I have been told that there has been "little or no deterioration" in my condition over this three year period.

I cannot say that this is due to the supplements I take, or the blueberries I eat, or the exercise I take however, I intend to continue doing what I am doing!! I feel that I am a very lucky man!!

[JacinthaM in reply to Richard_44]

So, are Viteyes better than either Macusheild or Lutein Omega 3 do you think?

[willnick in reply to Richard_44]

Hi Richard

I live in Cardiff and also have dry AMD - I have not had a proper test at a hospital and would be interested in any research projects at the university. My problem is mainly distortion - though I seem to suffer with glare and poor contrast.

Nick

[cormorin]

Hi when i was first told i had dry amd my Consultant said take Macushield which i did though sometimes our local chemist would order them in & sometimes not! So i changed to Viteyes ordering them online from Butterflies for many years.

My Consultant said about a year ago he would like me to try Macushield Gold which i now buy online from Yates & Suddell who email before I run out to re-order. This is helpful for me!

I dont know which product is the better but am guided by my Consultant who i have much faith in.

Hope this helps you a little 😊

[JacinthaM in reply to cormorin]

Thank you. I have never heard of Viteyes - I guess there are lots of products/brands out there.

I was more interested in a direct comparison between Macusheild and Lutein Omega 3, though: the two products which seem more readily available here. But thank you for replying.

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Dear JacinthaM,

I am copying the link to our Nutrition booklet:

macularsociety.org/sites/de...

Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of any further help. Our Macular Society helpline is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 0300 3030 111.

Kind regards,

[JacinthaM in reply to Rosalyn-helpline]

Thank you Rosalyn.

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner in reply to JacinthaM]

Dear JacinthaM,

In terms of your mother's sight, does she have wet or dry AMD?

Dry AMD is primarily related to the ageing process and is more common in individuals over the age of 55 years. The deterioration is generally slow and over a period of months and years. However, how fast and how far the condition deteriorates is variable between individuals. There is currently no treatment for it, however, we talk about the importance of lifestyle considerations which can hopefully have a positive impact on eye health and potentially slow down the deterioration a little. Therefore, for instance, exercise is good for eye health in addition to general health. It is important to try and maintain a healthy weight, keep blood pressure under control and avoid smoking. Research indicates that being careful with regard to nutrition can also potentially have a positive impact on eye health as well as general health. It is also important to consider protecting the eyes from the harmful effects of the sun. Optometrists do not generally refer individuals to an ophthalmologist for the dry type.

10-15% of people with the dry type go on to develop wet AMD in the same eye. Therefore it is important that if an individual does notice any sudden eye changes, that they act rapidly and go to the optometrist so that they can check behind their eyes. Alternately, they can attend the emergency eye clinic usually located within the hospital. If the optometrist identifies possible wet AMD, then the Royal College of Ophthalmology guidelines indicate that they must do a fast track referral on the day of the appointment, via fax or email, straight through to the eye clinic, so that the individual can be seen and treated within 2 weeks. This therefore indicates the urgency of the situation. Treatment is usually via injection.

As stated, please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of any further help. Our Macular Society helpline is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 0300 3030 111.

Kind regards,

[carolineJames]

Macushield has the basic eye vitamins. This is what most people take who have dry AMD. Macushield Gold has the Zinc and other vitamins and minerals used in the famous Areds2 study. ( which is what you want to follow if you have wet AMD). Viteyes has 80mg of Zinc though ( pretty sure about that). Check the packet and see! Macushield Gold has 25mg of Zinc. That's better. There are studies that show that a lot of zinc may bring on Alzheimers. My advise is stick to supplements that don't go over 25mg of Zinc. 80mg of zinc is A LOT. Just because it's a supplement and not a medicine doesn't mean that you can't do your self harm by having an extraordinarily large amount of it regularly. Watch out for eye supplements with 80mg of Zinc.

[JacinthaM in reply to carolineJames]

Thank you Caroline. I hadn't known about the link between large amounts of zinc and Alzheimers.

[Georgie_M]

Hi Jacintha

As you don't have AMD at the moment (and I hope you never do), taking a general eye health supplement with lutein and Omega 3 will probably suffice. My family members who don't have AMD is taking both as they have seen the effects of AMD and want to prevent that from happening to them. Of course, this is in addition to sensible lifestyle habits - no smoking, sensible alcohol intake, lots of exercise, lots of fruit and veg in diet etc. As I have dry AMD, I take an AREDS2 supplement called Vision Defender AMD, although I gather there's others out too. I think you will be fine with either Macushield or Lutein Omega 3. Good luck!

[JacinthaM]

Thank you Georgie. I am a little new to this so the diet and lifestyle advice is also welcome. Which is worse: the wet or dry AMD?

[rosyG in reply to JacinthaM]

wet AMD is much more serious and needs rapid treatment- dry AMD can go on for years, slowly getting worse, and just needs to be kept under surveillance!

[Beldie in reply to JacinthaM]

Hi Jacintha

I have wet AMD in both eyes and take no supplements; that is just a choice I've made. But I now grow either kale or cavolo nero, both of which contain the highest amount of lutein of the greens. If you have an appropriate garden I'd suggest buying a few wee plants of either of the above; you will have the pleasure of watching them grow and feeling virtuous! Seriously though, you'll find your own way once you've explored all options. I'm now 85 and disliked all greens and most other vegetables all my life, but now I make sure I eat them, remembering to flavour them with spices and herbs like chili and garlic. That way I can even eat broccoli...

Best wishes and fingers crossed for the future.

[JacinthaM in reply to Beldie]

Good idea. I actually really like both kale and cavolo Nero - and all cabbages really. Is broccoli good too? Because I had heard it was the best one to have. Thankfully I love all greens so it's not a chore to have them.

Thanks for the advice.

[Beldie in reply to JacinthaM]

I believe kale is usually said to be best. All greens are good, though; I can manage broccoli if I cook it with anchovy paste - weird, but palatable.

And last night we had carrot and cabbage curry, but I wouldn't really push that one. Good luck.