Sorry if this has been discussed before but does anyone have any knowledge of wether the various dietary supplements available have any scientific validity.
When I was first diagnosed with AMD a couple of years ago various clinicians sort of mentioned vitamin based supplements as a means of delaying deterioration, but it seemed to me without any great conviction or prescription.
My eyesight has deteriorated significantly and hence I’m revisiting this option.
Thank you
Hi Blinker,
Your earlier posts suggest that you had a macular hole rather than Macular Degeneration. But here is my experience regarding wet AMD (I'm 77).
Wet AMD was first diagnosed in my right eye twelve years ago and treated with injections. Thankfully the macular vision in that eye has been preserved albeit with some distortion.
When first diagnosed I was advised to take a daily "Preservision" tablet (very high doses of vitamins and minerals) that was supposed to protect the left eye. However, after a couple of years the left eye also developed wet AMD and, despite dozens of injections that continue to this day, the sight in that eye deteriorated in the macular region and is relatively poor.
So I would say that for wet AMD the tablets may not be as useful as the manufacturers claim.
As an aside, the very high dose of zinc in the tablets led to me becoming anaemic and sleepy in the afternoons and I started to take an iron supplement in addition to counteract this. After my left eye succumbed I stopped taking any supplements.
If I can help in any other way, please ask.
Best wishes
Paul
Hi, I’ve had AMD for 4 years and was recommended Viteyes by the Consultant who saw me initially. I don’t know whether or not they do any good but as it was a medic’s recommendation I feel it’s a good idea to take them. Good luck.
I have macular oedema and have had for about 3 years. I have it in both eyes.
I started taking lutein/B12 about 3 months ago and I am not sure whether it is working but for the last 2 appointments I have not had to have my injections in my left eye.
The right eye still needs them but it could be to do with the oedema coming from 2 operations recently. I had a cataract op with complications and a week later a vitrectomy to sort out the complications. The opthamologist wasn’t sure what was causing it.
I have been for my reviews before and told I don’t need the injection but never 2 reviews on the trot. So I am continuing to take the supplement
It's a difficult one. Theoretically if you're eating a good varied diet, all nutritional need s will be met. Yet one still has the nagging belts and braces argument. These supplementa are recommended for AMD etc: they can do no harm, but they may well just do good!?
I have had much the same experience as Blinker, above. I am a few years younger but the trajectory has been very similar: right eye then left, in spite of daily Macushield, Preservision, saffron, unlimited blueberries (not all of them every day obvs!) Injections have kept my eyesight more or less stable but I am always worried that it will flare up again. I am coming to the end of a box of Macushield, and bearing in mind the zinc issue, I think I may just change to lutein, since that appears to be the active ingredient that sometimes does make a difference. And carry on with blueberries, black kale, beetroot, marigold petals in my salad, and wearing sunglasses ...
Hi I have often thought whether eye vitamins actually work, I started taking macushield when I was first told about my AMD, I had it in my left eye, then 7months later in my right eye, so after that I stopped taking them, however, about a year ago I was looking to take something again when I came across Goji Berries, I have a handful every night on top of my yogurt, they seem to be good for everything as well as eyes. My last injections were end of May, and the consultant said that there is a very good improvement, have gone from 8wks to now 11, she also said if things continue to be good, I will go to 3 months, then possibly no more injections, whether any of this is to do with the berries I will never know, but I will never stop eating them. Hope this is helpful. x
Dear Blinker,
There has been a lot of research into whether nutritional supplements can make up for the lack of lutein, zeaxanthin and other antioxidants in people's diets.
Two large studies, Age-Related Eye Disease Study AREDS1 and AREDS2, suggested that certain nutritional supplements can slow down the progression of AMD by about 25%. AREDS2 in 2013 tested a modified version of the AREDS1 formula.
Please refer to the link below regarding research for AMD supplements
nei.nih.gov/research/clinic...
The nutrition section on our website also gives information on AREDS2 formula supplements
macularsociety.org/support/...
Kind regards,
Carol
Macular Society Advice and Information Service
This is good advice from the Macular Society. I'm taking an AREDS2 formula supplement (Vision Defender AMD Plus) and my consultant is pleased that my eyes have been quite stable so far. No side effects, so I'm happy to continue with it. Good luck!
Thank you to everyone for taking the time to reply and sharing your experiences. Grateful for your support.
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