Questions & Answers

The recommended vitamin supplementation for patients with high-risk dry macular degeneration is detailed by the AREDS study: 500 milligrams of vitamin C; 400 International Units of vitamin E; 15 milligrams of beta-carotene (often labeled as equivalent to 25,000 International Units of vitamin A); 80 milligrams of zinc as zinc oxide; and two milligrams of copper as cupric oxide. There are formulations on the market which contain these vitamins in the recommended quantity; however, you should always check with your eye doctor concerning his/her specific supplementation recommendations to ensure that there is no conflict with any other prescribed medications or conditions you may have. For example, there is a slightly different formulation for smokers.

Herbal remedies have not been FDA-approved or tested in rigorous clinical trials for either safety or efficacy in treating macular degeneration. As a result, they are generally not recommended for macular degeneration. The only supplementation that has been proven to be of benefit in dry macular degeneration are the AREDS vitamins (500 milligrams of vitamin C, 400 International Units of vitamin E, 15 milligrams of beta-carotene, 80 milligrams of zinc as zinc oxide, and two milligrams of copper as cupric oxide). The AREDS formulation has been shown to decrease the rate of progression of high risk dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to wet AMD. If you have further questions or concerns with regard to this herbal remedy or the AREDS formula, it would be best to follow-up with your eye doctor. Also, you should always check with your doctor before taking these or any other supplements to ensure there is no conflict with any other prescribed medications or conditions you may have. 

Welding has been reported to cause phototoxic injury to the retina. If the retina is exposed to a certain level of light intensity for a prolonged period of time, damage can result. For example, sun gazing can cause a condition known as solar retinopathy. However, some studies in the literature suggest that the standard protective eyewear that professional welders use is sufficient protection. In one study, there was no difference in visual function between welders and age-matched controls.

Age-related macular degeneration has no known association with trauma. However, trauma can cause injury to the macula and may result in problems such as a macular hole. Usually this is due to blunt trauma to the eyeball itself (such as being hit in the eye with a baseball or fist).

Without examining your father, it is difficult to determine the exact cause of the decreased vision in his left eye. Decreased vision after cataract surgery can result from a variety of causes including corneal edema, corneal epitheliopathy, cystoid macular edema, inflammation in the eye, etc. Age-related macular degeneration is one possible cause and may limit visual acuity after cataract surgery. If he has dry age-related macular degeneration, there is no proven therapy to improve vision in that eye. If he has wet age-related macular degeneration causing bleeding or thickening in the macula, his retina specialist may suggest injecting an anti-VEGF medication (Lucentis or Avastin) into the left eye. These medications have the potential to improve vision in patients with wet AMD.

Birth control pills have been associated with a condition known as pseudotumor cerebri, or idiopathic intracranial hypertension, in which vision can be affected due to optic nerve damage; however, there is no known correlation between birth control pills and age-related macular degeneration.

There is limited clinical evidence that addresses your question. One 2005 paper from Italy suggested that a combination of the three supplements improved visual field, visual acuity, and foveal sensitivity in patients with early age-related macular degeneration. The quantities used in this study were 100mg of acetyl L-carnitine, 530mg of omega-3 fish oil, and 10mg of coenzyme Q. However, the standard of care in treating high-risk dry AMD is the AREDS vitamin formulation. It would be advised to consult your eye doctor and/or your primary care physician before taking supplements.

It sounds like your physician is recommending anti-VEGF injections to keep your wet macular degeneration from worsening. Anti-VEGF medication helps abnormal blood vessels in wet age-related macular degeneration regress, and decreases the chance of bleeding or leakage that can further reduce your vision. These injections do not "cure" wet age-related macular degeneration, but they are one of the most effective treatments for the disease that we have available today. It is not uncommon to have both types of the disease, one in each eye. Dry age-related macular degeneration is the first stage of the disease, and sometimes will progress to the wet form. Although you are relatively young to have this eye disease, it does occur and is not extremely rare.