Science & Research

Macular degeneration comes in two general forms: wet and dry. The wet form of the disease is characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye, which are much more fragile than normal blood vessels and therefore are prone to leaking and/or hemorrhaging. This would likely explain the bleeding that your mother’s doctor is referring to. There are a number of new treatments aimed at preventing and/or stopping the damaging effects of bleeding characteristic of wet macular degeneration. Your mother’s doctor can let you know if she is a good candidate for these treatment options.

Much of the work on the use of stem cells as a treatment for macular degeneration and other degenerative diseases of the retina have been conducted using animal models. Though preliminary results of these studies appear to be promising, one cannot speculate on whether or not similar procedures will be successful in the future for human patients. The time frame for translating these experimental procedures into routine clinical procedures is uncertain. Experimental research project using stem cells and rheopheresis are not only being targeted for the wet form of the disease. In fact, rheopheresis is an investigational treatment for dry macular degeneration.

The retina (the part of the eye affected by macular degeneration) is a very complex tissue. Though a number of studies have explored the possibility of retinal cell transplants being performed with promising results, at present this is not a standard procedure. To read about all of the macular degeneration clinical trials, please visit the following page on the National Eye Institute’s website: http://www.nei.nih.gov/neitrials/

That is an excellent question. The effects of smoking are secondary to nicotine in the bloodstream. Nicotine has been shown to induce an increase in the size and severity of choroidal neovascularization (the formation of abnormal blood vessels in wet macular degeneration) in an experimental model. The eye contains nicotinic receptors that are theoretically stimulated by nicotine from any source. Therefore, even ex-smokers who have stopped smoking by using nicotine supplementation (nicotine gum or patch) are theoretically at risk.

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.

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. 

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.

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.