Science & Research

I cannot comment for certain on whether or not decaffeinated green tea has the ability to help dry macular degeneration as I have found no published scientific reports to support this. Further research is also needed to determine if the compounds in caffeinated green tea are beneficial with regard to disorders such as macular degeneration. A recent study simply found evidence that catechins, potentially protective compounds found in green tea, are absorbed by tissues in the eye (such as the retina). The study did not investigate whether or not the catechins had an impact on the disease process or offered protection against the development of the disease.

There are some scientific reports that suggest estrogen supplementation in post-menopausal women may delay the onset/progression of macular degeneration. One particular report comments that estrogen supplementation may delay neovascular or “wet” macular degeneration, but not early macular degeneration, so it is not clear whether any potential benefit obtained from supplementation with estrogen may be specific for delaying the dry form of the disease. There are researchers, however, who are continuing to study the possible link between estrogen therapy and risk of macular degeneration. To find scientific reports concerning the studies that have already been published on this subject, please visit the database for the National Institutes of Health and type “macular degeneration and estrogen” in the search bar.

I recommend seeking a consultation with a low vision specialist. Low vision centers have a variety of unique devices and techniques designed especially to help persons with a variety of visual disorders continue to enjoy hobbies and daily activities.

Treatment of wet macular degeneration via the injection of anti-angiogenic compounds to prevent the growth of new, leaky vessels in the eye is a promising method of treating macular degeneration. This has been shown in several independent studies, and presently the National Eye Institute is sponsoring a clinical trial called the “CATT” (Comparison of AMD Treatments Trials) to compare the effectiveness and relative safety of Lucentis and Avastin, two drugs currently used to treat advanced age-related macular degeneration. A summary of the results of a previous trial conducted on the efficacy of Lucentis injections for treatment of macular degeneration can be found at the following web address: http://www.lucentis.com/lucentis/hcp/efficacy-trials.html

There is no benefit to "exercising" your pupils by exposing yourself to varying lighting conditions throughout the house. There is also no strong evidence that normal light exposure causes age-related macular degeneration. However, ultraviolet light (UV) exposure has been linked to the development of cataract, and wearing glasses outside on a sunny day is recommended.

The efficacy of stem cell therapy for macular degeneration has not been established in clinical trials at this time, and is not considered standard of care for macular degeneration. It is possible that in the future, stem cell therapy may become an important therapeutic option for AMD patients, but at this time, the technique is still in development and is experimental.

There is a strong genetic component to myopia. The risk of myopic macular degeneration is highly dependent on the severity of myopia, which is variable even within family members. Your ophthalmologist would be able to better tell you your personal risk of developing myopic macular degeneration. Anti-VEGF agents that are used for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration can also be used for myopic macular degeneration that has progressed to choroidal neovascularization* (CNV). However, there are no proven interventions that reduce the risk of development and progression of myopia to myopic CNV.

*Choroidal neovascularization refers to the growth of abnormal, leaky blood vessels in the choroid region of the eye. The choroid is a layer of the eye behind the retina, which contains blood vessels that nourish the retina.

Germaloids cream contains lidocaine and zinc. The spray formulation of Germaloids contains hydrocortisone, a steroid. If you use this around your eye, it can contribute to the development of elevated eye pressure and lead to glaucoma. Steroids can also hasten the development of cataracts. Neither ingredient should contribute to the development of macular degeneration.