VISIMAX

Dietary supplements in AMD - What is AMD?

Age-related macula degeneration (AMD) is a condition that affects the macula area of the retina.  The retina is a light-sensitive area at the back of the eye and acts like the film of a camera.  It converts light into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve.  The macula area is responsible for central vision.  This enables us to see fine detail and colour.  It is used in activities such as reading, writing and driving.  Peripheral areas of the retina are not affected by AMD and continue to function normally.  AMD usually starts in one eye and is then very likely to affect the other eye.  Initially it causes distortion, blurring and loss of detail in central vision.  As it becomes more advanced a blank area often develops in the centre of the vision, greatly limiting activities such as reading, writing and recognising small objects and faces.    

How common is AMD?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the Western world.  In the UK alone 15,000 people are registered blind or partially-sighted as a result of loss of sight due to AMD, and almost half of those aged 75 or over have evidence of AMD.  Approximately 500,000 people in the UK have AMD.

Dry and wet forms of AMD

Dry AMD is the most common form of the condition.  The macula area slowly thins and degenerates, eventually leading to loss of central vision.  Wet AMD usually forms where there are pre-existing dry AMD changes.  It is caused by leaky blood vessels growing into the retina which may bleed and form a scar.  It is less common than dry AMD but it can cause more rapid loss of vision.  Some wet AMD may be treatable with laser such as Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). 

What causes AMD?

The exact causes of AMD are still unclear.  Age is the biggest risk factor.  Smoking, raised blood pressure and having other affected members in the family also increase the risk.

What is the role of dietary supplements in AMD?

The Age Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) published in 2001 showed that supplements containing high levels of anti-oxidants and zinc significantly reduce the risk of developing advanced AMD.  The study involved over 4500 participants followed up for 7 years and showed that those at greatest risk of developing advanced AMD reduced their risk by over 25% by taking supplements containing high levels of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Beta-carotene and zinc.  These levels would be difficult to achieve from diet alone though previous studies have indicated that those with higher intakes of these vitamins in their diet are less likely to develop AMD.  On the basis of this and other studies dietary supplements using the AREDS formulation are now recommended for patients with moderate or severe AMD.

The safety profile of supplements at these levels was good over the 7 years of follow-up.  High levels of zinc are associated with genito-urinary symptoms in some patients.  A high intake of Beta-carotene has previously been associated with higher incidences of lung cancer in smokers and the AREDS formulation is therefore not recommended for patients who smoke.

AREDS formulation supplements - VisiMax

Rosella Herbals is now able to offer VisiMax supplements to the formulation used in the AREDS trial.  VisiMax comes in easily taken capsules and is fully compliant with recently introduced European legislation on the contents of vitamin and mineral supplements. 

PRICE: £10.00 for a month's supply of 60
Three months supply for £25
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