Macular Health Formula, 60 Capsule, From EyeScience

EyeScience Macular Health Formula is the most complete eye vitamin supplement specifically for AMD. Based on more than two decades of ocular research, EyeScience Macular Health Formula contains 14 clinically proven nutrients to support a healthy retina, including omega-3, lutein, zeaxanthin, bilberry, grape seed extract, selenium, L-glutathione and alpha lipoic acid.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye disease that causes deterioration of the macula, the central area of the retina, the paper-thin tissue at the back of the eye where light-sensitive cells send visual signals to the brain.

It is impossible to know who will get AMD (age-related macular degeneration). There are certain traits that are common in patients with AMD. This does not mean that those with certain traits will develop AMD but it does provide indicators that may explain who is more likely to develop the disease.

Age
The most significant risk factor for AMD is age. Beyond the age of 55, the chance of getting macular degeneration increases. Those over 75 years of age are roughly six times as likely to develop age-related macular degeneration as those between the ages of 45-50.

Genetics
About 20% of macular degeneration is inherited; the remaining 80% is the result of non-genetic factors. Studies have shown that relatives of people with macular degeneration are three times as likely to have the disease. Another study has shown that the risk of developing macular degenerations is approximately 19 times higher for a sibling of someone with macular degeneration than for a sibling of someone without the disease.

Smoking
The only environmental exposure clearly associated with macular degeneration is tobacco smoking. Not only does smoking double your risk of macular degeneration development, current or ex-smokers should not take the vitamin supplements that have beta carotene because the risk of lung cancer increases if they do so. If you smoke, stop. Cigarette smoking is the single most preventable cause of macular degeneration.

Race
Macular degeneration is more common among Caucasians, Asians, and Greenlanders than among African-Americans and Hispanics.

Dietary Factors
Poor dietary practices increase the risk of getting macular degeneration. A healthy diet may decrease one’s risk. What’s bad for your heart is bad for your eyes, what’s good for your heart is good for your eyes.

Sex
Women are more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration than men, and because they tend to live longer, they are more likely to suffer severe vision loss from the disease.

Sunlight
If your occupation or recreation exposes you to intense bright sunlight for prolonged periods, you have a greater chance of developing some retinal damage late in life.

Eye Color
The iris is the colored part of the eye. People with light-colored eyes (light irides) appear to be at higher risk for developing age-related macular degeneration than those with dark eyes.

High Blood Pressure
People with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, do have a higher risk of developing AMD.

Farsightedness
There is some correlation between being extremely farsighted (hyperopia) and the development of both dry and wet age-related macular degeneration.

Obesity
Research studies suggest a link between obesity and the progression of early and intermediate stage AMD to advanced AMD.