Natural Solutions for Degenerative Eye Disease

Macular degeneration is a degenerative eye disease that causes a loss of central vision. Several natural treatments may slow its progression. The University of Maryland Medical Center and alternative health expert Dr. Andrew Weil offer suggestions.

Precautions

• Never use alternative treatments without talking to your doctor first, especially if you have other medical conditions or take medications.

Complementing Standard Care

• Alternative treatments for degenerative eye disease are best viewed as complements to standard medications and surgical procedures used to slow vision loss.

Herbal Therapies

• Ginkgo (160 to 240 mg daily), bilberry (120 to 240 mg twice daily) and grape seed (50 to 150 mg daily) may slow vision loss.

Consuming Beneficial Nutrients

• Vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein and zeaxanthin are important for good eye health. Eat foods rich in these nutrients or talk to your doctor about supplementation. The supplement Ocuvite PreserVision contains a proper mix of important nutrients for eye health, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Complementing Treatment

• Do not smoke. Reduce your intake of saturated fat found in animal proteins. Use sunglasses with UV protection.