Macular Degeneration

[smurfchops]

My sister has been diagnosed with the first signs of macular degeneration. Is there anything that will help her (food, vitamins) to perhaps stop this condition getting worse, or slowing it down?

[beso]

Is it the "wet" of "dry" type? The wet type can be treated with regular intraocular injections.

BTW. Does you sister have any history of abuse of "headache powders" such as Vincent's and Bex? There is some recent research suggesting a possible link.

[Connemmara]

think Judi Dench is suffering from that right now.

[frugalfred]

I take Lutein daily - it's held back any further deterioration over 4 years.

[Sqad]

Not my area, but there is nothing that has been shown to be effective against further degeneration, but the good news is that sight, particularly the dry type,progresses slowly.

Various reports concerning vitamin supplements have been published, but I remain unconvinced.
York 331 is the expert ABer in this field.

[Ratty2E]

Try here for info
http://www.macularsociety.org
Also the RNIB website might be helpful

[smurfchops]

beso I don't know whether it is wet or dry, its very early stages. She has been told about Lutein tablets so will think about that. Is it correct that dark greens, spinach, broccoli etc are good for the eyes? What about watercress?

[Buenchico]

This would seem to be relevant:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Macular-degeneration/Pages/Treatment.aspx

[smurfchops]

Thank you everyone, I am passing all your answers on to her.