MACULAR DEGENERATION – CAN A GOOD DIET REPLACE THE NEED FOR VITAMINS?

April 23, 2015
A pile of orange bell peppers with green stems

 

This is a common question asked of our doctors during eye exams.  Those with early signs of macular degeneration (AMD) are becoming increasingly more aware of what they can do to reduce their risk for vision loss (see article above).  A lot of these folks are also taking several medications for other conditions, and are naturally wanting to reduce the total number of “pills” they have to take each day.  So, can a good diet remove the need to take vitamin supplements for those with AMD?

A study called the AREDS2, released in 2013 showed that those with AMD who consumed enough anti-oxidants were less likely to lose vision from the condition vs. those that did not.  Among the key nutrients studied were Lutein and Zeaxanthin which are found in high amounts like leafy dark greens and berries.  The study showed that 10mg of Lutein and 2mg of Zeaxanthin was required daily to get the desired benefit.  This equates to one entire 6 oz. bag of spinach each and every day (about 4 cups)!  This would of course be difficult to do, so the correct approved supplement is highly recommended to ensure you are getting enough anti oxidant vitamins in combination with a good daily diet.

Other considerations to ensure you are getting maximum benefit from your efforts to get a balanced diet :

  • Cooking increases the absorption of the nutrients Lutein and Zeaxanthin – by as much as 100%!
  • Eating these nutrients with a small amount of dietary fat improves their absorption
  • Chopping or blending these nutrients increases their absorption
  • Orange peppers are a great source of Lutein and Zeaxanthin – and beat out their red and green counterparts substantially

-Dr Wilk

An advertisement for zeiss duravision gold uv glasses
By Rosendo C July 2, 2025
Say goodbye to smudges, scratches, and glare. Discover how ZEISS DuraVision Gold UV keeps your glasses cleaner, clearer, and better looking, every day.
A little girl wearing glasses is thinking with her hand on her chin.
By Rosendo C June 25, 2025
Tired of crooked glasses? Learn the real reasons your frames won’t sit straight, and how Mountain View Optometry can help.
A person is holding a paddle with a tennis ball on it.
By Rosendo C June 18, 2025
Stay active and protected with custom prescription sports glasses in Calgary. Discover impact-resistant, anti-fog, and UV-protected eyewear tailored for your sport and lifestyle at Mountain View Optometry.
A close up of a man wearing glasses with blue eyes.
By Rosendo C June 11, 2025
Discover how i.Scription by ZEISS offers clearer night vision, sharper contrast, and reduced eye strain through personalized lens technology.
A young boy wearing Z1 blue sunglasses and a blue shirt
By Rosendo C June 4, 2025
Z1 blue lenses help reduce seizure risk in photosensitive epilepsy by filtering specific light frequencies. Learn how they offer comfort, control, and confidence.
A woman wearing glasses and a beret is smiling.
By Rosendo C May 28, 2025
Discover how to choose the best frames for your progressive lenses. Learn what features to look for and what to avoid to ensure clear, comfortable vision.
A woman wearing VAKAY sunglasses covering her face with her hands
By Rosendo C May 21, 2025
Explore VAKAY’s journey from a personalized design to a renowned handmade eyewear brand. Discover their latest exclusive collection, crafted with precision, passion, and a commitment to sustainability through their ONE FOR ONE tree-planting initiative.
A woman wearing glasses and a pink coat is smiling
By Rosendo C May 21, 2025
Bevel Eyewear Calgary | Spring-Summer 2025
A woman is covering her face with her hands because she has Photophobia and Light Sensitivity.
By Rosendo C May 7, 2025
Discover the best sunglasses tint for light sensitivity relief. Learn how FL-41 lenses can ease photophobia symptoms like migraines and eye strain.
A black and white photo of a woman wearing moscot glasses.
By Rosendo C May 7, 2025
Moscot 110th Anniversary
Show More