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Eye Care Tips for Someone with Macular Degeneration?

My relative has macular degeneration, and their eye specialist suggested a few helpful steps — like using brighter lighting, wearing UV-protection sunglasses, and taking regular screen breaks to reduce eye strain. They also recommended eating more leafy greens and foods rich in omega-3 to support eye health.

Has anyone else tried similar methods or found other ways to manage vision comfort and slow progression? I’d love to hear what’s worked best for you or your loved ones.

  1. I have had macular degeneration for about 18 years and it hasn't changed from early stage MD. I also have very dry eyes and cataracts. I don't eat factory processed or created food. No fast food and stay away from soft drinks. My food Bible is "Eat to Beat Disease" . I also take supplements for my eyes and general health. Omega 3. And ARED2 formula that is low zinc as I have issues with high zinc levels. I exercise and live as for away from the city pollution as possible.

    1. I am a diabetic -- although it's well under control -- so I religiously would go to my ophthalmologist every six months. Each time, he would say there were no diabetic changes to my eyes and everything was great. I had noticed my eyesight was getting worse months before my last visit with him and he said, "You're getting old." I moved four months ago and went to an optometrist for a new prescription, and he told me I should go to an ophthalmologist right away. I went and they told me that I had wet maculuar degeneration in one eye and started having shots on that visit. He gave me a shot in the other eye once and said it improved and I don't need it at this point. I do try to use brighter lighting, but I have trouble with things with a thin or light font, especially in the evening. Due to my diabetes, I have kept my diet under control and take Ared 2 vitamins.

      1. Thank goodness you moved when you did and saw someone new. I'm glad treatment has helped and I hope you develop no further issues. Thanks for sharing your story. Warmly, Lori (Team Member)

    2. It has been 6 yrs and at my last appointment my eye doctor said that I am still at the beginning of early stage. What I do is I wear Sleep ZM yellow tinted clip ons that transition when outside. They also have a fit over eyeglass version as well. It says daytime but it also works for night driving. I have read that wearing yellow tinted frames are good for those with AMD. They are anti blue light and UV blocking.

      https://sleepzm.com/products/daytimemax-clip-on-blue-blocking-glasses

      As for supplements, I follow the Areds 2 formula but take them separately. Prior to being diagnosed with AMD, I was taking 1,000mg time released Vit. C for my allergies and so decided to continue with that and add the rest of the Areds 2 ingredients separately. I take luetin, zethanxin formula with saffron and axthanxin which are also good for AMD and I also take bilberry. I take cod liver oil for the omega 3 and it also has vitamin e in it which is a Areds 2 ingredient. I have read that it is good to keep down inflammation with AMD so I take turmeric. Turmeric does reduce irons levels so I take a multivitamin with iron. The one I take has 18 mg of iron and that works well. Women do better with iron abortion by taking iron every other day so I take the multi with iron one day and then turmeric the next day and I take the non iron multi on turmeric days. I also take NAC and Melatonin for their anti-vegf properties to avoid Wet AMD.

      I have read on this forum that the high amount of zinc that is in the Areds 2 formula can have a negative affect on some people and make AMD worse so I just take the zinc that is in my multi vitamin (with fruits and veg) and my thyroid support supplement which combined is 13mg. I looked into my thyroid support supplement and the thyroid blend also does double duty for AMD. So if your relative is already on a thyroid support supplement than it will also help with the AMD.

      I also exercise everyday and eat right.

      I hope that all of this is why I am still at the beginning of early stage 6yrs after being diagnosed.

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