Home Remedies and Herbs for Age-related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD, or AMD) is a common eye condition in older adults.1 It’s the leading cause of vision loss among adults 50 years and older, affecting millions of people around the world.^1,2

AMD occurs when the macula, a small spot near the center of your retina, becomes damaged. The macula is needed to see objects straight ahead, and also helps you to have sharp, clear vision. While age related macular degeneration blindness doesn’t always occur, the condition does interfere with the ability to perform everyday activities like driving, seeing faces, cooking, reading, writing, etc.¹

There are two types of AMD: wet or dry. Each type causes different sets of age-related macular degeneration symptoms. Dry ARMD often leads to developing wet ARMD. ⁴

What Causes Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)?

Age-related macular degeneration causes are attributed to aging. ARMD is most likely to occur after the age of 60, though it can occur in younger patients.¹

Other risk factors that are linked to age-related macular degeneration causes include:

• Smoking: Smoking can double the risk of ARMD.
• Race: ARMD is much more common in Caucasians.
• Genetics: People who have a family history of ARMD are more likely to get it.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) Symptoms

When ARMD first starts to affect the eyes, there are often no symptoms.^1,3 That’s why it’s extremely important for older adults to have regular eye exams.

The following are the different age-related macular degeneration symptoms based on type.

Dry ARMD symptoms:

• Needing additional light to see close-up
• Blurred print
• Dull colors
• Fuzzy vision
• Blurred spot in the center of field of vision

Wet ARMD symptoms:

• Objects appearing small or far away
• Central vision loss
• Seeing wavy lines
• Blind spot

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)

Though ARMD is a degenerative disorder, there are certain age-related macular degeneration natural remedies to prevent further vision loss:

• Saffron - Saffron is an herbal remedy that can help increase retinal blood flow. This may help to prevent further vision loss due to ARMD.
• Vitamin C - Vitamin C is an antioxidant that may help to reduce inflammation in the eye and prevent age-related macular degeneration blindness or vision loss.
• Spinach - Dark leafy vegetables like spinach are high in antioxidants which can help to reduce ARMD symptoms.
• Vitamin B6 - Studies have shown that taking vitamin B6 supplements can help to reduce instances of ARMD in women over 40 who are at risk of developing heart disease.
• Brahmi Plant - Brahmi plant is high in antioxidants that can help support eye health and prevent ARMD.
• Ginkgo Biloba - Ginkgo biloba contains antioxidants called flavonoids which may help to improve ARMD symptoms.

References

1. https://nei.nih.gov/health/maculardegen/armd_facts
2. https://www.amd.org/what-is-macular-degeneration/
3. http://www.brightfocus.org/macular/symptoms-and-signs
4. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/macular-degeneration