Anti-oxidants and age-related macular degeneration

1. What happens in age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?

Age-related macular degeneration is a disease that blurs the sharp, central vision that is required for “straight-ahead” activities such as reading, sewing, driving. AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail. There is no pain in AMD.  The severity is divided into early, intermediate and late type. The late type is additionally divided into “dry” and “wet” forms with the dry form making up 90% of cases.

2. How do antioxidants help in eye disorders?

Antioxidants consist of variety of phytoconstituents, vitamins, minerals that neutralize harmful free radicals and provide necessary nutrients to different parts of the eye thereby delaying the onset of various eye disorders.

3. What are the importance of minerals in the eye?

Minerals like zinc and copper are essential for the maintenance of integral antioxidant status. They are required for the proper functioning of antioxidant systems.

4. Food and antioxidants that help to prevent ocular oxidative stress.

Food: Carrots, capsicum, green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, sunflower seeds, nuts, seafood, red meat, egg, fish, etc. are rich in antioxidants and vitamins and promote healthy vision.

Antioxidants: Tocotrienol, resveratrol, lutein, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, and bilberry extract are some of the antioxidants.

Dr. Ramesh Murthy is one of the best eye specialists in Pune and India and is available at Axis Eye Clinic which is considered among the best eye clinics in Pune.