A Diet Rich in Antioxidants Can Prevent Macular Degeneration and Blindness

Experts at Brigham Young University, United States, disclose that there occur two damaging mechanisms within the retina, which cause macular degeneration.Individuals who develop age related macular degeneration (ARMD), first suffer the loss of central-vision. Sooner or later, the individual loses complete vision.

Heidi Vollmer discovered that ARMD occurs due to a build-up of A2E, a natural by-product of various cellular processes. However, contrasting to other cellular by-products, A2E does not decompose, causing undue damage to the retina. The other factor responsible for ARMD is damage to the mitochondria within the cells. Excessive A2E disrupts the energy manufacture by the mitochondria, which consequently results in the death of the photo-receptors (cells for vision).

Studies were performed to test the photo-receptors of cows, rats and humans. Results showed that antioxidants prevent damage to the cells responsible for vision. What’s more, antioxidants can extend the life span of the photoreceptors and retinal cells.

What is Age Related Macular Degeneration?

Macula is that part of the retinal tissue where pictures and impressions are focused. It is predominantly responsible for our vision.

Importantly, ARMD has emerged as a principal cause for visual loss, world over.

Signs and Symptoms of Macular Degeneration


1.ARMD begins with obscuring of the vision.


2.Objects / pictures appear distorted or twisted.


3.One may visualize a dark area / patch in the center of the visual field.


4.Certain words may go missing, while reading.


5.Peripheral-vision is at first normal, but over a period of time it diminishes.

Preventive and Curative Measures : Diet to Prevent Macular Degeneration

Nutritionists and experts, world over, advise augmenting the daily diet with foods that support and maintain a healthy and good vision. Step up the intake of - carrots, tomatoes, spinach, kiwi, corn, Brussels sprouts, celery, bell peppers, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, apples and mangoes.

The following foods supply generous amounts of (lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene) anti-oxidants that stave off free radical damage to the photoreceptors and preserve vision :


1.Carrots: sustain good vision, even in old age. Carotene, found in abundance in carrots, shields the tissues of the eye from ARMD and checks the occurrence of cataract. Also, carrots supply large quantities of glutathione, the most powerful anti-aging agent. Carrots even prevent night blindness and encourage optimum night vision.


2.Spinach: loaded with lutein, spinach is vital for a healthy and good eyesight and is highly essential to prevent blurring of vision and blindness.