Alternative, logical treatment of macular degeneration
Age-Related Macular Degeneration(ARMD) is an ailment characterized by the degeneration of the macula of the Retina of the eye and initially causes diminished vision from the central field of vision and then widens to afflict peripheral vision. It has been estimated that 25% of all people above the age of 65 and 33% of all people above the age of 75 are afflicted with at least the beginnings of ARMD. Tobacco smoking increases the risk of ARMD and ARMD patients should not use Viagra because Viagra has a propensity to cause temporary retinal dysfunction. The caretonoids Lutein and Zeaxanthin, the enzymes Glutathione peroxidase and reductase, the vitamin Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), the herbs Bilberry, Gingko Biloba and the element Zinc are proven to halt and/or prevent ARMD.
Clinical Trial
A research team of three American osteopaths have found that vitamin supplementation and electrical stimulation of the eyelids are effective in stopping and even reversing macular degeneration. In a group of 34 patients treated with supplements and eyelid stimulation visual acuity not only stopped declining, but actually increased very significantly over the two-year study period. The daily supplement protocol included beta-carotene (40,000 IU), natural vitamin E (400 IU), vitamin C (1500 mg), citrus bioflavonoid complex (250 mg), quercetin (100 mg), bilberry extract (10 mg), rutin (100 mg), zinc (25 mg), selenium (100 mcg), taurine (200 mg), N-acetyl- cysteine (200 mg), L-glutathione (10 mg), and vitamin B-2 (50 mg).

The electrical eyelid stimulation was carried out several times per week and involved the application of an alternating, square wave current of 200 micro-amperes (9 volts). Immediate improvement in visual acuity was noted after each stimulation treatment. The researchers conclude that an adequate supply of essential nutrients (supplements) combined with electrical stimulation may be able to delay or reverse the progress of macular degeneration.
Allen, Merrill J., et al. Macular degeneration treatment with nutrients and micro current electricity. Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, Vol. 13, No. 4, Fourth Quarter 1998, pp. 211-14

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· Khachik, F., et al. Identification of lutein and zeaxanthin oxidation products in human and monkey retinas. Invest Ophthalmol
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· Seddon, J., et al. Dietary carotenoids, vitamins A, C, and E, and advanced age-related macular degeneration. Journal of the American Medical Association. 272:18:1413-1420, 1994.
· Snodderly, D. Evidence for protection against age-related macular degeneration by carotenoids and antioxidant vitamins. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 62:1448s-1461s, 1995.
· Eye Disease Case-Control Study Group. Antioxidant status and neo-vascular age-related macular degeneration. Arch Ophthalmol. 111:104-109, 1993.
· Newsome, D. A., et al. Oral zinc in macular degeneration. Arch Ophthalmol. 106:192-198, 1988.
· Newsome, D. A., et a. Zinc uptake by primate retinal pigment epithelium and choroid. Current Eye Research. 11(3):213-217, 1992.