Protect your eyes
What is AMD (age-related macular degeneration of the eye)?
Macular degeneration is an eye disease that affects aging adults. This disease causes damage to the retina, which can result in vision loss in the center of the visual field (the macula). Macular degeneration can reduce our ability to read, watch TV or recognize faces; sufferers are barely able to carry out basic activities of daily living with their peripheral vision. There are two forms of AMD: wet and dry. The dry form accounts for over 80% of AMD cases. Although sight-affecting diseases such as cataracts and diabetes are better known, AMD is in fact the leading cause of vision loss in Canada, affecting over 1 million Canadians.1
What are the symptoms of AMD?
The most common symptoms of AMD are :
- Blurred vision
- Shadows or missing areas of vision
- Distorted vision (e.g. grids of straight lines appearing wavy with parts disappearing)
- Difficulty distinguishing between dark and light colors
- slow recovery of visual functions after exposure to light
Who is affected by AMD?
As its name suggests, AMD is age-related, which means that the risk of developing the disease increases with age. More than a third of Canadians aged 55 to 74 develop AMD, and the incidence rises to 40% for Canadians over 75.1 Unfortunately, the majority of Canadians are unaware of AMD or the risk it poses. A recent survey revealed that Canadians fear losing their sight even more than losing the use of their legs or going deaf. Despite the importance of sight, 70% of those surveyed were unaware of the risks of developing AMD.2
What causes AMD?
The main risk factors for AMD are genetics, aging, smoking and other oxidants such as pollution, sun exposure, the use of photosensitizing drugs and insufficient consumption of fruit and vegetables.
What can we do to protect our vision from AMD?
What can we do to reduce the risk of vision loss? By avoiding smoking, reducing our exposure to pollution, lowering our stress levels, wearing UV-protective glasses and eating plenty of fruit and vegetables. Another way to reduce our risk is to take a vitamin and carotenoid supplement. A study into the prevention of dry AMD through the use of antioxidant supplements demonstrated that a specific combination of vitamins can reduce the incidence of AMD by 25% in high-risk patients (AREDS - Age-Related Eye Disease Study). Other studies have shown that a daily intake of at least 10 mg of the carotenoid lutein can significantly improve vision and slow the progression of AMD (LAST - Lutein Antioxidant Supplement Trial). People at high risk of AMD or AMD symptoms should consult their doctor, optometrist or healthcare professional and discuss the possibility of taking nutritional supplements containing ingredients used in the AREDS and LAST studies.
Vision Supreme: Canada's first science-based vision supplement
Vision suprême by Health First® is the only formula in Canada designed according to the levels used in both the AREDS (Age-Related Eye Disease Study) and LAST (Lutein Antioxidant Supplement Trial) studies. These studies focused on preventing macular degeneration and improving visual function with antioxidant nutrients.
Vision Suprême contains :
- AREDS antioxidant vitamins: beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and copper, in the quantities recommended by the AREDS study.
- LAST carotenoids: lutein in higher quantities than recommended by LAST, with associated zeaxanthin.
- Natural plant-based antioxidants: berries rich in proanthocyanidins, goji berries and bilberries, which are thought to promote eye health.
Information about using Vision Suprême :
Recommended use: helps delay the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Helps preserve vision. A source of vitamin A to help maintain eyesight and aid in the development and maintenance of night vision. Lutein and zeaxanthin support eye health, including macular, retinal and lens health in people with AMD and cataracts, thanks to their antioxidant properties. Helps maintain sight in people with diseases such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (associated with sun damage).
Dosage : Adults: Take two tablets daily with a full glass of water or as recommended by a health-care practitioner. Take a few hours
before or after taking other medications.
SOURCES :
1. www.amdcanada.com
2. www.cnib.ca/en/your-eyes/eye-conditions/amd/Default. aspx