Overview:

Macular edema is swelling of the macula, the small area of the retina responsible for central vision, of which the central 5% of the retina is most critical to vision. The edema is caused by fluid leaking from retinal blood vessels. Blood leaks out of the weak vessel walls into a very small area of the macula which is rich in cones, the nerve endings that detect color and from which daytime vision depends. Blurring occurs in the middle or just to the side of the central visual field, It can appear like one is looking through cellophane. Visual loss may progress over a period of months, and can be very annoying because of the inability to focus clearly.

Because the macula is surrounded by many tiny blood vessels, anything affecting them, such as a medical condition affecting blood vessels elsewhere in the body or an abnormal condition originating in the eye can cause macular edema. Retinal blood vessel obstruction, eye inflammation, and age-related macular degeneration have all been associated with macular edema. The macula may also be affected by swelling following cataract extraction, though typically this resolves itself naturally.

ME rarely causes a permanent loss of vision, but the recovery is often a slow, gradual process. The majority of patients recover in 2 to 15 months.

Symptoms:

• Blurred central vision
• Distorted vision (straight lines may appear wavy)
• Vision is tinted pink
• Light sensitivity

Causes:

• Disease including retinal vein occlusion, macular degeneration, diabetic macular leakage, ey inflammation, idiopathic central serous chorioretinopathy, anterior or posterior uveitis, pars planitis, retinitis pigmentosa, radiation retinopathy, posterior vitreous detachment, epiretinal membrane formation, idiopathic juxtafoveal retinal telangiectasia, Nd:YAG capsulotomy or iridotomy. Some patients may have a history of use of topical epinephrine or prostaglandin analogs for glaucoma.
• Eye surgery
• Injury

  Conventional Treatment:

  The first line of treatment for CME is usually anti-inflammatory drops. In certain cases, medication is injected near the back of the eye for a more concentrated effect. Oral medications are sometimes prescribed to reduce the swelling.

  Complementary Treatment:

  We recommend the following protocol to help preserve vision for those with macular degeneration. Where possible, we use products that can be taken in liquid form for best absorption.

  To order either "Click Here" for the complete product list or click on any product below for a greater description or also to order.

  The recommendations are given in order of priority. We suggest the following:

  If you are not sure which nutrients you need, we offer free consultations either by e-mail or by telephone (845-255-8222).

  Essential: Carlson's Fine Fish Oil is in liquid form. One bottle contains 6.7 fluid ounces, and 1 teaspoon contains 1600 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids (800 mg of EPA and 500 mg of DHA), plus 14 mg of antioxidants to preserve freshness. Omega-3 fatty acids help improve circulation, integrity of blood vessels, proper brain functioning, flexibility and permeability of cell membranes, and helps protect the retina's photoreceptor cells. Recommended dosage is 2-3 teaspoonfuls per day. Cost is $20 per bottle ($18 on automatic delivery).
  Essential: Grapeseed Extract: by Nature's Purest contains a powerful antioxidant called proanthocyanidins that are many times stronger as a free radical scavenger than even vitamin E and vitamin C. It strengthens capillaries, arteries and veins, improves circulation, reduces capillary fragility and nerve damage in the eye. Studies have shown Pycnogenol improves visual acuity and functioning of the retina, especially in cases of retinal damage due to microbleeding of the eye capillaries due to blood sugar imbalances. Each bottle contains 120 capsules. Each capsule contains 100 mg of grapeseed extract and 200 mg of rose hips. Recommended dosage is 300 mg per day (3 capsules). Cost is $34 per bottle ($32 on automatic delivery).
  Essential: Bilberry improves circulation in the blood vessels of the eye, helps maintain the integrity of capillaries, stabilizes collagen, and stimulates the production of rhodopsin essential for night vision. This formula has among the highest absorption rate of any brand we have found. Each bottle contains 120 - 60 mg capsules. Recommended dosage for prevention is 120 mg per day (2 capsules). For problems with night vision, recommended dosage is 180-240 mg per day (3-4 capsules). Cost is $24 per bottle ($22 on automatic delivery).

  or

  Essential: Bilberry Liquid Extract: is manufactured by Gaia Herbs, one of the leading U.S. manufacturers of liquid herbal extracts of guaranteed quality, and certified organic purity. Recommended dosage is 30 drops per day (1 dosage). Each dosage contains 150 mg of bilberry. Each bottle is a one month supply (contains 30 dosages).
  Cost is $25 per bottle ($23 on automatic delivery).

  Essential: N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) assists in the production and use of glutathione in the eyes. Cost is $30 per bottle ($28 on automatic delivery). Recommended dosage is 1 capsule per day (90 capsules per bottle). Each capsule contains 900 mg. This is a 3-month supply.
  Essential: Vitamin C Time-Released Tablets - Each bottle contains 100 - 500 mg time-released tablets with 250 mg of Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex. Vitamin C has been shown in studies to help prevent cataracts, is one of the major precursors to Glutathione, and also helps make collagen which strengthens the capillaries that nourish the retina, protects against UV light and is a powerful antioxidant. The eye contains the second highest concentration of vitamin C in the body next to the adrenal glands. Cost $16 per bottle ($14 on automatic delivery). Recommended dosage is 4 tablets per day (2,000 mg total) with meals.
  Essential: MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is a naturally-occurring sulfur compound and dietary derivative of DMSO. MSM and arthritis have been associated together through arthritis studies over the past 25 years, and indications are that MSM can provide relief partly due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties. Recommended dosage is 2,000 mg per day (2 capsules). Each bottle contains 120 capsules. Cost is $20 per bottle ($18 on automatic delivery).
  Essential: MSM Eyedrops soften the membranes, allowing fluids to pass through the optical tissues. When our optical membranes become permeable, nutrients are able to penetrate through the optical tissues and provide nutrients needed for the body to heal itself. MSM softens tough-leathery tissue, equalizes pressure, repairs damaged membranes, clears up red spots and broken blood vessels and may help remove floaters and other eye particles. Cost is $6 per 1 oz bottle.
  Essential: Digestive Care: As we age, we produce less enzymes needed for absorbing essential nutrients from food. Digestive Care by RightFoods?is designed to aid in replacing these lost enzymes, providing a full-spectrum of seven plant-sourced enzymes to support optimal digestion and absorption. This formula also includes intestinal bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus to promote improved intestinal flora for digestion. Recommended dosage is 1 capsule per day with meals. Each bottle contains 30 capsules. Cost is $13 per bottle ($11 on automatic delivery).
  Important:: Microcurrent Stimulation Home Unit (MicroStim or MCS) uses gentle waves of microcurrent around the eyes to promote improved energy and blood circulation in the retina, improved delivery of nutrients and removal of ongoing waste created in the retina by light. It is a therapy that has been helping people with a variety of retinal disorders stabilize their condition and preserve vision (click on above for summary of studies and pricing options). Recommended usage is one 5-minute cycle four times per day.

  Helpful: Serraflazyme (Serrapeptase) - This nutrient is a natural chelating anti-inflammatory agent. A gift from silkworms, Serraflazyme has wide clinical use spanning over twenty-five years throughout Europe and Asia as a viable alternative to salicylates, ibuprofen and the more potent NSAIDS. Unlke these drugs, Serraflazyme is a naturally occurring, physiologic agent with no inhibitory effects on prostaglandins and is devoid of gastrointestinal effects. Recommended dosage is 2 tablet 4 times a day. Each bottle contains 100 enteric coated 5 mg tablets (10,000 iu per tablet). Cost is $15 per bottle ($13 on automatic delivery).
  
  Essential: Macula Complete Eye Multivitamin this formula is an excellent eye multivitamin foundation formula recommended for those with any retinal conditions.
  Each bottle contains 180 capsules. Cost $60 per bottle ($58 on automatic delivery). Recommended dosage is 8 capsules per day taken with meals.
  Helpful: PaleoGreens Formula is excellent Green formula with a full array of organic vegetables, organic fruits and wheatgrasses. Cost is $42 per bottle ($40 per bottle on automatic delivery)
  
  Automatic delivery is available. Click Here for more information.

  Self Help:

  Since we consider most eye conditions to be a reflection of the health of the whole body, lifestyle choices and diet can play a major factor in getting and maintaining good vision. Below are some recommendations:

  • Vision Diet recommended in Natural Eye Care, co-authored by Marc Grossman, O.D., L.Ac., helps maintain a healthy lens that easily drains away metabolic wastes and toxins from eye tissues.
  • Reduce or eliminate drinking caffeine and sodas, avoid aspartame (labeled diet foods)and man made fats (corn oil and safflower oil, trans fats and hydrogenated vegetable oils including canola oil, and especially margarines).
  • Eliminate deep fat fried foods, monosodium glutanate (MSG) used as a flavor enhancer which is a potential retinal toxin (Inv Oph 1996; 37: 1618-24), and fat blockers like Olestra which impair the absorption of carotenoids (Argus, August 1996;19:18:July 1996;19:22). Eating greater amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol appear to increase the risk of AMD.
  • Limit your alcohol consumption to 1 glass of red wine at night. Alcohol interferes with liver functions, reducing protective glutathione levels (Alcohol 1993;10;469-75).
  • Eliminate smoking. Smoking among other things produces cyanide, a retinal toxin.
  • Supplement your diet with a good multivitamin such as One Plus Vitamin Mineral: or PaleoGreens Formula.
  • Limit the amount of medications (both prescription and non-prescription as much as possible. Make sure to work closely with your doctor.
  • Exercise daily - do at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise daily. Walking and swimming are two excellent forms of exercise.
  • Managing your emotional health is very important in maintaining physical health. Fear (fear of failure, responsibility, of being alone, of death, etc.) is at the root of many of life’s problems, and is a major factor in many diseases. Take up the practice of meditation, yoga, tai chi, walks in the woods or prayer on a daily basis.