Bilberry Extract
Why is bilberry extract helpful in preventing AMD?
Researchers don't know exactly what causes ARM. It's thought that free radical damage and / or antioxidant damage is partly responsible.
There have been a couple of studies (AREDS study) where certain minerals and vitamins have been tested to see if they're effective to prevent and / or treat AMD (sometimes ARMD for age-related macular degeneration). There is some data that shows certain combos do help a little bit. Centrum Silver is a good multivitamin to take. Bausch & Lomb has AREDS & Lutein vitamins for AMD patients (one is for smokers & the other is for non-smokers).
Risk factors for ARM include a family history, exposure to UV radiation, and poor cardiovascular health (high blood pressure, history of stroke & heart attack, etc...).
Patients with geographic atrophy who are current smokers have a worsening of the disease. The data is inconclusive about the risk of past smokers.
There are 2 kinds of AMD - dry & wet. Dry AMD isn't treatable. Wet AMD is where there are hemorrhages in your macula area (which is part of your retina). The hemorrhages are treated with a laser to seal the leak. The leak is sealed, but the laser leaves little scars.
