What can u take for age related macular degeneration?

Treatment
During the early stages of the disease, the neural layers of the retina remain relatively unaffected. This fact makes it a possible target for treatment with a retinal prosthesis, which are currently under development.

Prevention

Research on prevention of AMD
Several macular degeneration clinical trials are currently underway. The most promising approach is the anti-angiogenesis treatment for wet macular degeneration. Different anti-angiogenesis strategies that block VEGF-mediated choroidal neovascularization are being evaluated in clinical trials. Drugs currently approved for wet macular degeneration include: pegaptanib (Macugen). Drugs under investigation include: ranibizumab (Lucentis), anecortave (Retaane), bevacizumab (Avastin), squalamine (Evizon) and siRNA. Second generation antisense oligonucleotides iCo-007 targeting the Raf-1 kinase are also under investigation as a target for broad inhibition of multiple pro-angiogenic signals. The most promising of these treatments, ranibizumab (Lucentis), is the 1st drug tested that has shown significant improvement in visual acuity in multiple phase III trials. Radiation therapy (brachytherapy) and rheopheresis are also being evaluated for wet macular degeneration[4].

Recent studies suggest that statins, a family of drugs used for reducing cholesterol levels, may be effective in prevention of AMD, and in slowing its progression[5].

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study concluded that high levels of antioxidants and zinc can reduce some people's risk of developing advanced AMD by about 25 percent. In 2006 AREDS II is under way to study the effects of Genistein (a derivative in Soyabeans).

You can start off by staying away from prescription drugs, especially if you're looking for a LONG TERM positive effect.

You can then buy a high potency multi-vitamin. Stay away from Centrum and other synthetic vitamins. Stick with whole-food vitamins. I recommend Alive! Whole Food Energezier by Nature's way. It's packed with vitamins, minerals, enzymes, green foods, amino acids...(http://www.vitacost.com/NaturesWayAliveM...

You can also be deficient in a vitamin or mineral, like Zinc or Selenium, which can exacerbate the problem. So make sure you invest in Alive! or a similiar one. But I recommend Alive because it's superior to most out there. And it's very cheap for a 2 month supply! If you're gonna get it, make sure you get the iron-free one to prevent overdosing...

Lutein, which is a chemical found in green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale is known for aiding the eye. So eating lots of green vegetables or investing in a lutein supplement can help as well. Beta-carotene is also good for the eye. So munch on lots of carrots!

Check out webvitamins or vitacost for good prices on these supplements....

My grandmother had the same problem. It was to the point where she needed to have surgery. But she backed out the last minute, and decided to take the natural approach. And she's fine now. Her eyes are steadily improving, and many of the ugly symptoms she's had in the past are gone or almost gone.

Just because you're an elderly doesn't mean you have to suffer eye problems. This is indeed a misconception. Making the right health choices can guarantee you a healthy eye-sight through your lifetime.

You can also check out ginkgo biloba and bilberry. Two popular herbs used to aid eye health.

Lastly, take a look at my sources to engage in some independent research. You can also do some searches to find more information. Good luck, dear...;-)