MacuHealth® Eye Supplements for Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) are now available in Canada
An early intervention of patients at risk for AMD (Age-related Macular Degeneration) provides a new opportunity to protect vision
Toronto, Ontario (May 28th, 2012) – Eyecare professionals across Canada will now have the opportunity to offer their patients MacuHealth® with LMZ3 – a triple carotenoid supplement designed to support eye health and to help replenish the carotenoids deemed critical for preventing, or potentially slowing or stopping the progression of, Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
MacuHealth is comprised of three carotenoids found in the macula; lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin. Meso-zeaxanthin is the most critical of the three, and it’s found exclusively in the very center of the macula – the area responsible for central vision - whereas zeaxanthin and lutein are found in the outer spheres of the macula. What makes meso-zeaxanthin so important is that it’s quite difficult to get in our Westernized diet. It’s found in the shells of fish, shrimp and turtle, and in the skin of salmon and other foods. It is also derived from lutein in a process that requires a certain enzyme in the body to make that conversion. The trouble is that this particular enzyme is absent in some of the population, so those patients MUST rely on a supplement to replenish diminished stores.
AMD is the leading cause of late onset visual impairment and legal blindness in the Western world among people over the age of 50. According to reports from the Macular Degeneration Association, AMD Alliance International and the Foundation for Fighting Blindness, more people have AMD than breast cancer, prostate cancer, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease combined. Over 15 million people in North America are currently affected by AMD and experts estimate that, as the population ages, the number of those afflicted will double by the year 2020. “We are seeing more and more patients with early signs of AMD,” said Dr. Kerry Salsberg,“and now we have a powerful tool to help us with a comprehensive risk mitigation plan for our patients who may be at risk.”
Seventy-five to eighty percent of all AMD has been traced to genes inherited from family members. “This means that family members of AMD patients need to consider carefully the possibility, and hope of, prevention of this disease by building a protective layer of macular pigment in their eyes long before signs and symptoms of AMD are likely to appear, said Dr. Salsberg."
About Macular Degeneration
AMD is a progressive disease associated with aging that causes damage to the macula - the light-sensitive cells at the center of the retina at the back of the eye. The macula is responsible for our ability to see with enough detail to read, drive, watch television and perform other activities that require focused, straight-ahead vision, as well as providing information that allows us to perceive colors. Once significant vision is lost, it cannot be restored and, if untreated, AMD will ultimately lead to blindness. The disease usually begins in one’s forties or fifties but it might not result in significant vision loss until one is in their 70’s. Symptoms may not be noticeable until damage has already occurred. When the disease progresses, vision loss may occur rapidly in some patients - sometimes in a matter of weeks.
There is no cure for AMD, so early screening is key. There are treatments available, but most of them stabilize vision at best. With later diagnosis, AMD treatments may be less effective, or fewer options may be available. MacuHealth® offers a means of building a protective layer of pigment in the eye… many consider it to be “internal” BluBlockers® for the eye, as macular protective pigment shields the macula from damaging blue light.
“Regular monitoring of high-risk patients is a critical factor enabling early intervention and treatment to delay or arrest the disease. MacuHealth is the supplement of choice in this practice to help reduce risk and preserve vision,” said Dr. Salsberg.
For more information on Macuhealth and AMD please consult www.macuhealth.ca , www. nomoreamd.ca
