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ü  Our pharmaceutical blends were specifically formulated for individuals who are at high risk for developing Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) or have already been diagnosed with ARMD.

ü  Contains AREDS ingredients and is a balanced complete multivitamin.  No need for additional daily vitamin supplement.

ü  Offers powerful antioxidant nutrients that medical research has shown to support macular health. 

ü  15 mg of the highest quality Lutein, FloraGLO Lutein.

ü  Contains Advanced EyeShield®, our proprietary blend of Zeaxantin, Bilberry, CoQ-10 and other powerful antioxidants.

ü  Vitamin A (as Beta Carotene) 18,000 IU – Excluded in Macular Shield - S®          

Known as the ultimate eye vitamin, Vitamin A is absolutely essential for eye and vision health. In our bodies, vitamin A is required by the retina for its proper functions - in fact, one of the two sources of dietary vitamin A goes by the name "retinoids." Vitamin A is necessary for the production of rhodopsin, the visual pigment used in low light levels. One of the causes of night blindness is vitamin A deficiency; supplements of that vitamin are often recommended for those with poor night vision.  Vitamin A also helps your eyes adjust to light changes, moistens the eyes, which can enhance visual acuity.  It has been shown to prevent the formation of cataracts and has also been shown to help prevent blindness from macular degeneration.

ü  Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid) 500mg                                                                                              

Vitamin C's importance as an antioxidant cannot be overstated. Vitamin C has been linked to the delay of macular degeneration, the prevention of cataracts (one study has shown that taking 300 to 600 mg supplemental vitamin C reduced cataract risk by 70 percent), and eye pressure reduction in glaucoma patients. Humans do not have that ability to store this vitamin in our bodies for very long, so it needs to be constantly replenished to obtain its benefits.

ü  Vitamin E (as d-alpha Tocopherol) 400 IU                                                                                   

Because of its antioxidant action, vitamin E helps protect against cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. A clinical study has showed that taking vitamin E can cut the risk of developing cataracts in half. Another study also showed that the combination of vitamins C and E had a protective effect against UV rays. Symptoms of vitamin E deficiency include abnormal eye movements, and impaired vision. Uveitis, an inflammation of the middle layer (uvea) of the eye, is another disorder for which the antioxidant vitamins C and E may be helpful. The uvea contains many of the blood vessels that nourish the eye; inflammation of this area can affect the cornea, the retina, the sclera, and other important parts of the eye.

ü  Zinc (as Zinc Oxide) 80 mg                                                                                                      

 The retina and choroid contain the highest concentrations of zinc of any tissue in the human body. Zinc plays an important role in eye health, and recent investigations have demonstrated a causal link between zinc status and age-related macular degeneration.  Zinc's role in alleviating macular degeneration has been thoroughly studied. Its deficiency causes deterioration of the macula.

ü  Copper (as Cupric Oxide) 2 mg                                                                                                      

 Since the function of the blood is to carry oxygen and other nutrients, poor circulation causes decreased oxygen delivery - and subsequent damage - to tissues in different parts of the body; some of the most sensitive tissues to decreased blood flow and oxygen delivery include the brain, the heart, the kidneys, and the eyes. Over time, vision loss can occur. Copper is essential for life, which means that the human body must have copper to stay healthy. Copper is necessary for the growth, development, and maintenance of bone, connective tissue, brain, heart, and many other body organs. It is involved in the formation of red blood cells, the absorption and utilization of iron, and the synthesis and release of life-sustaining proteins and enzymes. These enzymes in turn produce cellular energy and regulate nerve transmission, blood clotting, and oxygen transport. Copper stimulates the immune system to fight infections, repair injured tissues, and promote healing. Copper also helps to neutralize "free-radicals" which can cause severe damage to cells. Copper is involved in the functioning of the nervous system, in maintaining the balance of other useful metals in the body such as zinc and molybdenum, and possibly other body functions. Copper is a natural ingredient in many foods. If you're supplementing with zinc, it's especially important to take copper; zinc interferes with your body's ability to absorb copper.

ü  Vitamin B-6 (As Pyridoxine HCI) 10 mg                                                                                     

Research has shown a strong connection between age related macular degeneration and taking eye supplements.  It appears that vitamins B6 and B12 together with folic acid, can reduce the risk of AMD in women.

ü  Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) 200 IU                                                                                                

 Studies indicate that Americans whose blood levels of vitamin D ranked in the top one-fifth were 36 percent less likely to develop “dry” (early stage) AMD, compared with those who ingested the least vitamin D. Vitamin D supplements reduced risk of early, dry AMD in people who did not consume milk daily, which confirms that vitamin D is indeed the eye-health factor common to milk and fish.  Omega-3s reduce the risk of both forms of AMD – dry and wet – but excel at stopping the wet form. In complementary fashion, vitamin D seems to specialize at deterring the early, dry form.

ü  Advanced EyeShield Antioxidant Complex® 106 mg

o    Citrus Bioflavonoids, Lutien (FloraGLO®), Bilberry, Zeaxanthin, CoQ-10

ü  Citrus Bioflavonoid                                                                                                                     

 Citrus flavonoids, found in bilberry, purple cabbage, and grapes, possibly protect the eyes from developing cataracts.

ü  Lutein (FloraGlo)                                                                                                                     

 Lutein, found in our retinas, is essential for healthy vision. Lutein and a related dietary carotenoid, zeaxanthin accumulate within the retina and imbue a yellow pigment that helps protect the eye. It lowers the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration (low lutein intake is implicated as a risk factor in age-related macular degeneration), and may also help to prevent or slow down atherosclerosis.

ü  Bilberry                                                                                                                                         

 Bilberry is thought to improve night vision. A close relative of the cranberry, bilberry is high in a certain type of bioflavonoid that speeds the regeneration of rhodopsin, the purple pigment used by the eyes' rods. Flavonoids are plant pigments that have excellent antioxidant properties; they have been shown to help prevent a number of long-term illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss and legal blindness in Americans age 65 or older.

ü  Zeaxanthin                                                                                                                                    

 This naturally derived ingredient must be one of the most exciting things that has ever happened in the world of anti-aging supplementation and nutrition to fight the signs of aging. It belongs to the family of carotenoids and is known to all of us - as the pink color of salmon. Astaxanthin is related to the carotenoid family such as lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and lycopene, but that is where the similarity ends. Its chemical structure allows it to uniquely span and protect cell membranes and other similar structures against lipid attack by quickly neutralizing reactive oxygen species (a.k.a free radicals). Research has established that dietary zeaxanthin plays an essential role in protecting the retina of the eye from the damaging effects of light.

ü  CoQ-10                                                                                                                                         

  This nutrient has been studied in the context of age-related macular degeneration. The effects of coenzyme Q10 combined with acetyl-L-carnitine and omega-3 fatty acids, researchers found that the nutrient mix improved and stabilized visual functions in patients with early age-related macular degeneration.

ü  Niacin (as Niacinamind) 20 mg                                                                                                      

Niacin is shown to produce retinal arterial vasoldialation.  A report investigated the effect of Niacin on retinal vasculature of patiens with Age Related Macular Degeneration.  The preferential arterial effect of Niacin suggests the possibility of the synergistic use of Niacin with Nitrates to increase the caliber of both retinal veins and arteries.  Because one of the main causes of visual impairment is ischemic oscualr vascular disease there is much interest in vasodialating compounds.

ü  Selenium (from Amino Acid Chelate) 70 mcg                                                                           

Selenium is a trace mineral that is essential to good health but required only in small amounts. Selenium is incorporated into proteins to make selenoproteins, which are important antioxidant enzymes. The antioxidant properties of selenoproteins help prevent cellular damage from free radicals. Free radicals are natural by-products of oxygen metabolism that may contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Other selenoproteins help regulate thyroid function and play a role in the immune system.  Selenium is a trace mineral that our bodies need to boost immunity and fight off infections. It can also help prevent cataracts and macular degeneration by acting as an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals that can damage the eye's lens and macula; studies have identified low selenium levels in cataract sufferers.

ü  Folate (Folic Acid) 400 mcg                                                                                                         

Folic acid, another of the B vitamins, prevents anemia, is important for new cell growth, and is vital in the early months of fetal development (a deficiency has been linked to spina bifida). Experts have found that some patients with visual problems improve when folic acid is added to their diet. It is easy to get enough folic acid if you eat a lot of raw green, leafy vegetables and fresh, ripe raw fruits. Folic acid is also present in liver, eggs, asparagus, bean sprouts, garbanzo beans, whole wheat, and salmon. Cooking destroys folic acid.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration affects an area of the eye called the macula, which is the part of the retina responsible for central vision.  Central vision is essential for most basic tasks like reading, driving, recognizing people, etc.  Thus, although macular degeneration leaves peripheral vision un-impaired, it can be quite debilitating in its advanced state.

The disease exists in two forms, dry and wet.  Dry macular degeneration is by far the most common (roughly 90% of all cases).  However, it is the milder of the two forms, develops gradually, and usually leads to only minor vision loss.  Dry macular degeneration tends to occur when yellow fatty particles called drusen accumulate in the retina underneath the macula.  This build-up results in thinning and atrophy of the macular cells.

Wet macular degeneration is less common, but the vast majority of severe vision loss cases result from this form.  First, abnormal blood vessels form underneath the surface of the retina.  Leakage of blood and other fluids from these blood vessels permanently damage the outside cells (which detect incoming light).  As these cells are damaged, vision is lost.

The primary cause of macular degeneration remains unknown.  Macular degeneration typically occurs more frequently in the aging population with patients over 60.  Research has shown there are many other factors such as family history, smoking, hypertension, obesity, high cholesterol, and high fat diet that may contribute towards the development of macular degeneration.

Macular degeneration symptoms may include:

• Shadows, blurriness, or holes in the center of vision.
• Straight lines appear wavy.
• Trouble seeing details both up close and at a distance.
• Difficulty telling colors apart, especially ones close in hue.
• Vision can be slow to come back after bright light exposure.

Treatment for dry macular degeneration:

Unfortunately, there is no treatment for the dry form of macular degeneration.  Those at high risk should schedule a checkup with their eye care professional at least once every year.  Also, it is has been shown in medical studies by the National Eye institute that specific dietary supplementation of antioxidants and zinc may help to slow its development in some patients.

There is also no cure for wet macular degeneration.  There are, however, several treatments designed to combat the disease.  Early detection is very important because in some cases the treatments can recover vision in the early stages. 

Treatments for wet macular degeneration:

• Laser photocoagulation:  Seals abnormal blood vessels with a heated laser.  This treatment will sometimes halt the disease, thus saving the remaining vision of a patient.  The treatment is only applicable to a small segment of cases, in which some vision is sacrificed to save remaining vision.

• Photodynamic therapy:  Employs a light-activated drug and a “cold” laser.  The medicine is first injected intravenously.  Then the doctor shines the laser on the affected area, which activates the drug in the targeted tissue and blocks the specific leaking blood vessels. 

• Anti-angiogenesis drugs:  These inhibit proteins which contribute to abnormal blood vessel growth.  They are known as anti-VEGF (anti-vascular endothelial growth factor) drugs.  There are a variety of drugs that can be applicable for this purpose, some FDA approved, and some off-label (officially approved for a different application).  Many patients will see some recovery of vision if they are treated when the vision loss first occurs.

Age-Related Eye Disease Study--Results

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) is a major clinical trial sponsored by the National Eye Institute, one of the Federal government's National Institutes of Health.

The AREDS was designed to:

·         Learn more about the natural history and risk factors of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and cataract

·         Evaluate the effect of high doses of antioxidants and zinc on the progression of ARMD and cataract

Results from the AREDS showed that high levels of antioxidants and zinc significantly reduce the risk of ARMD and its associated vision loss.