Macular degeneration is the slow deterioration of the cells in the macula, a tiny yellowish area near the center of the retina where vision is most acute. This deterioration effects central vision, the vision you use for reading, writing, driving and identifying faces. With macular degeneration straight lines become crooked, distinct shapes are blurry, lines become wavy and a fog forms in the center of a person's vision. Peripheral vision is not affected.

There are two types of macular degeneration. Ninety per cent of people with macular degeneration have the dry type, in which small yellow spots called drusen form underneath the macula. The drusen slowly breakdown the cells in the macula, causing distorted vision. In approximately ten per cent of the cases, dry macular degeneration can progress to the second more severe type called wet macular degeneration.

In the wet type abnormal blood vessels begin to grow toward the macula. These new blood vessels may leak blood that further deteriorates the macula causing rapid and severe vision loss.

Nutritional Approach
Hundreds of research studies have shown that macular degeneration is a nutritional responsive disease and that therapeutic doses of the following supplements not only reduce the risk of macular degeneration, but also may improve vision in people who already have the disease. The most important nutrients are lutein, zeaxanthin, taurine, omega 3 fatty acids, bilberry, grape seed extract and zinc.

Herbal Treatment
Preserve Vistas Pill (Zhu Jing Wan)- tonifies and nourishes the liver and kidneys enriches the yin and improves vision
Augment the Qi and Increase Acuity Decoction (Yi Qi Cong Ming Tang)- strengthens and raises the middle Qi and increases visual acuity
Restore the Spleen Decoction (Gui Pi Tang)- increases the Qi, tonifies the blood, strengthens the spleen, nourishes the heart and helps the spleen control the blood.
General Points for Macular Degeneration

BL1, BL2, GB 1, ST 1, GB 20, GB 37, KI 3, LI 4, LV3, SP 6, ST 36, Tai Yang, Qui Hou

Micro current stimulation
Research studies have shown that the use of a home based micro current stimulation device has been shown to be a very effective adjunct to a comprehensive program for the treatment of macular degeneration.

Oriental Medicine Approach
In TCM, theory senile macular degeneration is due to blood deficiency and Qi deficiency. In TCM the liver is the blood storing organ. Blood deficiency of the liver will lead to malnutrition of the eye.

Therefore, the therapeutic principles are to replenish the liver and kidney, to promote circulation and to resolve the presence of phlegm and dampness that can block the circulation in the eyes. The circulation in the eyes is controlled by the spleen/stomach organs.