Myth: Everyone with macular degeneration is going to continue losing vision, and there is no effective treatment to avoid this disease.

Fact: You do not have to lose your vision. You can stabilize and possibly improve vision.

Numerous peer review studies continue to confirm that this disease is affected and influenced by diet, nutrition and lifestyle choices. Nutrients to be included in one's diet include:

• Lutein and zeaxanthin - have been shown in studies to be essential in helping prevent such vision loss. Lutein and zeaxanthin filter light, and serve as potent free radical scavengers.

• Taurine - has been shown in studies to reduce the oxidative damage caused by sunlight to the eyes, and stimulates the body's ability to clean up waste by-products that acumulate in the retina.

• Bilberry - improves circulation in the blood vessels of the eye, helps maintain the integrity of capillaries, stabilizes collagen, and stimulates the production of rhodopsin essential for night vision.

• Vinpocetine - improves the utilization of glucose and oxygen in the brain and retina.

• Vitamin C - helps make collagen which strengthens the capillaries that nourish the retina, protects against UV light and is a powerful antioxidant. The eye contains the second highest concentration of vitamin C in the body next to the adrenal glands.

• Essential fatty acids - help improve circulation, integrity of blood vessels, proper brain functioning, flexibility and permeability of cell membranes, and help protect the retina's photoreceptor cells.

• Zinc - has been linked to the onset of macular degeneration when deficient.

Important lifestyle considerations:

1. eating a healthy diet (preferably organic) that consists mostly of vegetables, particularly green leafy vegetables, grains and fruit,
2. careful management of stress through daily meditation, walks in the woods, yoga or tai chi, and
3. wearing sunglasses that provide 100% UVA and UVB protection with a brimmed hat whenever outside in the sun.