Macular degeneration is a common eye condition that affects the central part of the retina, called the macula. It is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 50 years old.

While there is no cure for macular degeneration, there are several medications that can help slow down the progression of the disease or prevent it from worsening. Here are 10 popular macular degeneration prevention medications:.

1. Lucentis (ranibizumab)

Lucentis is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of wet macular degeneration. It works by inhibiting a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to reduce swelling and leakage in the retina.

By doing so, it can help slow down vision loss and sometimes even improve vision. Lucentis is usually administered through regular injections into the eye.

2. Avastin (bevacizumab)

Although not specifically approved for macular degeneration, Avastin is often used off-label as a cost-effective alternative to Lucentis. It also works by blocking VEGF and has shown similar efficacy in preventing the progression of the disease.

Avastin is also administered via eye injections.

3. Eylea (aflibercept)

Eylea is another FDA-approved medication for the treatment of wet macular degeneration. It acts similarly to Lucentis and Avastin by blocking VEGF. However, it has a longer duration of action, requiring less frequent injections.

Eylea injections can be effective in maintaining or improving vision in many patients.

4. MacuShield

MacuShield is a dietary supplement that contains a combination of antioxidants, including lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin.

These antioxidants are found naturally in the macular pigment of the eye and are believed to play a vital role in protecting the macula from damage caused by free radicals and harmful blue light. MacuShield can be taken in pill form as a daily supplement.

5. Ocuvite

Ocuvite is another popular dietary supplement used for macular degeneration prevention. It contains a blend of vitamins C and E, zinc, copper, and lutein.

These nutrients are believed to support overall eye health and protect the macula from oxidative stress. Ocuvite is available in various formulations, including soft gels, tablets, and eye vitamin formulas.

6. PreserVision

PreserVision is a widely recognized brand of eye vitamins recommended for individuals with early-stage macular degeneration. It contains a high concentration of antioxidants, specifically formulated to support macular health.

PreserVision is available in different versions, such as AREDS and AREDS2 formulas, which are based on clinical studies evaluating the effects of specific nutrients on macular degeneration.

7. Centrum Silver

Centrum Silver is a multivitamin supplement that contains a mix of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, and copper.

While not specifically targeted for macular degeneration, these nutrients are known to support overall eye health and can be beneficial in preventing the progression of the disease.

8. VisiVite AREDS2 Gold

VisiVite AREDS2 Gold is an eye health supplement specifically formulated to match the latest AREDS2 study findings. This study identified specific micronutrients that can help reduce the risk of macular degeneration progression.

The VisiVite AREDS2 Gold formula contains natural-source vitamin E, zinc, and other key antioxidants relevant to macular health.

9. Bausch + Lomb PreserVision AREDS 2

Bausch + Lomb PreserVision AREDS 2 is another eye health supplement designed to support macular degeneration prevention.

It is based on the AREDS2 study, which found that a specific combination of nutrients reduced the risk of progression in certain individuals with macular degeneration. This formula includes vitamins C and E, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin.

10. TheraTears Nutrition

TheraTears Nutrition is a supplement that focuses on dry eye relief and overall eye health. However, it contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to have potential benefits for macular degeneration prevention.

Omega-3s are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and can contribute to the overall health of the retina.