Although the exact causes of macular degeneration are not understood, there is some evidence that vitamins and minerals may play a preventive role. Macular degeneration is damage or breakdown of the macula, the small part of the retina responsible for central vision. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of severe visual loss in people over 65. Zinc, one of the most common minerals in our body, is very concentrated in the eye, particularly in the retina and macula. Zinc is necessary for the action of over 100 enzymes, including chemical reactions in the retina.
Studies show some older people have low levels of zinc in their blood.
Because zinc is important for the health of the macula, some think that supplements of zinc in the diet may slow down the process of macular degeneration. Scientific studies are not complete and there is no agreement concerning the value of zinc supplements. It is possible that too much zinc may interfere with other trace minerals such as copper. Normal chemical reactions from light in the eye activate oxygen that may cause macular damage. Some vitamins function as antioxidants that work against this activated oxygen.