Understanding Macular Degeneration and Sunlight

Clear vision is a key aspect of a healthy life, but even the best sight can be challenged as we get older.

The human eye has numerous components, many of which are commonly known—including the cornea, iris, lens, and retina—but one of the most essential parts of this complex system is the macula. A small but highly specialized area of the retina, the macula is responsible for our detailed central vision.

As we age, the macula in particular can develop issues, leading to diminished eyesight. Surprisingly, one of the main contributors to macular degeneration is something we generally revere: that big shiny orb in the sky we call the sun.

An Introduction to Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Before we get into sunlight’s role, let’s look at what can happen when the macula faces adverse conditions. One of the most common causes of vision loss, especially in older adults, is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). (1)

In its earlier stages, AMD is referred to as age-related maculopathy (ARM) and associated with lower visual acuity and slightly blurred sight. As it progresses, age-related macular degeneration leads to more notably blurry central vision, moving from early ARM to later stages such as geographic atrophy, where vision loss can be substantial, with difficulties making out details or seeing at night.

Age-related macular degeneration, including a form called dry AMD, primarily affects people over age 50, but prevention can start early with UV protection. (2) Identifying the risk factors of age-related macular degeneration is important for prevention and treatment, especially when it comes to sunlight exposure.

AMD Risk Factors

General Risk Factors

Risk factors associated with developing age-related macular degeneration include high blood pressure, smoking, lack of exercise, poor diet, and sun exposure. (3) Genetics is also a leading cause of age-related macular degeneration, with family history of the condition often playing a substantial role. (4)

Light Exposure

While some of these risk factors are harder to control, we’re going to focus on sunlight and light in general since these elements can be easier to manage.

Sunlight contains ultraviolet light (also commonly known as UV light), which is invisible, and blue light, which is visible. Both of these are risk factors for age-related macular degeneration. (5)

The Impact of Light Exposure

The most common forms of light in our everyday lives are the sun and artificial sources such as light bulbs, TVs, and computer screens.

Blue Light Exposure

In our current screen-obsessed culture, blue light is the concerning form of illumination coming from our TVs, computers, and other devices. Excessive blue light exposure from these sources can contribute to retinal damage and macular degeneration. (5)

Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, which support the retina, are especially targeted by damage from blue light exposure. (6) Of visible light, the high-energy blue light spectrum (roughly 400-550 nm) can reach far into the eye and cause retinal damage. (6) And increased risk from blue light is higher in those with low intake of protective antioxidants in their regular diet. (7)

The sun, however, with its immense power, radiates both blue light and ultraviolet light, making it an even bigger threat to our vision.

The Melanin Factor

Melanin, the pigment in our hair and skin, is also present in our eyes and absorbs harmful ultraviolet light and blue light, offering natural protection. (8) Higher levels of melanin provide better protection against damaging light rays, but we lose this important pigment melanin as we age, leaving us more vulnerable to age-related macular degeneration and other eye issues. (9)

Sun Exposure

The UV radiation present in sunlight can have damaging effects on the retinal pigment epithelium, leading to age-related macular degeneration, and long-term exposure to ultraviolet light, including high-energy UVB rays, can further elevate AMD risk, especially in sunny climates. (10)

For those who work outdoors, there’s additional occupational exposure to UV light from solar ultraviolet radiation, once again heightening the issue of age-related macular degeneration, and skin sun sensitivity also becomes a factor. And while cloudy days can seemingly provide slight relief from sunlight exposure, UV radiation can still get through cloud cover, meaning ultraviolet sun radiation is a year-round presence. (11)

Proactive Steps and Protection from Sunlight Exposure

Avoiding direct outdoor sunlight between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., the brightest part of the day, is one way to limit exposure to the sun's most potent rays. (12) But, particularly for those who are active, this method of dodging the sun’s UV light and blue light is far from ideal.

Wearable UV Protection

Despite the prevalence of sunlight in our lives, we can still benefit from adequate UV protection. This includes wearing a hat with a wide brim and UV-blocking sunglasses when outside. (13) These both limit sun exposure, especially for those that are outdoors a lot.

Protection from UV radiation due to sun exposure is crucial for eye health, and people should take proactive steps to reduce their risk of age-related maculopathy, particularly age-related macular degeneration. (14)

The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests wearing sunglasses that block 99-100% of both UVA and UVB rays for significant age-related maculopathy protection. (15)

However, many people find that donning a wide-brimmed hat and sturdy sunglasses isn’t enough. They want eye-health support from within.

Supplement Support for UV Protection

One key way to protect eyesight from the UV light and blue light that contribute to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is nutritional supplementation. (16)

Our top recommendation for a high-quality sight supplement is Performance Lab® Vision.

Vision is an eye support formula designed to encourage optimal long-term sight. Packed with research-backed nutrients, Vision includes the complementary carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, two of the most sight-supportive antioxidants available, along with extracts of bilberry, blackcurrant, and saffron.

Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Their Allies

Lutein and zeaxanthin, often referred to as “internal sunglasses,” are particularly renowned for their neuroprotective effects on the eyes, including a shielding action from UV light and blue light. (17) Complementary nutrients such as bilberry, blackcurrant, and saffron have also undergone several studies on their potential benefits to vision health, with research indicating that their antioxidant components, including anthrocyanins and crocin, may have protective effects as well. (18, 19, 20)

Research and Studies

Early AMD and late AMD have been the subjects of many studies, with prevention and treatment often incorporated into the research. There have been a pair of major Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS and AREDS2), resulting in two recommended nutritional supplement formulas. (21) The most recent formula, AREDS2, prominently features both lutein and zeaxanthin, key components of Performance Lab® Vision.

The Beaver Dam Eye Study

The Beaver Dam Eye Study conducted notable research in Wisconsin with a group of older adults and found that prolonged summertime exposure to sunlight led to an increased risk of developing macular degeneration and pointed to the importance of UV protection. (22)

Journals and Other Studies

Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science (Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.) and other scientific journals have also published studies on macular degeneration and UV exposure, notably the Irish Nun Eye Study (INES), which linked UV light exposure to age-related macular degeneration. (23)

Final Thoughts

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults, and UV exposure from sunlight is a significant risk factor.

Numerous epidemiological studies have looked into the possible associations between sunlight exposure, notably UV radiation, and AMD.

Research has consistently indicated that there is a significant connection between UV exposure from the sun's light and macular degeneration. Luckily, people can take proactive steps to guard their eye health.

Preventive measures, such as sunlight-blocking glasses and adequate UV protection from the sun, even on cloudy days can help decrease the risk of macular degeneration.

An outstanding option for eyesight protection from visible light, especially UV radiation, is the carefully formulated supplement Performance Lab® Vision.