DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Today you wrote about wet macular degeneration. I have the dry type. I take PreserVision with lutein tablets twice a day. I hear lutein is very good for my eyes, and I would like to take more than the 10 mg a day that I get in my tablets. I don’t know how much is safe. My doctor said he didn’t know. Will macular degeneration leave me completely blind? How long will it be before I cannot see anymore? — C.B.

ANSWER: The macula is a small, round area in the center of the retina, the layer at the back of the eye that transmits incoming images to the brain so we can see. The macula is essential for clear, central vision, the kind needed to read, to drive and to recognize faces. Off-to-the-side vision remains. You won’t go completely blind. Furthermore, dry macular degeneration most often advances gradually. It’s the more common variety, accounting for 90 percent of cases. It can stay at its present level for years, even for life. Wet macular degeneration comes about from the growth of blood vessels beneath the retina. Those vessels are fragile and leak fluid. It tends to advance more rapidly.

Currently no cure exists for dry macular degeneration. A combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene (or vitamin A), zinc and copper appears to slow moderate macular degeneration’s progression to a more advanced stage. Your PreserVision is one such preparation.

Lutein is a plant product that might aid in delaying the advance of dry macular degeneration. At this very moment, a large study is taking place to ascertain the place of lutein in the treatment of this common eye condition. The amount of lutein being tested in the study is 10 mg a day. Lutein appears to be a very safe substance, but I would stick with the 10 mg dose until the present study defines lutein’s place and its optimum dose.

The booklet on macular degeneration explains this prevalent eye problem in great detail. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue — No. 701, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Can. with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: As a result of my annual physical it was determined I had low thyroid hormone production. I told my doctor that I was tired a lot and cannot get rid of some weight around my waist, which has depressed me. The doctor says not to worry and wants me to have another test in two or three months. I’m not sure what the thyroid does, but I am worried and don’t want to wait three months. Is there any diet I should be on? Can drugs control thyroid conditions? — P.W.

ANSWER: I understand your desire to be free of symptoms as quickly as possible. Waiting two or three months for another check of your thyroid hormone production, however, is worth the wait. Launching into a program that involves taking medicine might not be called for without compelling evidence for the need of that medicine.

Thyroid hormone from the thyroid gland in the neck keeps cell activity operating at optimum speed. Too little brings on lethargy, constipation, weight gain, dry skin and many other problems. The missing hormone can be supplied in pill form. The pill is a replica of the hormone you naturally make. Side effects are usually quite few, if any. No food can substitute for the missing hormone.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Treatment for TB is supposed to bring an “inactive” status. When reporting my treated TB, do I refer to it as “inactive”? I have been inactive since the 1950s. My doctors say I do not need to be monitored unless symptoms return. Is that the current medical view? — R.S.

ANSWER: Once TB has been treated successfully as demonstrated by lab tests of the sputum, further testing isn’t necessary. The best designation for your past illness is “successfully treated TB.”

If you know, you can include what treatment you were given and mention the length of treatment. Then you don’t need to provide other information unless it is specifically asked for.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Readers may also order health newsletters from www.rbmamall.com.

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