DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am an 82-year-old woman. My body cannot tolerate antibiotics, vitamins or painkillers. I am told I have macular degeneration and was advised to take Ocuvite once a day. My sister suggested I write to you to see if you have an idea of how to take Ocuvite in some other manner or some other way to get the ingredients in it. Help. — L.M.

ANSWER: In 2001, the results of the first AREDS report (Age-Related Eye Disease Study) was published. It showed that the combination of beta carotene (a form of vitamin A), vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc and copper could slow the progression of moderate macular degeneration to severe macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is a wasting away of the macula — a small, round area of the retina necessary for clear central vision, the kind needed to read, sew and drive. Ocuvite is one capsule that incorporates all these nutrients.

Currently a new study, AREDS 2, is being conducted. The vitamin-mineral combination has been altered a bit and new ingredients have been added: lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids. Some Ocuvite pills also contain these materials.

Since you’re unable to tolerate vitamins, you’ll need to get these nutrients from foods. You might not be able to reach the high levels found in pills, but you’d be getting all the ingredients in those pills.

Beta carotene is found in colored vegetables like carrots and peppers, in dark-green vegetables and in colored fruits. Vitamin E is widely available in many foods: meats, nuts, cereal grains, wheat-germ oil and sunflower oil. You find vitamin C in citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes and broccoli. Zinc is in meats, shellfish, nuts and legumes, like peas. Copper is in shellfish, nuts and organ meats.

The new version of AREDS, not yet published, contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which you can obtain in kale, spinach, collard greens, corn, green beans, carrots, squash and tomatoes. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish like salmon and tuna.

The booklet on macular degeneration explains this common malady and its treatment. To obtain a copy, write: 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: What can I do to get rid of a carbuncle? I have had it for four months. — M.G.

ANSWER: Carbuncles are huge boils that penetrate more deeply than do boils. They have to be opened and drained of the pus within them. Antibiotics generally are prescribed, too.

Often, the antibiotic chosen has to be one that’s effective against MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staph aureus, pronounced “mersa”). MRSA is one of the new supergerms that are touched only by a few, rarely prescribed antibiotics. Carbuncles are found most often on the neck, back, thighs and buttocks. You must have a doctor treat them. You’re not going to meet with success on your own.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Two and a half years ago, my husband was hospitalized. He was given all kinds of tests and finally was diagnosed as having had a seizure.

He was put on Keppra. We noticed that he was becoming disoriented and forgetful. He had more tests. Alzheimer’s was ruled out. Could Keppra be causing this? — J.M.

ANSWER: Keppra is a respected seizure-control medicine. In a few patients, it causes sleepiness and dizziness. In fewer still, it brings on behavior changes like irritability and aggressiveness. Seizure-control medicines can’t be stopped suddenly. They have to be tapered so that the person doesn’t have another seizure. Talk to your husband’s doctor about the possibility of getting your husband off Keppra or switching to a different medicine.

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.