Condition + Location
Macular Degeneration Treatment in Santa Cruz
10 holistic practitioners in Santa Cruz who can help with Macular Degeneration. Gabriel's evidence-based protocols, matched to local practitioners.
10 Practitioners
3 Treatments
6+ Supplements
Gabriel's Approach to Macular Degeneration
Gabriel focuses on prevention and slowing progression (AMD not curable). For dry AMD: AREDS2 formula (proven to slow progression 25%), diet rich in lutein/zeaxanthin (leafy greens, eggs), omega-3, protect eyes from light (sunglasses, blue light filters), address cardiovascular health, smoking cessat...
Read full protocolRecommended Treatments
Ozone TherapyIV Nutrient TherapyNAD+ IV Therapy
Key Supplements
- AREDS2 Formula (Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2—proven to reduce progression to advanced AMD 25%): Vitamin C 500mg, Vitamin E 400 IU, Zinc 80mg (as zinc oxide), Copper 2mg (to prevent copper deficiency from high zinc), Lutein 10mg, Zeaxanthin 2mg (PreserVision AREDS2 or generic equivalent—take daily if intermediate or advanced AMD, NOT for early AMD or no AMD—doesn't prevent onset, only slows progression)
- Lutein 10-20mg/day + Zeaxanthin 2-4mg/day (carotenoids concentrated in macula—filter blue light, antioxidant, protective, from diet or supplements)
- Omega-3 (DHA) 1000-2000mg/day (retina high in DHA, anti-inflammatory, protective—some studies show benefit, AREDS2 didn't but other evidence positive)
- Astaxanthin 6-12mg/day (potent antioxidant, crosses blood-retina barrier, protects photoreceptors)
- Bilberry Extract 160mg 2x/day (anthocyanins support retinal health, night vision)
- Ginkgo Biloba 120-240mg/day (improves retinal blood flow—some evidence, mixed results)
Key Lab Markers
- Dilated Eye Exam (ophthalmoscopy—visualizes macula, drusen, pigment changes, atrophy)
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT—detailed cross-section of retina, measures retinal thickness, detects fluid—wet AMD)
- Fluorescein Angiography (dye injected, photographs blood vessels—identifies wet AMD, choroidal neovascularization)
- Amsler Grid (home monitoring—patient looks at grid, checks for distortion, missing areas—early sign of wet AMD conversion, should use daily if dry AMD)
Practitioners in Santa Cruz for Macular Degeneration
Sorted by treatment relevance and Practitioner Score
#1
93GPS
Santa Cruz Family Acupuncture
Spring Smith, L.Ac·L.Ac, Diplomate of Oriental Medicine, CA Board licensed, award-winning
5.0(89)
Santa Cruz, CA
Acupuncture
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Contact via website#2
93GPS
Santa Cruz Family Acupuncture
Spring Smith, L.Ac·L.Ac, Diplomate of Oriental Medicine, CA Board licensed, award-winning
5.0(0)
Santa Cruz, CA
Acupuncture
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Contact via website#3
91GPS
Wellness Medical Center
VerifiedDr. Donna Leight, LAc, OMD & Dr. Holly Guzman, LAc, OMD·LAc, OMD (both practitioners), Dr. Guzman is educator and speaker
4.9(76)
Santa Cruz, CA
Acupuncture
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Contact via website#4
91GPS
Wellness Medical Center
VerifiedDr. Donna Leight, LAc, OMD & Dr. Holly Guzman, LAc, OMD·LAc, OMD (both practitioners), Dr. Guzman is educator and speaker
4.9(0)
Santa Cruz, CA
Acupuncture
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Contact via website#5
88GPS
Jessica Powell Acupuncture
Jessica Powell, DAHM, L.Ac·DAHM, L.Ac, Certified National Acupuncture Detox Specialist, 15 years experience
5.0(42)
Santa Cruz, CA
Acupuncture
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Contact via website#6
88GPS
Jessica Powell Acupuncture
Jessica Powell, DAHM, L.Ac·DAHM, L.Ac, Certified National Acupuncture Detox Specialist, 15 years experience
5.0(0)
Santa Cruz, CA
Acupuncture
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Contact via website#7
87GPS
Santa Cruz CORE
Dr. Amberlee Rose, DAOM & Multiple Practitioners·DAOM, L.Ac, multiple licensed practitioners
4.8(58)
Santa Cruz, CA
Acupuncture
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Contact via website#8
87GPS
Santa Cruz CORE
Dr. Amberlee Rose, DAOM & Multiple Practitioners·DAOM, L.Ac, multiple licensed practitioners
4.8(0)
Santa Cruz, CA
Acupuncture
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Contact via website