Macular Degeneration, Dr. Weyrich's Naturopathic Functional Medicine Notebook

Etiology

Hypothyrodism is often associated with macular degeneration [Starr2005, pg 115].

Some practitioners have noted an association with inflammatory process mediated by homocysteine [Rogers2008, pg 9]. Note that the common diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) increases homocysteine levels [Westphal2003].

References

[Rogers2008] Sherry Rogers. The High Blood Pressure Hoax!. Prestige Pubs; 1st edition (February 2008). Amazon
[Starr2005] Mark Starr. Hypothyroidism Type 2: The Epidemic Columbia, MO: Mark Starr Trust (2005). Amazon

Updated 2011 added: Hashimoto's & Grave's diseases.
[Westphal2003] S Westphal, A Rading, C Luley, J Dierkes. Antihypertensive treatment and homocysteine concentrations. Metabolism. 2003 Mar;52(3):261-3. PMID: 12647260
Cited by [Rogers2008].

Hydrochlorothiazide was found to raise homocysteine levels by 16%. Homocysteine is an independent cardiovascular risk factor, but Dr. Weyrich notes that it is not clear whether the homocysteine is directly harmful to the cardiovascular system, or whether it is a marker of some other process that may be independent of hydrochlorothiazide treatment. Further study is necessary.