Dr. Maria Dzharova
Dr. Maria Dzharova is a specialist ophthalmologist with over 15 years of experience and numerous qualifications. She is a member of the Bulgarian Medical Association, the Bulgarian Society of Ophthalmology, and the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. She provides medical consultations and treatment for eye diseases of the retina and optic nerve, cataracts, dry eye, and others. Her professional interests lie in cataract surgery, retinal diseases: diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, peripheral retinal degenerations, glaucoma, and plastic surgery of the eyelids. Currently, Dr. Dzharova practices at "Specter" Eye Centre in Pazardzhik and is part of the specialist team at "St. Luke" Eye Centre in Plovdiv. She performs surgical procedures at "Gift" Medical Centre in Plovdiv. She is fluent in English and Spanish.
Maria is 62 years old and has always loved to read. Every evening she falls asleep with a book in her hand, and her favourite weekend activity is looking through photo albums of her grandchildren. But a few years ago, she noticed something alarming – the letters started to blur, sometimes even to ‘move’, the faces in the photos were no longer as clear, and the colors seemed paler. “My eyes started to tire quickly, and straight lines became broken and jagged,” she shares. After an examination, it turned out that Maria suffers from age-related macular degeneration – a disease in which central vision gradually deteriorates due to oxidative stress and inflammation in the macula.
Our modern lifestyle constantly strains our eyes. Hours spent in front of computers and phones, LED lighting in homes and offices, less time spent in nature, and a diet poor in antioxidants create conditions for constant retinal tension. This leads to excessive formation of free radicals and inflammatory processes that damage the photoreceptors in the central retina. All of this accelerates degenerative changes and gradually diminishes the clarity of central vision.
Blue light, emitted not only by the sun but also by the screens we use every day, is particularly harmful to the eyes. Its high-energy rays penetrate deep into the retina and intensify oxidative damage and tissue destruction in the macula.
The macular pigment, which contains a combination of three carotenoids: lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin, acts as a natural shield against them. These are located precisely in the centre of the macula, the area of clearest vision. When this pigment is sufficiently dense, it can absorb up to 90% of blue light, thereby protecting the visual cells from damage. Furthermore, macular pigments are among the most powerful antioxidants and prevent the formation of free radicals in quantities that could damage retinal tissues.
Science confirms the high effectiveness of MACUSHIELD. In the CREST study, conducted by Nolan et al., participants who took the triple combination of lutein, meso-zeaxanthin, and zeaxanthin for 12 months showed a significant improvement in contrast sensitivity. Moreover, the results achieved were better compared to products that do not contain meso-zeaxanthin. Another study, conducted by Crosby-Nwaobi and colleagues, proves that taking MACUSHIELD leads to an increase in macular pigment density – a natural defense against harmful blue light. In addition, an analysis by Phelan, Prado-Cabrero, and Nolan shows that MACUSHIELD is among the most stable commercial products, ensuring that patients receive a truly
effective dose of active substances. This is due to the fact that MACUSHIELD’s ingredients are uniquely in an oil solution, which protects the carotenoids in the capsule and guarantees maximum effect. Another publication highlights that the MACUSHIELD formula is more effective and safer than others on the market.
What makes MACUSHIELD different from other products on the market?
It is the only one that contains the three macular caroten-oids – lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin–supplemented with vitamin B2, which also contributes to the maintenance of normal vision. This combination provides powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, strengthens the retina’s natural shield, and has been proven to improve objective visual parameters. The fact that the ingredients maintain their stability over time guarantees a real and lasting effect.
Maria’s story is the story of many people who feel their vision weakening with age. But science gives us hope. Regular intake of MACUSHIELD increases the macula’s natural defense, reduces the impact of blue light, and improves vision. MACUSHIELD doesn’t promise miracles in a day or two, but it offers something important – the ability to continue seeing clearly the books, colors, and faces of the people we love. We perceive two-thirds of the world around us through our vision. Let’s not forget this and take care of our eyes.
