Advanced Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of preventable blindness in Americans over the age of 60. Caused by either protein deposits or abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye, it is especially debilitating because it afflicts the central vision. This means that the loss of vision happens at the spot where your eyes would normally focus, as opposed to the peripheral vision.
Two nationwide clinical trials looked at whether certain supplements reduced the risk of developing macular degeneration or cataracts: the already completed Age Related Eye Disease Study 1 (AREDS 1) and the nearly completed Age Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS 2).
AREDS1
In 2001, the National Eye Institute (NEI), of the Federal Government’s National Institutes of Health, released the results of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). It was published in the Archives of Ophthalmology.
The AREDS supplementation formula was a high-dose combination of 500 mg vitamin C, 400 IU vitamin E, 15 mg beta-carotene, 80 mg zinc, and 2 mg copper. It lowered the chances of developing macular degeneration by about 25%, but ONLY in patients with moderate to high risk characteristics of macular degeneration (people already diagnosed). Those with low to no risk of macular degeneration did NOT benefit from the AREDS formula. The AREDS formula had no impact on the development of cataracts.
What does it mean to be at high risk for macular degeneration? It refers to those with intermediate AMD in one or both eyes, or those with advanced AMD in one eye already. These patients would benefit from taking the AREDS formula, as it would delay the progression to advanced AMD.
Why did the formula work for people at high risk of developing advanced AMD? It contained antioxidants which are nutrients helpful to the maintenance of healthy cells and tissues. Zinc was also included, and this mineral is a part of many body tissues. In the NEI press release for the study, Frederick Ferris, MD, director of clinical research at the NEI and chairman of the AREDS points out that while "previous studies have suggested that people who have diets rich in green, leafy vegetables have a lower risk of developing AMD… the high levels of nutrients that were evaluated in the AREDS are very difficult to achieve from diet alone.”
There are some precautions to discuss with your doctor if you decide to opt for the AREDS formula. If you are a smoker, beta-carotene may increase your risk of cancer. And if you’re taking high levels of zinc, copper supplementation may also be in order to prevent copper deficiency.
AREDS2
The AREDS2 study began in 2006, finished in 2012, and is expected to publish results in 2013. The findings will help determine the role, if any, that lutein (10 mg), zeaxanthin (2 mg), and omega 3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA, 1 mg) supplementation has in the delayed progression of AMD.
For more information:
Check out the NEI's page of facts about age-related macular degeneration
Check out the NEI's actual press release for the AREDS
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| Normal vision |
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| Same image seen with age-related macular degeneration |
AREDS1
In 2001, the National Eye Institute (NEI), of the Federal Government’s National Institutes of Health, released the results of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). It was published in the Archives of Ophthalmology.
The AREDS supplementation formula was a high-dose combination of 500 mg vitamin C, 400 IU vitamin E, 15 mg beta-carotene, 80 mg zinc, and 2 mg copper. It lowered the chances of developing macular degeneration by about 25%, but ONLY in patients with moderate to high risk characteristics of macular degeneration (people already diagnosed). Those with low to no risk of macular degeneration did NOT benefit from the AREDS formula. The AREDS formula had no impact on the development of cataracts.
What does it mean to be at high risk for macular degeneration? It refers to those with intermediate AMD in one or both eyes, or those with advanced AMD in one eye already. These patients would benefit from taking the AREDS formula, as it would delay the progression to advanced AMD.
Why did the formula work for people at high risk of developing advanced AMD? It contained antioxidants which are nutrients helpful to the maintenance of healthy cells and tissues. Zinc was also included, and this mineral is a part of many body tissues. In the NEI press release for the study, Frederick Ferris, MD, director of clinical research at the NEI and chairman of the AREDS points out that while "previous studies have suggested that people who have diets rich in green, leafy vegetables have a lower risk of developing AMD… the high levels of nutrients that were evaluated in the AREDS are very difficult to achieve from diet alone.”
There are some precautions to discuss with your doctor if you decide to opt for the AREDS formula. If you are a smoker, beta-carotene may increase your risk of cancer. And if you’re taking high levels of zinc, copper supplementation may also be in order to prevent copper deficiency.
AREDS2
The AREDS2 study began in 2006, finished in 2012, and is expected to publish results in 2013. The findings will help determine the role, if any, that lutein (10 mg), zeaxanthin (2 mg), and omega 3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA, 1 mg) supplementation has in the delayed progression of AMD.
For more information:
Check out the NEI's page of facts about age-related macular degeneration
Check out the NEI's actual press release for the AREDS
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