Macular Degeneration - Vitamins Are No Cure

There are just a few treatment options availablebeen shown to slow down or improve this retinal
for macular degeneration. More specifically, theredisease.
are only treatments available for the wet form.A second study, AREDS 2, is underway. AREDS 2
There are none for dry macular degeneration.will directly study the value of macular
Vitamins for the Eyes - Despite what you mayxanthophylls (lutein and zeaxanthin) in our diet, the
read on the Internet or hear on the radio,value of omega 3 fatty acids and their role in
vitamins are not helpful for most patients withmacular eye disease, cardiovascular disease and
macular degeneration. Only a small subset ofdementia, and the role of beta-carotene.
"intermediate and high risk" patients with the wetAREDS 2 will be complete in about 5 years.
form can derive a benefit from supplements.To summarize, the AREDS 1 study was the only
The AREDS study (Age Related Eye Diseaseeye study that found evidence that nutritional
Study), an NIH funded study, found that patientssupplements provides some value. The AREDS
with intermediate or high-risk characteristics, had aformulation is indicated only for patients with
decreased chance of severe vision loss if specificmoderate/high risk characteristics of macular
supplements were taken. The study found thatdegeneration and reduces the chance of
the chance of severe vision loss decreased fromdeveloping severe vision loss. It is not a cure, but
28% to 21%. That's all. This became known asa potential treatment. It is not indicated for
the AREDS formulation.everyone.
The AREDS formula contains vitamin C, vitamin E,There have not been any other formal studies
beta-carotene and zinc. Lutein and zeaxanthinindicating the value of any other supplements for
have never been directly studied and neither hasthe eyes.