In 2013, the National Eye Institute (NEI) published the results of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) clinical trial, which was a follow-up to the original AREDS study. The first AREDS study found a 25% reduction in the risk of developing advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) over a five-year period in individuals with intermediate AMD, or advanced AMD in one eye, who take a specific formulation of antioxidant vitamins and minerals.
AREDS2 attempted to improve upon the original formulation and found that individuals taking the original AREDS formula with lutein and zeaxanthin but without beta-carotene (vitamin A) may have a slight reduction in the risk of developing advanced AMD. In addition, the formulation without beta carotene may have a lower risk of developing lung cancer in former smokers.
Recommendations
Although the data from the AREDS 2 clinical trial was not strongly conclusive, it provided enough evidence for us to suggest the following formulation if you have intermediate AMD or advanced AMD in one eye:
Dietary Supplements
- Vitamin C 500 mg
- Vitamin E 400 IU
- Zinc 25 to 80 mg
- Copper 2 mg
- Lutein 10 mg
- Zeaxanthin 2 mg
We do not recommend products containing omega 3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) as they provided no added benefit. Clinical researchers have not studied any other ingredients well enough for us to give recommendations for or against their use.
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that the recommended formulation is beneficial in preventing the development of AMD in those without AMD or slowing progression in those with mild AMD.
The nutrients can be consumed individually or through a combination of commercially available products. Many products do not have the exact doses as our recommendation; however, most are within 20% of the recommendations and probably fine.
Although these ingredients are available without a prescription, please consult your eye care professional before starting this treatment.
For more information
- National Eye Institute website: www.nei.nih.gov/health/maculardegen