Daily Supplement May Slow Progression

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Daily Supplement May Slow Progression of Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Study Finds Antioxidant Formulation Effective in Slowing Disease Progression

Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of legal blindness in the United States, affecting nearly 20 million Americans aged 40 and older. The disease is characterized by the progressive damage to the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision. While there is no cure for AMD, a new study has found that a widely available formulation of antioxidant supplements may slow the progression of the disease, even in its advanced stage.

AREDS2 Supplements May Help Slow Disease Progression

Researchers from the National Eye Institute conducted a post-hoc analysis of two major clinical trials, AREDS and AREDS2, which investigated the link between antioxidant supplementation and dry AMD progression. The original studies found that taking the AREDS2 supplement formulation reduced the risk of progression from intermediate to advanced AMD by one-fourth. However, there was no indication that the supplements would slow progression in individuals whose eyes had already advanced to geographic atrophy, the most extreme form of dry AMD.

Study Results

The researchers found that over a three-year period, the eyes of individuals with geographic atrophy who took antioxidants showed 39.8 microns of disease progression, compared to 73.2 microns in the eyes of those who took a placebo. This represents a 55% reduction in disease progression simply by taking an antioxidant supplement.

Implications

The study’s findings have significant implications for individuals with dry AMD. The AREDS2 supplement formulation is widely available and has a large treatment effect, excellent safety profile, ease of use, and low cost. While there is no treatment to reverse damage from dry AMD, this study suggests that antioxidants may slow the progression of the disease, even in its advanced stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is dry age-related macular degeneration?
A: Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of legal blindness in the United States, affecting nearly 20 million Americans aged 40 and older. It is characterized by the progressive damage to the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision.

Q: What is geographic atrophy?
A: Geographic atrophy is the most extreme form of dry AMD, characterized by the permanent loss of vision in a specific area of the retina.

Q: Can the AREDS2 supplement formulation slow the progression of dry AMD?
A: Yes, the study found that the AREDS2 supplement formulation slowed the progression of dry AMD by 55% over a three-year period, even in individuals with geographic atrophy.

Q: Is the AREDS2 supplement formulation recommended for wet AMD?
A: No, the study’s findings only apply to dry AMD and not wet AMD.

Q: What else can I do to slow the progression of dry AMD?
A: In addition to taking the AREDS2 supplement formulation, a healthy diet (particularly a Mediterranean-type dietary pattern) and avoiding smoking are strongly associated with slower atrophy growth rates.

Q: Is there a cure for dry AMD?
A: No, there is no cure for dry AMD. However, the AREDS2 supplement formulation may slow the progression of the disease.

Conclusion:

Dry age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of legal blindness in the United States, affecting nearly 20 million Americans aged 40 and older. While there is no cure for the disease, a new study has found that a widely available formulation of antioxidant supplements may slow the progression of the disease, even in its advanced stage. The AREDS2 supplement formulation is widely available and has a large treatment effect, excellent safety profile, ease of use, and low cost. By taking this supplement and following a healthy lifestyle, individuals with dry AMD may be able to slow the progression of the disease and preserve their central vision.