Macular Degeneration (Age-Related Type) (cont.)
How is dry AMD treated?
Once dry AMD reaches the advanced stage, no form of treatment can prevent
vision loss. However, treatment can delay and possibly prevent intermediate AMD
from progressing to the advanced stage, in which vision loss occurs.
The National Eye Institute's Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) found that
taking a specific high-dose formulation of antioxidants and zinc significantly
reduces the risk of advanced AMD and its associated vision loss. Slowing AMD's
progression from the intermediate stage to the advanced stage will save the
vision of many people.
Age-related eye disease study (AREDS)
What is the dosage of the AREDS formulation?
The specific daily amounts of antioxidants and zinc used by the study
researchers were 500 milligrams of vitamin C, 400 International Units of vitamin
E, 15 milligrams of beta-carotene (often labeled as equivalent to 25,000
International Units of vitamin A), 80 milligrams of zinc as zinc oxide, and two
milligrams of copper as cupric oxide. Copper was added to the AREDS formulation
containing zinc to prevent copper deficiency anemia, a condition associated with
high levels of zinc intake.
Who should take the AREDS formulation?
People who are at high risk for developing advanced AMD should consider
taking the formulation. You are at high risk for developing advanced AMD if you
have either:
1. Intermediate AMD in one or both eyes.
OR
2. Advanced AMD (dry or wet) in one eye but not the other eye.
Your eye care professional can tell you if you have AMD, its stage, and your
risk for developing the advanced form.
The AREDS formulation is not a cure for AMD. It will not restore vision
already lost from the disease. However, it may delay the onset of advanced AMD.
It may help people who are at high risk for developing advanced AMD keep their
vision.
Can people with early stage AMD take the AREDS formulation to help prevent
the disease from progressing to the intermediate stage?
There is no apparent need for those diagnosed with early stage AMD to take
the AREDS formulation. The study did not find that the formulation provided a
benefit to those with early stage AMD. If you have early stage AMD, a
comprehensive dilated eye exam every year can help determine if the disease is
progressing. If early stage AMD progresses to the intermediate stage, discuss
taking the formulation with your doctor.
Can diet alone provide the same high levels of antioxidants and zinc as
the AREDS formulation?
No. The high levels of vitamins and minerals are difficult to achieve from
diet alone. However, previous studies have suggested that people who have diets
rich in green leafy vegetables have a lower risk of developing AMD.
Can a daily multivitamin alone provide the same high levels of
antioxidants and zinc as the AREDS formulation?
No. The formulation's levels of antioxidants and zinc are considerably higher
than the amounts in any daily multivitamin.
If you are already taking daily multivitamins and your doctor suggests you
take the high-dose AREDS formulation, be sure to review all your vitamin
supplements with your doctor before you begin. Because multivitamins contain
many important vitamins not found in the AREDS formulation, you may want to take
a multivitamin along with the AREDS formulation. For example, people with
osteoporosis need to be particularly concerned about taking vitamin D, which is
not in the AREDS formulation.
Next: How can I take care of my vision now that I have AMD? »
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