Daily Supplement May Slow Progression

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

Understanding Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disorder that can lead to blindness, affecting millions of Americans. It is a leading cause of legal blindness in the United States and is characterized by the presence of large yellow protein deposits under the retina, known as drusen. These deposits damage the macula, a small but important area at the back of the eye that allows your eyes to precisely focus on objects in front of you.

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The Importance of Finding a Treatment

There is currently no cure for AMD, and current pharmaceutical options can be cumbersome and expensive. However, recent studies have shown that a widely available formulation of antioxidant supplements may help slow the progression of the disease, even in its advanced stage known as geographic atrophy.

The Benefits of Antioxidant Supplements

In an article published in the journal Ophthalmology, researchers from the National Eye Institute found that antioxidant supplementation slowed progression by as much as 55% over three years compared to a placebo. The supplements are part of a formulation known as AREDS2, which includes vitamin A, vitamin C, copper, zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin. The original studies found that taking this combination of supplements reduced the risk of progression from intermediate to advanced AMD by one-fourth.

The Role of Antioxidants

Antioxidants are substances that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause harm to the body. In the case of AMD, antioxidants may help protect the macula from damage caused by drusen and slow the progression of the disease.

The Importance of Geographic Atrophy

Geographic atrophy is the most extreme form of dry AMD and is characterized by the presence of dead pixels in the retina. It is a condition where the area of dead pixels grows in a concentric manner, causing permanent loss of vision. The new study found that the antioxidant supplements were effective in slowing the progression of geographic atrophy, reducing disease progression by 55% over three years compared to a placebo.

Conclusion

Dry age-related macular degeneration is a serious eye disorder that can lead to blindness, and there is currently no cure. However, recent studies have shown that a widely available formulation of antioxidant supplements may help slow the progression of the disease, even in its advanced stage known as geographic atrophy. These supplements are part of a formulation known as AREDS2, which includes vitamin A, vitamin C, copper, zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin. While there is currently no treatment for wet AMD, a less common but more severe form of AMD, the antioxidant supplements may be beneficial for individuals with dry AMD.

FAQs

Q: What is dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?
A: Dry AMD is an eye disorder that can lead to blindness, affecting millions of Americans. It is characterized by the presence of large yellow protein deposits under the retina, known as drusen.

Q: What is geographic atrophy?
A: Geographic atrophy is the most extreme form of dry AMD and is characterized by the presence of dead pixels in the retina. It is a condition where the area of dead pixels grows in a concentric manner, causing permanent loss of vision.

Q: What is the AREDS2 supplement formulation?
A: The AREDS2 supplement formulation is a combination of antioxidants that includes vitamin A, vitamin C, copper, zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin. It has been shown to slow the progression of dry AMD, even in its advanced stage known as geographic atrophy.

Q: Are there any treatment options for wet AMD?
A: There are currently no treatment options for wet AMD, a less common but more severe form of AMD. However, the antioxidant supplements may be beneficial for individuals with dry AMD.

Q: What is the recommended dosage of the AREDS2 supplements?
A: The recommended dosage of the AREDS2 supplements is not yet established, and individuals should consult with a healthcare professional before taking the supplements.

Q: Can the AREDS2 supplements prevent AMD?
A: The AREDS2 supplements have been shown to slow the progression of dry AMD, but they have not been proven to prevent the disease.