One of leading cause
of blindness in developed world is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a
common eye condition among older adults where macula (the part of the retina at
the back of the eye needed for seeing objects clearly) is gradually destroyed.
The Age-Related Eye Disease
Study (AREDS) had suggested that daily oral supplementation with antioxidant vitamins and zinc
the risk of developing advanced AMD by 25 percent. Again, including zeaxanthin
and lutein (carotenoids) and omega-3-fatty acids, DHA and EPA, are effective in
lowering the threat of development to advanced age-related macular degeneration
(AMD), according to many studies.
A recent study by the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2
(AREDS2) Research Group has, however, shown that the actual risk of AMD does
not decrease with addition of lutein + zeaxanthin and DHA + EPA to the AREDS
formulation (antioxidants + zinc).
The scientists said,
"Oral supplementation with the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS)
formulation (antioxidant vitamins C, E, and beta carotene and zinc) has been
shown to reduce the risk of progression to advanced AMD. Observational data
suggests that increased dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin, omega-3
long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (docosahexaenoic acid [DHA] and
eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA]), or both might further reduce this risk,"
The cases of AMD are
expected to increase to double the previous number in the coming twenty years
in absence of improvised ways of controlling the advancement of macular
Studies in the past
have shown that regular high doses of vitamin E and C, beta carotene and
minerals such as copper and zinc can facilitate the slowing of advanced AMD.
Use of beta carotene
is related with increased risk of pulmonary cancer in smokers. Zinc can have
some associated side effects such as stomach problems.
Scientists at the
National Eye Institute, a part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health
conducted a five year age-related disease study (AREDS) in 2006 to examine the
actual preparation that can treat AMD by adding lutein, adding omega-3-fatty
acids, eliminating zinc and beta carotene.
4,203 volunteers in
the age group of 50 to 85 took part in the study.
The experts noted no
added benefits by simply adding lutein, zeaxanthin or omega-3-fatty acids to
diet. However, on analyzing the volunteers taking AREDS formulation with
zeaxanthin and lutein and no beta carotene, few benefits were noticed.
The researchers said
that the removal of beta carotene or low dose of zinc caused no actual effect
on age-related macular degeneration.
Emily Chew, the deputy
clinical director at the National Eye Institute and the lead researcher stated,
"While zinc is an important component of the AREDS formulation, it is
unclear how much zinc is necessary. Omega-3 fatty acids and beta-carotene
clearly do not reduce the risk of progression to advanced AMD."
The scientist said
that further research is required for 'potential addition in the AREDS
So, if you think that you have macular
degeneration always consult your ophthalmologist about the risks and benefits
of taking supplements. However it is safe to eat plenty of fresh fruits and
vegetables, whole grains, and some fish, poultry, and milk. Flaxseed, walnuts,
soy foods, pumpkin seeds, and canola (rapeseed) oil are good sources of omega-3
fatty acids and so are oily fish such as salmon. Zeaxanthin and lutein are
carotenoids (plant-derived vitamins). Green leafy vegetables are enriched with
carotenoids. Supplements may not be really required if your diet consists of
all these ingredients.