HealthlineDaily Supplements May Slow ‘Dry’ Form of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Antioxidant Supplements Show Promise in Slowing Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration Progression

A recent study published in Ophthalmology reveals that a specific formulation of over-the-counter antioxidant supplements may significantly slow the progression of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), even in its advanced stage known as geographic atrophy. This finding offers new hope for millions of Americans affected by this common eye disorder, which can lead to vision loss and legal blindness in older adults.

Key Points:

• Dry AMD affects nearly 20 million Americans aged 40 and older, with less than 1% having a vision-threatening form.
• The study analyzed data from the AREDS and AREDS2 clinical trials, focusing on six key supplements: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Copper, Zinc, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin.
• Over a three-year period, individuals with geographic atrophy who took the antioxidant supplements showed 55% less disease progression compared to those on placebo.
• The AREDS2 formulation reduced progression from 73.2 microns to 39.8 microns in eyes with geographic atrophy.
• The supplements appear to be effective only for dry AMD, not wet AMD.
• Dry AMD accounts for about 90% of all AMD cases, while wet AMD represents the remaining 10%.
• There is currently no treatment to reverse damage from dry AMD.
• The antioxidant formulation offers advantages of a large treatment effect, excellent safety profile, ease of use, and low cost.
• A healthy Mediterranean-type diet and avoiding smoking are also associated with slower atrophy growth rates.
• Geographic atrophy affects approximately 5 million people worldwide.

“These findings are very significant as geographic atrophy affects approximately 5 million people worldwide and, up until recently, we had no treatments to prevent geographic atrophy occurring, slow its expansion, or restore vision to affected areas. The oral supplements have the advantages of a large treatment effect, excellent safety profile, ease of use, and low cost.”
– Tiarnan D. L. Keenan, BM BCh, PhD, Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications at the National Institute of Health’s National Eye Institute

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