The National Eye Institute sponsors the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS).
The study showed that AREDS reduced progression from intermediate ARMD to advanced ARMD by ~25% Flaw.
Patients could continue taking multivitamins in addition to the AREDS vitamins if they wanted.
High doses of vitamins can pose risks, such as:
- Higher lung cancer rates in smokers who took high doses of Vitamin A (beta-carotene).
- High dosage interacting with blood thinners, like Coumadin.
- Increased mortality with high doses of vitamin E.
Alternatively: Zinc 80 mg a day with 2 mg of copper (Cupric Oxide) was shown to decrease progression to advanced macular degeneration by ~20% and does not increase the rate of lung cancer in smokers. Other “Vitamins “- Omega 3 fatty acids, Lutein, Zeaxanthin – a second study AREDS II is evaluating these, and results should be forthcoming in ~2014
Lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy weight and a balanced diet has been shown to reduce the risk of developing advanced age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Smoking has been shown in significant ways to increase your chances of getting advanced ARMD.
The Following Vitamins Contain the Same Dosage as the Vitamin Used in the ARED Study:
a. Available in 4 tablets daily or 2 gel caps
b. Cost – 120 tablets ~$20.00, 1 month supply; Gel caps 60 capsules ~$20.00, 1 month supply
a. Available in 4 tablets daily or 2 gel caps
b. Cost – 120 tablets ~$20.00, 1 month supply; Gel caps 60 capsules ~$20.00, 1 month supply
a. Leaves out Vitamin A (beta-carotene) – VisiVite Smoker’s formula is an example.
b. Alternatively, Zinc 80 mg/day combined with 2 mg copper (Cupric Oxide) has been shown to reduce advanced macular degeneration progression by 20% and not increase lung cancer rates in smokers.
AREDS Vitamin Formula
| AREDS Vitamins | |
| C | 500mg |
| E | 400IU |
| Beta-carotene | 15mg (25,000IU) |
| Zinc Oxide | 80 mg |
| Cupric Oxide | 2 mg |
Contact Retina & Vitreous of LA to Examine Your Eye Problems
If you are suffering from an age-related eye disease, contact the specialists at Retina & Vitreous of Louisiana. We can examine your condition and prescribe AREDS vitamins if necessary.