Advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration

A formulation of oral vitamins and minerals has been found to help reduce the risk of severe age-related macular degeneration by 25%. A new study examined whether including two additional supplements to the current formulation further reduced the risk of progression to advanced macular degeneration. “In 2001 we established a formula, which consists of Vitamin C, E, beta carotene, zinc and copper.”  Dr. Emily Chew from the National Eye Institute and co-authors conducted a randomized clinical trial.  More than 4,200 patients at risk for macular degeneration were given the original formula and randomized to receive additional supplements, lutein and zeaxanthin, omega 3 fish oil, a combination of both, or a placebo.  The combination of lutein and fish oil did not further reduce progression to advanced age-related macular degeneration but it did have some beneficial effects. “It reduced the risk of adverse effects of lung cancer in patients who were former smokers and former smokers make up half of the population of patients with macular degeneration.” The study appears in the Journal of the American Medical Association.