By Dr. Gary Goberville
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) is a major clinical trial sponsored by the National Eye Institute, one of the federal government’s National Institutes of Health.
The AREDS was designed to learn more about the natural history and risk factors of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataract and to evaluate the effect of high doses of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene and zinc on the progression of AMD and cataract.
Results from the AREDS showed that high levels of antioxidants and zinc significantly reduce the risk of advanced AMD and its associated vision loss. These same nutrients had no significant effect on the development or progression of cataract.
In May 2013, the NEI completed the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2, which tested several changes to the formulation while trying hard in getting rid of dry eyes. They tried adding omega-3 fatty acids, as well as the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which are in the same family of nutrients as beta-carotene. The researchers also tried substituting lutein and zeaxanthin for beta-carotene, which prior studies had associated with an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers. The study found that while omega-3 fatty acids had no effect on the formulation, lutein and zeaxanthin together appeared to be a safe and effective alternative to beta-carotene.
Studies now show how well certain anti oxidants and nutrients certainly help to limit the progression of macular Degeneration. It is important for those who have early changes in the retina to start taking the right eye vitamins with the correct formula. The question now is how early should we start to take them to possibly prevent macular degeneration.
For any further questions about supplements and eye health feel free to contact Dr Goberville at eyesite vision center.
Come by, stay healthy and have your annual eye exam.
Dr. Gary Goberville, Optometric Physician
Eye Site Vision Center 2344 N. University Dr. Coral?Springs
954-344-3937 • www.EyeSiteVision.com
