AREDS Formula Reduces Risk of Visual Acuity Loss for People with Geographic Atrophy
Research News
Previously, the formula was thought to only reduce risk of early age-related macular degeneration advancing to late-stage disease
A new analysis of data from the National Eye Institute’s (NEI) Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS and AREDS2) has shown that the AREDS nutritional supplements slowed the progression of geographic atrophy (GA), the late-stage of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
GA , which is characterized by the loss of cells critical for retinal health and vision, most often starts outside the fovea, the small central region of the retina that provides the sharpest visual acuity (i.e., the ability to read, recognize faces, and perceive details). At the onset of GA, people frequently maintain good central vision and acuity, because the foveal region is unaffected. However, as the area of GA expands, it eventually encroaches the foveal region leading to significant decline in visual acuity.
For the majority in AREDS and AREDS2 who developed GA far from the fovea, the supplements slowed the rate of GA expansion towards the fovea by approximately 55 percent over an average of three years. In the NEI’s new analysis, the researchers reviewed the original retinal scans of more than 1,200 study participants who developed dry AMD. Results of the study were published in the journal Ophthalmology.
Originally, the AREDS formula was shown to reduce the risk of early AMD progressing to late-stage AMD by 25 percent. AREDS2, an updated formula which is available over-the-counter, is often prescribed by eye doctors for patients with early AMD. The AREDS2 formula contains vitamins C and E, lutein, zinc, and copper. The original AREDS formula, which is no longer prescribed, contained beta carotene instead of lutein.
In a press release, Tiarnan Keenan, M.D., Ph.D., from the NEI and lead author of the new analysis, said “We’ve known for a long time that AREDS2 supplements help slow the progression from intermediate to late AMD. Our analysis shows that taking AREDS2 supplements can also slow disease progression in people with late dry AMD. These findings support the continued use of AREDS2 supplements by people with late dry AMD.”
Patients should always consult a physician when considering a new treatment or change in treatment.
