Using supplements to slow the progression of “dry” age-related macular degeneration into advanced stages

Press release

Tuesday July 16, 2020

A new analysis highlights the benefits of using AREDS2 in AMD.

The macula is the central part of the retina and is affected by age-related macular disease.NEI

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Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have found that taking a daily antioxidant supplement containing vitamins and minerals can slow the progression of advanced age-related dry maculopathy (AMD). This could help people with advanced disease preserve their central vision. Researchers reviewed original analyzes of participants in the Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS and AREDS2) and found that taking an antioxidant supplement slowed the expansion of geographic regions of atrophy toward the central region of the retina. This study was published by the Journal Ophthalmology.

We have known for a very long time that AREDS2 helps slow the progression of late to intermediate AMD. “Our analysis shows that taking AREDS2 can slow disease progression in people with late dry AMD,” said Tiarnan KEENAN, MD Ph.D. of the National Eye Institute of the NIH. These results support the fact that people with late dry AMD continue to use AREDS2 supplementation.

Researchers analyzed retinal scans taken by participants in the AREDS and AREDS2 dry AMD trials (891 participants and 1,210 eyes) to determine the location and rate of expansion of geographic regions of atrophy. The supplements had little effect on those with geographic atrophy in their central vision. The supplements had little benefit for those who suffered from geographic atrophy of their central vision.

Photosensitive cells in the retina develop small deposits called drusen in the early stages of AMD. As the disease progresses, patients may develop vascular leaks (wet AMD) or lose light-sensitive retinal cells (“dry AMD”). Geographic atrophy spreads slowly through affected regions over time. This causes people to gradually lose their central vision.

You can also learn more about the following topics: Original AREDS test Researchers have found that antioxidants, such as vitamin C, zinc, copper, and beta-carotene, can slow the progression of mid- to mid-grade AMD. late stages. Researchers found that a supplement formula containing antioxidants (vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene), as well as zinc and copper, could slow the progression of AMD from intermediate to advanced stages. AREDS2 trials: Researchers found that adding antioxidants such as zeaxanthin and lutein to beta-carotene increased the effectiveness of supplement formulations and reduced some risks. By the time participants developed advanced disease, neither study detected any additional benefit.

The fovea is the area of central vision which has the best acuity. Patients with dry AMD often first present with geographic atrophy outside the foveal area. They only lose central vision when these areas of atrophy expand.

Our high-acuity vision in the central region is crucial for reading, driving, and other tasks. Keenan explained that because people with advanced AMD have few options for restoring or maintaining their vision, taking antioxidant supplements is a simple way to slow central vision loss. We plan to confirm the results of this study in a clinical trial dedicated to these results in the future.

Learn more about AREDS2 and AREDS

Keenan and Elvira Agrón, along with Emily Chew MD, are the authors of this study. Pearse KEANE, MD, of NEI. Amitha D. Domalpally (MD Ph.D.) of the University of Wisconsin Madison and Moorfields Eye Hospital in the United Kingdom. The research was funded by the NEI Intramural Research Program. Funding for the AREDS and AREDS2 studies, under contracts NOI-EY-0-2127, HHS-N-260-2005-00007-C and N01-EY-5-0007, was provided by NEI and the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the National Institute on Aging, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00000145 and NCT00345176 were used to identify AREDS2 and AREDS studies.

The National Institutes of Health: NIH is the medical research agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. It includes 27 institutes and centers. NIH, the National Medical Research Agency, is the primary federal agency that conducts and supports basic, translational, and clinical medical research. It also studies the causes, treatment and cures of common and rare diseases. Visit NIH for more information about its programs. www.nih.gov.

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