(Credit: otnaydur/Shutterstock)
BETHESDA, Md. — In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have found that a simple daily supplement could help save the eyesight of people with late-stage dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Their new study published in the journal Ophthalmology offers hope to millions of older adults worldwide who are affected by this sight-threatening condition.
What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
AMD is a common eye condition that affects the central part of your vision. It’s like having a blurry or dark spot in the middle of what you’re looking at, making it difficult to read or recognize faces. It can also make it extremely dangerous to drive. The condition typically develops as we age, hence the name “age-related.”
There are two main types of AMD: wet and dry. The dry form is more common and progresses more slowly. In its early and intermediate stages, small yellow deposits called drusen form in the retina — the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. As the disease advances to its late stage, some areas of the retina can start to waste away, creating what doctors call “geographic atrophy.”
Age-related macular degeneration affects the macula, the part of the retina that provides central vision. (Credit: National Institutes of Health)
Dr. Tiarnan Keenan and his team at the NIH’s National Eye Institute (NEI) took a fresh look at data from two large studies known as AREDS and AREDS2. These studies previously revealed that certain vitamin and mineral supplements could slow down AMD’s progression from intermediate to late stages.
Here’s the exciting part: the researchers discovered something new when they reexamined the original eye scans of participants who had already developed late-stage dry AMD.
“We’ve known for a long time that AREDS2 supplements help slow the progression from intermediate to late AMD,” Dr. Keenan says in a media release. “Our analysis shows that taking AREDS2 supplements can also slow disease progression in people with late dry AMD.”
Methodology: How Scientists Discovered This
The research team looked at eye scans from 1,209 eyes of 891 participants in the AREDS2 study and 392 eyes of 318 participants in the original AREDS study. All these people had developed dry AMD.
Using these scans, the researchers calculated where the areas of geographic atrophy were located in each person’s eye and how quickly these areas were growing. They paid special attention to how these dead zones were expanding towards the fovea — the central part of the retina responsible for our sharpest, most detailed vision.
Key Results: What Did The Team Find?
For most people whose geographic atrophy started away from the fovea, taking the supplements slowed down the spread of the dead zones towards the fovea by about 55% over an average of three years.
This is a big deal because it means the supplements could help people maintain their central vision for longer, even after they’ve developed late-stage dry AMD. However, it’s important to note that for those who already had geographic atrophy in their central vision, the supplements didn’t seem to offer much benefit.
Discussion & Takeaways: Breaking Down The Implications
This discovery is significant because it offers a potential way to preserve central vision in people with late-stage dry AMD, a condition for which there are currently few treatment options.
“Our high acuity central vision is essential for tasks like reading and driving. Given that there are few therapeutic options for people with late-stage dry AMD to retain or restore their vision, antioxidant supplementation is a simple step that may slow central vision loss, even for those with late disease,” Dr. Keenan explains.
The supplements in question, known as AREDS2, contain a specific mix of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, and zeaxanthin) along with zinc and copper. These nutrients are thought to protect the eye from damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals and inflammation.
What’s Next?
“We plan to confirm these findings in a dedicated clinical trial in the near future,” Dr. Keenan adds.
This potential breakthrough offers a glimmer of hope for those battling late-stage dry AMD. It suggests that a simple daily supplement could help preserve precious central vision, allowing people to maintain their independence and quality of life for longer.
If you have concerns about your eye health or are considering taking supplements, it’s crucial to consult with your eye care professional. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation and ensure that any supplements you take are appropriate for your needs.
