As of 2010, no supplements exist that will reverse macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness. Certain supplements may prevent or slow the development of the most common type of macular degeneration, age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. Dry AMD, the most common type of AMD, occurs when cells in the macula, the central point of vision on the macula, break down. In 15 percent of people, dry AMD turn wet when abnormal blood vessels, which can leak fluid, grow under the macula. Wet AMD causes central vision loss. Always discuss supplement use with your doctor before taking them.
AREDS Formula
The AREDS formula, developed after a six-year study conducted by the National Eye Institute, can reduce the risk of developing wet AMD by about 25 percent in some people. AREDS vitamins will not reverse macular degeneration if you already have it, and also won't prevent macular degeneration if you don't already have it. AREDS benefits people who already have intermediate dry AMD in both eyes or who have advanced dry or wet AMD in one eye. The AREDS formula contains 500 mg of vitamin C, 400 IU of vitamin E, 15 mg of beta-carotene, which may be labeled as 25,000 IU of vitamin A, 80 mg of zinc as zinc oxide, and 2 mg of copper in cupric oxide form. Because high doses of zinc deplete copper, AREDS adds copper to the formula. The copper doesn't benefit your eyes.
Fish Oil
Fish oil supplements may help prevent AMD or reduce the risk of the dry form turning wet, but do not reverse the disease. Omega-3 fatty acids in the form of fish oil are part of the ongoing in 2010 AREDS 2 study. The study of over 4,200 people at multiple centers ends in 2012. Researchers from Tufts University School of Medicine who extrapolated data from the first AREDS study found that patients who consumed omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA had a lower progression rate to advanced AMD, particularly if they ate a diet with a low glycemic index. The glycemic index determines how fast different carbohydrates break down in your body after eating. Fish oil appears to have promise in preventing AMD progression in some people, although the AREDS 2 study will provide more data.
Carotenoids
Carotenoids, pigments that occur in foods, particularly dark leafy green vegetables, may also help prevent AMD progression, according to data obtained in the AREDS study. Two carotenoids -- lutein and zeaxanthin -- are being tested in the ongoing AREDS 2 study. Lutein is also used in an alternate AREDS vitamin formula in place of beta-carotene, which may increase the risk of lung cancer development in current smokers or people who have smoked in the last 10 years.
Caveats
Even the best clinical results to date show only a 25 percent decrease in macular degeneration progression. If you have macular degeneration, do not rely on supplements to treat the disease. Age-related macular degeneration is the main cause of blindness in people over age 60, according to the NEI, and while even medical treatments can't cure the disorder, early treatment does help control its progression and, in some cases, improve vision.
