Can AREDS Vitamins Help Treat Macular Degeneration?

There are special vitamins called AREDS or AREDS 2 which are formulated to help treat age-related macular degeneration. The AREDS vitamins contain a specific set of vitamins and minerals which were tested and shown to reduce the risk of additional vision loss in moderate to severe macular degeneration. An eye doctor can recommend whether the AREDS or AREDS 2 vitamins would be of benefit to you based on your individual health and eyes.
 

Vitamins in AREDS

The vitamins within the AREDS formula are vitamin E, vitamin C, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Vitamin E and vitamin C are commonly found in other, non-eye-specific multivitamins but lutein and zeaxanthin are rarely included in these other formulas. Lutein and zeaxanthin are particularly important for eye health as they help to protect the macula from additional damage. 
 

Minerals in AREDS

In addition to the vitamins in the formula, AREDS contains mineral nutrients as well. Copper and zinc are both found in AREDS and AREDS 2 formulas. These minerals act as antioxidants within the entire body, including within the eyes. 
 

Use of AREDS Vitamins

The research study which originally suggested that the AREDS vitamin formula may help manage age-related macular degeneration indicated that there was a significant benefit in select cases of macular degeneration. This study found that those who already had moderate to severe dry macular degeneration were less likely to progress into the wet macular degeneration category when using the AREDS vitamins. The study did not find a statistically significant benefit for anyone without macular degeneration, with only mild macular degeneration, or with wet macular degeneration to use the AREDS vitamins. While there was no statistical benefit to the use of these vitamins, many eye doctors and other health professionals will still advocate for the preventative use of the AREDS vitamins by those with a high risk of developing macular degeneration or with only mild macular degeneration. 
 

Risks for Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is most often diagnosed in the older population, typically individuals over 60. It is also more commonly diagnosed in women than in men although either gender can develop macular degeneration. Caucasians and Native Americans may be at a higher risk than other races for developing age-related macular degeneration. 
 

Signs of Macular Degeneration

The characteristic sign of macular degeneration is the loss of central or straight-ahead vision. This may also present as distortion or blurriness when trying to fixate on a specific task such as reading, sewing, or writing.
 

Treatments for Macular Degeneration

Mild macular degeneration may not have enough visually significant symptoms to warrant any treatment beyond consideration of the AREDS vitamins. Moderate macular degeneration is the ideal case for using AREDS vitamins to preserve the remaining vision and macular health. No other treatment is usually pursued a moderate case of macular degeneration. Severe macular degeneration may still benefit from using the AREDS vitamins but may require other therapeutic treatments such as laser photocoagulation surgery. Wet macular degeneration is the most severe form and will require intensive treatment to restore any possible vision. This can include intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF medications. 

Our eye doctor at The Optical Centre in Longmont, CO excels in the prescription of glasses, contact lenses and the diagnosis of a variety of eye diseases. Call our optometrist at 303-772-6650 or schedule an eye exam appointment online if you would like to learn more about how AREDS vitamines can help macular degeneration. Our eye doctor, Dr. Erica Whitmire provides the highest quality optometry services and eye exams in Longmont, Colorado and its surrounding areas.