AREDS 2

Eye Supplements

This macular degeneration study is a multi-center randomized trial of approximately 4,200 participants.

This study is no longer recruiting new participants but it is ongoing. Enrollment concluded in June 2008 and participants will be followed between five and six years.

Eligibility

1) Men and women between the ages of 50 and 85 years

2) Macular status ranges from large drusen drusen in both eyes or large drusen in one eye and advanced age related macular degeneration (neovascular AMD or geographic atrophy) in the fellow eye

Purpose of the Study

1) Study the effects of high supplemental doses of the dietary xanthophylls ( lutein and zeaxanthin ) and omega -3 (DHA and EPA) on the development of advanced AMD.

2) Study the effects of these supplements on cataract and moderate vision loss (doubling of the visual angle or the loss of 15 or more letters on the ETDRS chart).

3) Study the effects of eliminating beta-carotene in the original AREDS formulation on the development and progression of AMD.

4) Study the effects of reducing zinc in the original AREDS formulation on the development and progression of AMD.

5) Validate the fundus photographic AMD scale developed from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study."

AREDS 2 Ingredients

beta-carotene which was in the original AREDS formulation has been eliminated and

the zinc dosage has been reduced.

One of the purposes of the Age Related Eye Disease Study 2 is to "Study the effects of reducing the zinc supplement in the original AREDS formulation on the development and progression of AMD."

Many nutritionists have expressed concern over the high levels of zinc that were included in the Age Related Eye Disease Study.

There are three interventions:

1) Lutein/zeaxanthin-10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin (1 tablet) Placebo-DHA/EPA (2 soft-gel capsules)

2) DHA/EPA - 350 mg DHA and 650 mg EPA (2 soft-gel capsules) Placebo-lutein/zeaxanthin (1 tablet)

3) Lutein/zeaxanthin-10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanth (1 tablet) DHA-EPA - 350 mg DHA and 650 mg EPA (2 soft-gel capsules)

All participants are offered additional treatment with the original AREDS formulation (now considered standard of care) and 3 variations of this formula. These are:

(1) no beta-carotene;

(2) lower amounts of zinc; and

(3) no beta-carotene and lower amounts of zinc.

Eligible participants are followed for a minimum of five years.

When the study concludes and the results become available I will most definitely post it for you.

Vitamins for Eyes - AREDS 2 Formula

These vitamins for eyes include the same vitamins used in the Age Related Eye Disease Study 2.

Go from AREDS 2 to Vitamins for Macular Degeneration

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