 | Dr. Bruce A. Kater is medical director at the Envision Rehabilitation Center, a clinic primarily serving patients with low vision. He earned his O.D. degree from the University of Houston, and has worked in low vision optometry since 1995. Dr. Kater can be reached at Envision Rehabilitation Center (316) 267-2244 , toll free (800) 685-7959 or visit www.envisionus.com |
Vision
2004-07-01 09:50:00
Can vitamins cure AMD?
QUESTION: I have heard that vitamins can prevent macular degeneration. Which vitamins should I be taking?
ANSWER: It seems like every day you hear a new claim for some breakthrough treatment for macular degeneration (AMD). You should be wary when you hear these claims. There is no cure for macular degeneration. There are, however, some promising developments that can slow development of the disease and may offer you some protection from vision loss.The Age Related Eye Study, or AREDS, was a rigorously conducted large sample scientific study. It found that people who are at risk for advanced stages of AMD lowered their risk by 25 percent by taking high levels of antioxidants and zinc. The nutrients also reduced the effect of vision loss caused by AMD by 19 percent.The nutrients examined in the study included a daily dose of:• 500 milligrams of Vitamin C• 400 international units of vitamin E• 15 milligrams of beta-carotene• 80 milligrams of zinc (as zinc oxide)• 2 milligrams of copper (as cupric oxide)If you're at risk for AMD, this is definitely worth discussing with your eye doctor at your next exam.Another nutrient that has shown some promise is lutein. While not addressed by AREDS, other studies have found it useful in maintenance of your eyes' health. There appears to be no major risk associated with adding some lutein to your diet.Recent studies have found daily use of aspirin and statin drugs to be of some protection against AMD. These substances prevent choroidal neovascularization (CNV), a process that leads to wet macular degeneration. Statin drugs are widely prescribed to reduce cholesterol for individuals at risk for heart disease. Popular brand names are Zocor and Lipitor. Use of these drugs was associated with a 49 percent reduction in the risk of CNV.Many people with high blood pressure also take enteric or "baby" aspirin as a way to reduce the risk of heart attacks. These aspirin are typically a reduced dosage, such as 81 milligrams, compared to the more common 300 mg tablets people take for headaches. In the study, people who took an aspirin every day reduced their risk of CNV by 37 percent.These studies illuminate a basic relationship that I can't stress enough. People with good cardiovascular health are more likely to have healthy vision. While statins and aspirins may indeed be helpful to someone with AMD, you should also take full advantage of other things that are related to good cardiovascular health. You should get moderate physical exercise. Don't smoke. Eat a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables and not too much fat. Maintain proper body weight.The AREDS vitamin regimen far exceeds recommended daily requirements and may have negative effects for some individuals. Please check with your doctor before taking new vitamins or drugs, or engaging in an exercise program.We all eagerly await medical breakthroughs that will help people with AMD. But until then, your healthy lifestyle is your best protection from macular degeneration.
