Should I take those "eye vitamins"?
Do carrots really make my eyesight better?
What can I eat to prevent macular degeneration?
Such questions are common in the primary care setting. Flooded with an array of supplements at any pharmacy or grocery store, patients are justified in wondering which supplements might benefit their ocular health—or if any supplementation is needed at all. In most cases, the answer is far from straightforward, but supplements represent a modifiable risk factor in ocular conditions that often have a genetic component. To help clinicians guide patients, this article provides a practical overview on three of the most common ocular conditions for which supplements and dietary factors may play a role.
Macular Degeneration
The Trials
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS)[1] and the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2)[2] are two of the largest and most rigorous clinical trials that have investigated the effects of nutritional supplementation on the progression of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to wet AMD. Observational trials also have assessed the impact of diet and supplements on the development and progression of AMD[3,4,5].
The Results
Patients without AMD did not benefit from taking the AREDS formulation.[1]
Patients with mild or borderline AMD did not benefit from taking either the AREDS or AREDS2 formulation.[1]
Both the AREDS and AREDS2 formulations slightly lowered the risk for AMD progression in those patients with intermediate or advanced AMD.[1,2]
Patients who smoke should take the AREDS2 formulation to avoid the beta-carotene in the AREDS formulation, which can increase the risk for lung cancer.[2]
Lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids were included in the AREDS2 formulation but did not decrease the risk for AMD progression (Figure).[2]
The Blue Mountains Eye Study[6] found that the consumption of vegetables and dietary lutein and zeaxanthin was associated with a reduced risk for AMD.
Figure. Formulation and modifications of AREDS and AREDS2
The Conversation
Patients with intermediate or advanced AMD should be encouraged to take the AREDS or AREDS2 formulation as a nutritional supplement.
Smoking is a risk factor for the development and progression of AMD and should be discouraged.
Physical activity should be encouraged, as it has been demonstrated to have a modest protective effect.
A diet consisting of fish, fruits, leafy greens, and nuts has been shown to be beneficial in some studies.
Medscape Ophthalmology © 2018 WebMD, LLC
Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.
Cite this: 'Eye Health' Supplements: Do the Benefits Justify the Cost? - Medscape - Oct 24, 2018.
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