Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 or AREDS II is a study of how nutrients can affect the eyesight. The first study, conducted in 2001, had shown that a high level of antioxidants could reduce the risk of blindness up to 25 percent. However, there were problems with the formulation and the second study effectively addressed these issues.
People with eye disease have said that it is very debilitating. This affects nearly a million people, around 90% elderly, in the United States. People can develop eye disease in several ways. Some are born blind because of defects during the pregnancy. Others go blind after injury or due to diabetes complications. The majority of people that are blind have suffered cataracts or age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is an aging disease.
There are treatments available but they are limited in their effectiveness and are only good for a certain range of disease. One of these is laser surgery; this is effective in reducing the threat of blindness. However, it is also too expensive for many people and it comes with some of its own hazards. Normally the side effects are not serious, however, they are common. These include reduced night vision and loss of peripheral vision as well as a worsening of visual acuity and sometimes eye hemorrhages.
AREDS, the initial Age-Related Eye Disease Study was finished and released in 2001. This study was begun to review risk factors and history associated with cataracts and AMD. Another purpose was to analyze whether higher doses of antioxidants might affect AMD or cataracts. They looked at a combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and beta-carotene.
In the first study, the researchers found that a high level of antioxidants could reduce the possibility of blindness in high risk individuals by about 25 percent. High risk individuals were those who either already had intermediate AMD or AMD in only one of their eyes. However, one ingredient of the original formula was beta-carotene, which has been linked to an increase in risk of lung cancer for smokers. Additionally, there was no effect on cataracts.
The next study was finished in May 2013 and had some interesting results. One goal that they had was to discern whether an adequate substitute existed for the beta-carotene. They tried lutein and zeaxanthin and found that they were as effective as the beta-carotene. For people at high risk of advanced AMD this is an important consideration and could help lessen the possibility of developing blindness.
A lot of the elderly are already on various prescriptions. In addition to this they may use over-the-counter drugs or supplements. The high-dose supplements in this combination could interfere or cause some of these medications to lose their effectiveness.
Laser surgery has some great effects but it is expensive and it can have serious complications. The initial formula discovered in the AREDS II may be a safer alternative to surgery. This study has confirmed that the formula of antioxidants and zinc reduce AMD risk. Furthermore, the study revealed that lutein and zeaxanthin were effective substitutes for beta-carotene. Before using any new medication please be sure to speak to your doctor.
People with eye disease have said that it is very debilitating. This affects nearly a million people, around 90% elderly, in the United States. People can develop eye disease in several ways. Some are born blind because of defects during the pregnancy. Others go blind after injury or due to diabetes complications. The majority of people that are blind have suffered cataracts or age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is an aging disease.
There are treatments available but they are limited in their effectiveness and are only good for a certain range of disease. One of these is laser surgery; this is effective in reducing the threat of blindness. However, it is also too expensive for many people and it comes with some of its own hazards. Normally the side effects are not serious, however, they are common. These include reduced night vision and loss of peripheral vision as well as a worsening of visual acuity and sometimes eye hemorrhages.
AREDS, the initial Age-Related Eye Disease Study was finished and released in 2001. This study was begun to review risk factors and history associated with cataracts and AMD. Another purpose was to analyze whether higher doses of antioxidants might affect AMD or cataracts. They looked at a combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and beta-carotene.
In the first study, the researchers found that a high level of antioxidants could reduce the possibility of blindness in high risk individuals by about 25 percent. High risk individuals were those who either already had intermediate AMD or AMD in only one of their eyes. However, one ingredient of the original formula was beta-carotene, which has been linked to an increase in risk of lung cancer for smokers. Additionally, there was no effect on cataracts.
The next study was finished in May 2013 and had some interesting results. One goal that they had was to discern whether an adequate substitute existed for the beta-carotene. They tried lutein and zeaxanthin and found that they were as effective as the beta-carotene. For people at high risk of advanced AMD this is an important consideration and could help lessen the possibility of developing blindness.
A lot of the elderly are already on various prescriptions. In addition to this they may use over-the-counter drugs or supplements. The high-dose supplements in this combination could interfere or cause some of these medications to lose their effectiveness.
Laser surgery has some great effects but it is expensive and it can have serious complications. The initial formula discovered in the AREDS II may be a safer alternative to surgery. This study has confirmed that the formula of antioxidants and zinc reduce AMD risk. Furthermore, the study revealed that lutein and zeaxanthin were effective substitutes for beta-carotene. Before using any new medication please be sure to speak to your doctor.
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