Can Vitamins Help Slow Down Macular Degeneration?

mda2staff — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 17:21:17 +0000

Macular degeneration is a progressive eye condition that has no cure. In some cases, a specific combination of nutrients found in supplements called AREDS 2 can slow its progression.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition that damages the macula, the part of your eye that plays a role in your central (straight-ahead) vision.

When the macula is damaged, your central vision may become blurry. Straight lines can become wavy or distorted. You may have difficulty seeing fine details.

There are different types of AMD: dry AMD and wet AMD.

Dry AMD is more common. In dry AMD, age, genetics, and certain lifestyle factors cause the cells of the macula to break down. There’s also a buildup of proteins called drusen.

Wet AMD develops from leaking blood vessels in the eye, causing fluid buildup around the macula.

Yes. According to the Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS/AREDS 2)Trusted Source, certain supplements may help slow AMD progression for some people.

However, AREDS 2 supplements may not be helpful for all stages of AMD. That’s why it’s important to talk with your eye doctor to find out whether AREDS 2 supplements could be part of your AMD management plan.

AREDS vs. AREDS 2

The original AREDS clinical trial used a slightly different combination of nutrients. AREDS 2 is the most recent formulation and is more widely used now.

The biggest difference is that the original AREDS contains 15 milligrams (mg) of beta carotene. In the AREDS 2 trial, beta carotene was replaced with lutein and zeaxanthin.

Beta carotene can increase lung cancer risk for current or former smokers. The new formula is safe for smokers and nonsmokers alike.

AMD progression Archives | Macular Degeneration Association

Can Vitamins Help Slow Down Macular Degeneration?

AREDS vs. AREDS 2