The clinical trial called the Age-Related Eye Disease Study sponsored by the National Eye Institute found that high levels of antioxidants and zinc significantly reduce the risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration. Advanced age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss. The study involved 4,757 participants, 55-80 years of age in 11 clinical centers nationwide.
People at high risk of developing advanced stages of AMD received a high-dose combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and zinc.
It was an exciting discovery for people at high risk for developing advanced AMD. These nutrients are the first discovered for effective treatment to slow the progression of the disease. Treatment for advanced age-related macular degeneration is very limited.
The nutrients studied delay the progression to advanced age-related macular degeneration in people who are at high risk, those with intermediate AMD in one or both eyes, or those with advanced AMD in one eye already. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in Americans 65 years of age and older.
The nutrients will not cure AMD or restore vision already lost...