Study Seeks Participants with AMD
The National Institutes of Health recently announced a new nationwide study to examine the effects of a combination of vitamins, minerals and fish oil on the progression of age- related macular degeneration (AMD). This new study will build on the earlier Age- related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), which found that high-dose antioxidant vitamins and minerals (vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, zinc and copper) taken by mouth reduced the risk of progression to advanced AMD by 25%, and the risk of moderate vision loss by 19%.
The new study, AREDS2, will add lutein and zeaxanthin, along with the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA to the study formulation. Lutein and zeaxanthin are plant-derived yellow pigments found in the macula, while DHA and EPA come from fish and vegetable oils. Prior studies have suggested that these nutrients may protect vision. The main objective of the new research is to determine if these nutrients will decrease the risk of progression to advanced AMD, which often leads to vision loss.
AREDS2 investigators are seeking 4,000 people between the ages of 50 and 85 with AMD in both eyes, or advanced AMD in one eye, to participate. For a list of study sites - nearly 100 clinical centers nationwide - eligibility requirements and additional information, call (877) 273-3780 or visit www.nei.nih.gov
This article appeared in Sharing Solutions - Fall 2006 Edition