If you are curious whether eye vitamins for macular degeneration really work, it is time to learn about a special combination of nutrients that have been shown to take effect on those with this condition. It is called the AREDS formulation, and it is meant to prevent the eye condition from getting worse. While you cannot usually gain back lost vision with this kind of supplement, eye vitamins for macular degeneration are usually worth taking just to delay the progression of the disorder.
History of AREDS
AREDS stands for Age-Related Eye Disease Study, which was completed in 2001 in an effort to find a treatment for macular degeneration. The study found that the risk of getting this disorder was lowered significantly when subjects took a combination of antioxidants and certain vitamins. As a result, you can now find a blend of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as copper and zinc, marketed by various companies so that you have a large selection of brands to choose from.
The vitamins that are included in AREDS have been found to decrease the risk of going from the intermediate form of the condition to the advanced stage. Though it cannot restore vision that has already been lost, it can usually prevent additional vision loss. This is the main treatment available for macular degeneration, which means that eye vitamins for macular degeneration are worth looking into.
The Composition of AREDS
This type of supplement is made up of the following amounts of each vitamin:
- 25,000 IU of vitamin A (equal to 15 mg of beta-carotene)
- 500 mg of vitamin C
- 400 IU of vitamin E
- 80 mg of zinc
- 2 mg of copper
You can choose any brand of eye vitamins for macular degeneration as long as these nutrients and exact amounts are listed. Results are not guaranteed, but many people have found some measure of success with this formula.