|
A
combination dietary supplement can help control age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision
loss in older adults. A combination of
high doses of vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and zinc delayed the development
of advanced AMD in people who have intermediate-stage AMD or advanced AMD in just
one eye, the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) showed. AMD gradually
destroys the macula, the part of the eye that provides sharp, central vision
needed for seeing objects clearly. A followup study found that substituting
lutein and zeaxanthin for beta-carotene worked better than the original
formula.
Dietary
supplements are not recommended for people who have early-stage AMD. If you
have AMD, ask your eye care professional whether taking supplements
is advisable. Keep in mind that dietary supplements can cause health
problems if not used correctly or if used in large amounts, and some may
interact with medications you take. Also, dietary supplements don’t appear
to help cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma.
You
can find more information on eye health and complementary health approaches here:
http://1.usa.gov/1WGPxZw.
|
