Early macular degeneration (AMD) treatment consists of regular eye exams, a healthy diet, exercise, and quitting smoking ¹.

As a result, many of the risk factors for AMD are linked to poor nutrition and oxidative stress (an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body which can lead to a number of diseases, like hypertension)2. People above the age of 60, those with family members who have the disease, and Caucasians are at increased risk, too. Other things like smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure can also increase your risk^1,3.

Vitamins for macular degeneration

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) is a large clinical trial conducted by the National Institutes of Health in the United States⁴. This study, conducted in 2001, was designed to evaluate the effect of high-dose vitamins and minerals on the progression of age-related eye diseases like macular degeneration and cataract.

During the study, researchers evaluated the effect of vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and beta-carotene on AMD. The results seemingly showed that these nutrients can significantly reduce the risk of vision loss in people with advanced forms of the disease⁴.

What is the best supplement for macular degeneration?

The original formulation tested by AREDS included vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, zinc, and copper. In a follow-up to the study in 2013 (called AREDS-2), some modifications were tested, including the addition of lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids, the elimination of beta-carotene, and a reduction in the amount of zinc.

The final recommendations of the AREDS researchers included: ⁵

• Vitamin E 400 International Units
• Vitamin C 500 mg
• Cupric oxide 2 mg
• Zinc oxide 80 mg
• Zeaxanthin 2 mg
• Lutein 10 mg

The effectiveness of the different vitamins and minerals and their suitability for different people, of course, does vary. For instance, it was discovered that beta-carotene may increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers⁵. It was therefore replaced in AREDS-2 with lutein and zeaxanthin which are believed to be safer and potentially more effective alternatives from the same class of nutrients.

Can vitamins prevent macular degeneration?

There is no strong evidence to support that a diet rich in antioxidant nutrients can reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. In fact, large observational studies have found that taking vitamins and minerals does not prevent or delay the onset of AMD⁶.

However, it has been found that the intake of antioxidant nutrients can slow down the progression of AMD and prevent vision loss⁷. This is useful particularly as it can help to reduce the advancement of the disease in those who are already at high risk.⁷

What does all this information mean for you?

In short, taking vitamin and mineral supplements does not offer absolute protection against the development of macular degeneration. However, the results from the AREDS does seem to suggest that antioxidant nutrients can support the management of AMD in people who already have the condition.

Here’s what you can do to reduce your risk of macular degeneration:

Get regular eye exams

This can help detect serious eye problems, such as AMD, in the earliest and most treatable stages. We recommend that you have an eye test every two years, even if you think your vision is fine.

Eat a healthy diet and get regular exercise

This will help prevent obesity and hypertension, which are both caused, in part, by having an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise — and are also known risk factors for AMD.

Quit smoking

Several cross-sectional studies have shown a strong association between smoking and AMD across all geographic regions and ethnic groups⁸.

Talk to your optometrist or eyecare provider about vitamins for macular degeneration and whether nutrient supplementation is a good option for you. It’s important to remember that any vitamins you do choose to take should not be taken in place of those recommended by an expert, but in addition to.

To learn more about AMD, visit our macular degeneration resource here.