Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Assessment and Plan: Age-Related Macular Degeneration:

• Upon any sign of new or worsening vision problems: As recommended by the National Eye Institute, have an eye care professional evaluate your eyes for signs of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) using a dilated eye exam. If you are high risk for AMD or have signs of AMD, ask your physician whether or not if you would benefit from the antioxidants taken as part of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) including vitamin C, 500 mg; vitamin E, 400 IU; beta carotene, 15 mg; and zinc, 80 mg as zinc oxide with 2 mg of cupric oxide. Contraindications to beta-carotene supplements include smoking or previous smoker, and possible contraindications to vitamin E supplements include prostate cancer of increased risk of prostate cancer. Of note, beta-carotene may increase risk of late AMD and is currently being investigated.

• If any prior diagnosis of AMD, consider enhancement of dietary intake of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, zinc, copper, omega 3 fatty acids, lutein, and zeaxanthin from foods. A reference which shows foods containing high amounts of these nutrients is available at: Nutritive Value of Foods, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Home and Garden Bulletin Number 72. May be accessed at: https://www.ars.usda.gov/SP2UserFiles/Place/12354500/Data/SR25/nutrlist/sr25w421.pdf  and http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/Data/HG72/hg72_2002.pdf

• For any previous diagnosis of AMD, consider a zinc supplement after discussing it with your primary physician or eye physician for possible reduced risk of mortality from respiratory causes. In the AREDS study, 80 mg of zinc oxide was taken. Cupric oxide, 2 mg oral once per day should be taken to prevent copper deficiency which can occur with high dose zinc.

• Please see “longevity” section for research in reduction of mortality as AMD may be associated with other diseases.