Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2):
Results not available at the time of publication but this study will evaluate lutein plus zeaxanthin with or without polyunsaturated fatty acid in reduction of advanced AMD. This study will also look at the results of removing beta carotene and reducing zinc used in the previous AREDS study. Concern exists that beta-carotene may increase risk of late AMD. (8)
The National Eye Institute (NEI) recommendations:
The NEI has recommendations published online at http://www.nei.nih.gov/amd/summary.asp based on the Age Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). The NEI recommends that the eye care professional evaluate your eyes for signs of AMD using a dilated eye exam and ask your physician whether you would benefit from these antioxidants. The NEI does not recommend a particular age to start surveillance for AMD. The NEI also reveiwed large clinical trials sponsored by the National Cancer Institute which showed that beta-carotene supplements increase risk of lung cancer in smokers. The NEI concludes that after review of the studies, beta-carotene use not only increases risk of lung cancer, but also may slightly increase risk of lung cancer for at least a period of several years after quitting smoking. (9)