Treatments for Dry AMD
No treatments exist to cure AMD, but the National Eye Institute's Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) found that high daily doses of certain vitamin supplements can help slow the progression of intermediate AMD to advanced AMD.
The specific daily amounts of antioxidants and zinc recommended include:
- 500 milligrams of vitamin C
- 400 International Units of vitamin E
- 15 milligrams of beta-carotene (often labeled as equivalent to 25,000 International Units of vitamin A)
- 80 milligrams of zinc as zinc oxide
- 2 milligrams of copper as cupric oxide
The study showed a benefit only in people with intermediate AMD in both eyes, or AMD in both eyes with one eye at the advanced stage. No statistical benefit was found in people with early stages of dry AMD. Additionally, some individuals with a history of smoking should not take beta-carotene.
The levels of antioxidants and zinc in the study were considerably higher than the amounts in any daily multivitamin and are difficult to achieve from diet alone. However, previous studies also have suggested that people whose diets include green, leafy vegetables lower their risk of developing AMD.
If you have dry AMD, talk to your eye care professional to see if taking specially formulated vitamin and antioxidant supplements may help to treat your condition.
For more information about current research into treatments for dry AMD, please see the AMD Alliance International's website.