More About AREDS II Study

By Hugh Dagenais


Natural eye supplements can have significant effects on some eye diseases like cataract and AMD. Age related macular degeneration or AMD is very common in senior population, and AREDS II study is designed to examine and evaluate the effects of those supplements on similar conditions. The aim is to affect the progression of these diseases.

The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of high doses of lutein and zeaxanthin on progression of eye related degeneration, especially AMD. People with either bilateral large drusens or a combination of AMD in one and large drusen in other eye, aged 50 to 85 years, are participating in the study. Drusen are tiny deposits in a layer of the retina.

This study needs to evaluate the particular impact those high doses of natural supplements of antioxidants and fatty acids have on those health conditions. Combination of those long chain poly unsaturated fatty acids, DHA, ARA and xanthophylls could significantly slow down the progression of eye degeneration development. ARA is the arachidonic acid, while DHA is also known as docosahexaenoic acid.

Another important issue is to determine the effect of those high dosages on both cataract and moderate vision loss. The next aspect is to evaluate the results of the same formula with eliminated beta-carotene, as well as the effect of reducing zinc, on the progression of those eye diseases. The final results are expected in 2013.

This extensive study involved about hundred clinics, and the costs were covered by National Institutes of Health. Antioxidants can be found in different fruits and vegetables. The type of antioxidants used in this study are found in spinach and other dark green leaves, and they are usually called vision vitamins. Omega 3 fatty acids used can be found in fish oil. The research is divided into phases.

The combination of green leaf and orange and yellow fruit antioxidants and fatty acids is already known for its value. Using this combination in high doses can positively affect the general condition of people suffering from similar eye problems. The main goal is to slow down the process of macular disease progression.

Very small area behind the eyeball is called macula. This area can be damaged or destroyed by different diseases, and it is very important for preserving healthy vision. This specific combination of nutritional supplements could be highly important in the future. AREDS II study will gather all the important facts about different effect it has on age related macular problems.




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