Monday, December 1, 2014

Omega 3 Supplements for Age Related Macular Degeneration


Omega 3 supplements may provide benefits for reducing the risk of age related macular degeneration (AMD). Taking diet supplements with antioxidant vitamins C and E, Beta Carotene and Zinc has been shown to reduce the risk of progression to advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). In addition to this “AREDS Supplement Formulation”, some data suggests that increased dietary intake of lutein + zeaxanthin (carotenoids), omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (docosahexaenoic acid [DHA] + eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA]), or both might further reduce this risk.

Researchers from the Age Related Eye Disease 2 (AREDS) Research Group reporting in the Journal of the  American Medical Association concluded that the addition of lutein + zeaxanthin, DHA + EPA, or both to the AREDS formulation did not further reduce risk of progression to advanced AMD but lutein + zeaxanthin could be an appropriate carotenoid substitute in the AREDS formulation for former smokers who were at risk for lung cancer.

If you or someone you know is concerned about age related macular degeneration risk or has any family history of AMD they are encouraged to schedule an eye examination at D’Ambrosio Eye Care by calling us at 800-325-3937, visiting D’Ambrosio Eye Care orfacebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so that we can help recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

D'AmbrosioEye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice with office locations at 79 Old Union Turnpike, Lancaster, Massachusetts 01523, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331 and 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440 that serve the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area.