Lexington Eye Specialists Take Part In AMD Study

Age-related macular degeneration is common among older adults and results in the gradual loss of vision, but it’s long been believed that taking certain supplements can slow the effects of AMD.

A new study on AMD and nutritional supplements, conducted in part by Dr. Rick D. Isernhagen of Retina Associates in Lexington, shows that certain supplements commonly believed to help keep vision clear, do not actually help.

The five year study by the National Institutes of Health, released this week, looked specifically at omega-3 fatty acids and their addition to the common daily dose of Vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and the minerals zinc and copper taken for AMD.

Investigators concluded that the omega-3 fatty acids offered no additional benefit to the tradition supplement cocktail. They also found that other common nutrients associated with eye health- lutein and zeaxanthin- had no overall effect on AMD when added to the typical supplements.

“The results and conclusions from this study will help thousands of Kentuckians with high risk age-related macular degeneration determine what combination of vitamins and nutrients taken on a daily basis will safely lower their risk of severe vision loss from age-related macular degeneration,” said Dr. Isernhagen in a press release.

For more information on the study, go here.