Dr. Devon Ghodasra, Southeastern Retina AssociatesQ: Can vitamins help my eyes?
A: Clinical trials have shown that certain nutritional supplements can reduce the risk of developing advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a disease that affects the light-sensing cells of the back of the eye. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) found that a combination of vitamins may help patients with Intermediate or Advanced AMD.
The formulation found to have most benefit is called “AREDS2” and includes vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3. A daily multivitamin alone does not provide the same vision benefits as an AREDS2 Eye Vitamin since the recommended doses of each supplement are much higher. An AREDS2 supplement may be taken in addition to a regular multivitamin. While “Eye Vitamins” can be purchased without a prescription, it is best to have an eye exam with your eye doctor or retina specialist to monitor your disease as other treatments or procedures may also be needed to treat macular degeneration.
– Dr. Devon Ghodasra, Southeastern Retina Associates; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society.