The AREDS Study and EyeScience®: Supporting Macular Health

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of vision loss among older adults in the United States. It affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision. As AMD progresses, it can make tasks like reading, driving, and recognizing faces increasingly difficult.

Understanding the AREDS Study

To understand how supplements like EyeScience® Macular Health Formula support eye health, we must first look at the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). This was a large clinical trial launched by the National Eye Institute in 1992.

AREDS involved over 3,600 participants between the ages of 55 and 80 and tested whether a high-dose nutritional supplement could slow the progression of AMD. The original formula contained:

• Vitamin C (500 mg)
  

• Vitamin E (400 IU)
  

• Beta-carotene (15 mg)
  

• Zinc (80 mg, as zinc oxide)
  

• Copper (2 mg, to prevent anemia)
  

The study found that this supplement reduced the risk of progressing to advanced AMD by approximately 25 percent in people with intermediate AMD or advanced AMD in one eye.

Advancements in AREDS2

In 2006, the National Eye Institute launched AREDS2, a follow-up trial designed to improve the original formula and enhance safety. This study tested:

• Replacing beta-carotene with lutein (10 mg) and zeaxanthin (2 mg)
  

• Adding omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA)
  

• Reducing zinc to 25 mg to assess tolerability
  

AREDS2 found that removing beta-carotene did not reduce the protective effect of the supplement. Using lutein and zeaxanthin instead was safer, especially for smokers. The addition of omega-3 fatty acids showed no significant benefit in slowing AMD progression, and lowering zinc to 25 mg was found to be just as effective as 80 mg.

As a result, the updated AREDS2 formula removed beta-carotene and retained the other ingredients, with flexibility on zinc dosage.

What Nutrients Help Slow Macular Degeneration

Each AREDS2 nutrient plays a key role in retinal health:

• Vitamin C and E: Antioxidants that help neutralize oxidative stress in retinal cells
  

• Zinc and copper: Essential minerals that support enzyme function and help reduce cellular damage
  

• Lutein and zeaxanthin: Carotenoids that accumulate in the macula and filter blue light, protecting against phototoxicity and oxidative stress

These nutrients work together to support the structure and function of the macula and slow progression in people at moderate or high risk of vision loss.

The Role of Dr. Michael Samuel and EyeScience® Macular Health Formula

Dr. Michael A. Samuel, a board-certified ophthalmologist and retinal specialist, developed EyeScience® Macular Health Formula to expand on the AREDS2 research and offer broader support for eye health.

This formula includes all six ingredients found in AREDS2, and adds:

• Alpha-lipoic acid: A universal antioxidant that helps regenerate other antioxidants like vitamins C and E
  

• Bilberry extract: Traditionally used for retinal microcirculation and reducing eye fatigue
  

• Grape seed extract: Rich in proanthocyanidins, which protect capillaries and reduce inflammation
  

• Selenium: Supports the glutathione antioxidant system in the retina
  

• Folic acid and vitamin B6: Help lower homocysteine levels, which have been linked to vascular and retinal damage
  

• Astaxanthin: A carotenoid shown to reduce oxidative stress in ocular tissues
  

• Glutathione: Supports detoxification and cellular repair in retinal cells
  

By combining these additional antioxidants and circulatory nutrients with the proven AREDS2 core, EyeScience aims to offer a more comprehensive supplement for long-term macular support.

Who Should Consider This Supplement

EyeScience Macular Health Formula is ideal for:

• People diagnosed with intermediate AMD (drusen and pigment changes in both eyes)
  

• Individuals with advanced AMD in one eye and early signs in the other
  

• Adults with a family history of AMD or poor dietary intake of carotenoids
  

• Those seeking to delay or reduce the risk of progression to wet AMD
  

The AREDS2 clinical trials support supplementation only for individuals with intermediate or late AMD in one eye, not for those with early-stage AMD or no signs of the disease.

Lifestyle Considerations

While supplements can help reduce the risk of disease progression, they are most effective when paired with lifestyle changes, including:

• Avoiding smoking, the number one modifiable risk factor for AMD
  

• Following a Mediterranean-style diet rich in leafy greens, fish, and healthy fats
  

• Wearing UV-protective sunglasses outdoors
  

• Maintaining regular eye exams and monitoring vision with tools like the Amsler grid

Final Thoughts

The AREDS and AREDS2 studies transformed how we approach the nutritional support of macular degeneration. These supplements are not cures, but for people at risk of progression, they offer a safe, evidence-based way to slow the disease.

By building on the AREDS2 formula and adding targeted antioxidants and micronutrients, EyeScience® Macular Health Formula represents a next-generation option for supporting macular function. It reflects the latest science on aging eyes and offers a proactive step for those looking to preserve their vision.

Citations

Gene - Patient Disease Education
CDC -  VEHSS Modeled Estimates for AMD
National Eye Institute - Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) 

Disclaimer: Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any supplement regimen. Supplements intended to support health. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.