There are no shortages of do-it-yourselfers out there. Treating eye conditions is no exception. Here are some questionable treatments we’d like clarified and others that have scientific backing we’d like to recommend for some patients.
Antioxidants for Macular Degeneration — The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) used a high-dose antioxidant formulation (vitamin C, 500mg; vitamin E, 400IU; beta carotene, 15mg; zinc oxide, 80mg; cupric oxide, 2mg). Researchers found that the patients at high risk of developing advanced AMD lowered their risk by about 25 percent. In the cataract portion of the study, however, researchers found that the same nutrients had no significant effect on the development or progression of age-related cataract.
However, the study also showed that a high dose of zinc may cause prostate enlargement and that supplementation with beta-carotene increased the risk of lung cancer in smokers. AREDS II is now in progress as researchers are determined to find any differences between zinc and beta-carotene used in the first study. They are also looking into lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 supplements.
Antioxidants for cataracts — In 2008, the NEI supported Collaborative Italian-American Clinical Trial of Nutritional Supplements and Age-related Cataract (CTNS), looked at whether a vitamin and mineral supplement (i.e. Centrum) containing recommended daily allowances can prevent age-related cataract or delay its progression. Results from the CTNS support multivitamin supplementation of vitamin C for preventing or delaying the more common nuclear, and perhaps cortical opacities as well.
In 2002, Blue Mountain Eye Study found that statins, cholesterol-lowering medications, may decrease the development of nuclear cataract by 50 percent.
Cataract Drops — Two lesser-known antioxidants in the United States, pirenoxine and glutathione, are a standard treatment for cataracts in Japan. The drops are routinely prescribed by their doctors and are also covered by their national health insurance. Nevertheless, evidenced-based guidelines from the Japanese government show that that pirenoxine (sold as Catalin) and glutathione eye drops lack effectiveness for treating cataracts.
While we are learning more about the results of further studies, look up reputable sources before spending a chunk of change on that elusive, “blind-faith” magic pill. Look for treatments that are validated by evidence-based methods. For now, take your multivitamins and don’t forget your sunglasses before you leave for your annual eye exams.
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