Home » Age-Related Eye Disease Study--Results
Age-Related Eye Disease Study--Results
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) is a major clinical trial sponsored by the National Eye Institute, one of the Federal government's National Institutes of Health.
The AREDS was designed to:
- learn more about the natural history and risk factors of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataract
- evaluate the effect of high doses of antioxidants and zinc on the progression of AMD and cataract
Results from the AREDS showed that high levels of antioxidants and zinc significantly reduce the risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and its associated vision loss. These same nutrients had no significant effect on the development or progression of cataract.
The NEI has launched the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2). Learn more about AREDS2.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who should take the combination of antioxidants and zinc like those used in the AREDS?
- How do I know if I have AMD and the stage it is in?
- I am already taking daily vitamins. Should I stop taking these vitamins if I am advised to take the combination of antioxidants plus zinc evaluated by the AREDS?
- How do people obtain the formulation in the dosages used by the AREDS researchers? Will it be available in tablet form in drug stores?
- Will the formulation come in three forms: "antioxidants plus zinc," "zinc alone," and "antioxidants alone?" How will I know what to take?
- Are there reasons older people, in particular, should be cautious in supplementing their diets with the nutrients and doses used in the AREDS?
- If I have been diagnosed with early AMD, should I take the nutrients to help prevent disease progression to the intermediate stage?
- How long will I have to take the nutrients?
- What are the side effects from the AREDS formulation?
