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Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS)

Fundus view of intermediate AMD
Fundus view of intermediate AMD

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. Scientists found that people at high risk of developing advanced stages of AMD, a leading cause of vision loss, lowered their risk by about 25 percent when treated with a high-dose combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and zinc. Read more about AREDS.

Last updated: October 21, 2025