Age-Related Eye Disease Study II, or AREDS II, is a study that looked at how nutrients affect eyesight. The initial study, completed in 2001, showed that high levels of antioxidants sometimes reduced the risk of developing blindness by 25 percent. There were some problems found after the study though and the subsequent study looked at those issues.
One very debilitating illnesses is that of blindness. In the United States there are nearly one million people that are blind. 90 percent of the blind are older. Eye disease can come about several ways. There are some people who are born blind. This can be as a result of problems in gestation or childbirth. Others go blind as a result of diabetes or they injure their eyes. Most blindness is caused by getting old.
Most treatments that exist today are only good for a limited range of eye diseases and have limited efficacy. One of the most common currently available treatments is laser surgery; while it has been shown to reduce the risks of blindness, the surgery is very costly and could even result in complications. Although not usually severe, the side effects are quite common; some of these include loss of peripheral vision, reduced night vision, worsening visual acuity, and even hemorrhaging.
AREDS, the initial Age-Related Eye Disease Study was finished and released in 2001. This study was begun to review risk factors and history associated with cataracts and AMD. Another purpose was to analyze whether higher doses of antioxidants might affect AMD or cataracts. They looked at a combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and beta-carotene.
In the first study, the researchers found that a high level of antioxidants could reduce the possibility of blindness in high risk individuals by about 25 percent. High risk individuals were those who either already had intermediate AMD or AMD in only one of their eyes. However, one ingredient of the original formula was beta-carotene, which has been linked to an increase in risk of lung cancer for smokers. Additionally, there was no effect on cataracts.
In May 2013, the results of the second study were released. One research goal of this study was to determine whether there was a good substitute for the beta-carotene that was used for the initial formula. Researchers found that two antioxidants, zeaxanthin and lutein, were effective substitutes for the beta-carotene and did not reduce the effectiveness. This is important news for high risk AMD individuals who are interested in trying this formula.
Many older persons are on prescription medications. Also, they use many over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements. High-dose supplemental nutrients could interfere with some of these medications and keep other vital nutrients from properly absorbing.
Laser surgery has some great effects but it is expensive and it can have serious complications. The initial formula discovered in the AREDS II may be a safer alternative to surgery. This study has confirmed that the formula of antioxidants and zinc reduce AMD risk. Furthermore, the study revealed that lutein and zeaxanthin were effective substitutes for beta-carotene. Before using any new medication please be sure to speak to your doctor.
One very debilitating illnesses is that of blindness. In the United States there are nearly one million people that are blind. 90 percent of the blind are older. Eye disease can come about several ways. There are some people who are born blind. This can be as a result of problems in gestation or childbirth. Others go blind as a result of diabetes or they injure their eyes. Most blindness is caused by getting old.
Most treatments that exist today are only good for a limited range of eye diseases and have limited efficacy. One of the most common currently available treatments is laser surgery; while it has been shown to reduce the risks of blindness, the surgery is very costly and could even result in complications. Although not usually severe, the side effects are quite common; some of these include loss of peripheral vision, reduced night vision, worsening visual acuity, and even hemorrhaging.
AREDS, the initial Age-Related Eye Disease Study was finished and released in 2001. This study was begun to review risk factors and history associated with cataracts and AMD. Another purpose was to analyze whether higher doses of antioxidants might affect AMD or cataracts. They looked at a combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and beta-carotene.
In the first study, the researchers found that a high level of antioxidants could reduce the possibility of blindness in high risk individuals by about 25 percent. High risk individuals were those who either already had intermediate AMD or AMD in only one of their eyes. However, one ingredient of the original formula was beta-carotene, which has been linked to an increase in risk of lung cancer for smokers. Additionally, there was no effect on cataracts.
In May 2013, the results of the second study were released. One research goal of this study was to determine whether there was a good substitute for the beta-carotene that was used for the initial formula. Researchers found that two antioxidants, zeaxanthin and lutein, were effective substitutes for the beta-carotene and did not reduce the effectiveness. This is important news for high risk AMD individuals who are interested in trying this formula.
Many older persons are on prescription medications. Also, they use many over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements. High-dose supplemental nutrients could interfere with some of these medications and keep other vital nutrients from properly absorbing.
Laser surgery has some great effects but it is expensive and it can have serious complications. The initial formula discovered in the AREDS II may be a safer alternative to surgery. This study has confirmed that the formula of antioxidants and zinc reduce AMD risk. Furthermore, the study revealed that lutein and zeaxanthin were effective substitutes for beta-carotene. Before using any new medication please be sure to speak to your doctor.
About the Author:
Read more about AREDS II Eye Study Addresses Beta-carotene Problems visiting our website.
0 comments:
Enregistrer un commentaire