[Vitamins for prevention of age related macular degeneration: efficacy and risk]

Nutritional theories have been greatly strengthened by the results of the AREDS study, showing efficiency of high doses of beta-carotene, vitamin C and E, and Zinc to prevent severe forms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Despite an excellent tolerance of these high doses, some concerns have been expressed about potential side-effects of non nutritional doses. For example, high doses of beta carotene should not be given to smokers because they could activate the occurrence of a lung cancer. Many ophthalmologists replace beta carotene by lutein and zeaxanthin, while efficiency of this association has not been proven. The AREDS study raises many questions but stimulates the research into the prevention of AMD. Future studies should include polyunsaturated fatty acids and lutein and zeaxanthin supplementations as they seem to be among the most promising preventive therapies in AMD.