Geographic Atrophy and micronutritional supplements: A complex relationship.
1Centre de Rétine Médicale, 187, rue de Menin, 59520 Marquette-Lez-Lille, France; Queen Anne Street Medical Centre, 18-22, Queen Anne Street, W1G 8HU London, Royaume Uni.
Journal Francais D'Ophtalmologie
|November 15, 2019
Summary
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) formulation may not slow Geographic Atrophy (GA) progression. AREDS supplements are primarily recommended for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) patients to reduce neovascularization risk.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Nutritional Science
- Medical Research
Background:
- The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) formulation is the standard for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) treatment guidelines.
- AREDS supplements aim to slow AMD progression and reduce neovascularization risk.
- Evidence for AREDS efficacy in slowing Geographic Atrophy (GA) progression is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the AREDS formulation in patients with Geographic Atrophy (GA).
- To clarify the primary benefits of AREDS supplementation for GA patients.
- To inform clinical practice regarding AREDS prescription for AMD and GA.
Main Methods:
- Review of AREDS and AREDS II study findings.
- Analysis of micronutritional supplement efficacy for AMD and GA.
- Comparison of imaging techniques (color photography vs. OCT) for atrophy assessment.
Main Results:
- AREDS formulation showed a decrease in AMD progression, primarily by reducing neovascularization risk.
- AREDS did not demonstrate a significant protective effect in slowing GA progression.
- AREDS II formulation changes did not provide further evidence for GA protection.
Conclusions:
- AREDS micronutritional supplements are primarily beneficial for reducing neovascularization risk in AMD patients.
- Current evidence does not strongly support the use of AREDS for slowing GA progression.
- Patient education is crucial; GA patients should understand AREDS is mainly for neovascularization risk reduction.
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