Adherence of patients with age-related macular degeneration to AREDS 2-recommended nutritional supplements

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS 2) proved the benefit of vitamin and mineral supplementation in preventing advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AREDS 2 supplements are indicated for patients with either bilateral intermediate AMD (AREDS category 3) or unilateral neovascular AMD (AREDS category 4).

The aims of this telephone survey were to identify the rate of adherence of patients to AREDS 2 supplements and the factors associated with non-compliance in these patient groups.

A patient telephone survey was conducted in an Irish tertiary care hospital. Patients were identified by chart review, and their AREDS categorization was reconfirmed. A telephone consultation was conducted with each patient to assess their compliance with the micronutrient supplements.

We identified 120 patients who met the AREDS criteria for supplementation. Of these, 103 patients were graded as category 4, and 17 patients were graded as category 3. Almost a fifth (18%) were current smokers. Under two-thirds (60%) of the patients were taking AREDS 2 supplements. Of the remainder, 83% of patients did not recall being advised of their benefit. The cost was cited by 10% of patients as a reason for non-compliance.

The ophthalmologist not only has a duty of care to treat the neovascular complications of AMD, but they must also strive to improve patient compliance with AREDS supplements. The cessation of smoking needs to be actively promoted in order to stop preventable vision loss in patients with AMD.