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Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the world, mostly affecting people over 65. The eye-health organization, Prevent Blindness America, estimates that 13 million Americans have evidence of ARMD. ARMD is a disease that breaks down or damages the macula, the light-sensitive part of the retina responsible for central vision.

There are two types of ARMD, dry (atrophic) and wet (exudative). 90% of ARMD patients have the dry form; the wet form of the disease usually leads to more serious vision loss. The exact causes of ARMD are still not known and there is currently no cure for the disease.

A recent study showed that certain anti-oxidants and nutrional supplements may be effective in delaying the progression of the disease. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) studied 3640 patients over an average time of 6.3 years. Study patients were categorized into four groups ranging from mild to no ARMD to advanced ARMD. Researchers found that patients at hight risk of developing advanced stages of ARMD lowered their risk by approximately 25% when treated with a high-dose combination of anti-oxidants and zinc. The study showed no benefits from treatment in patients with no or early ARMD. It is suggested that patients with intermediate and advanced ARMD should consider taking high doses of anto-oxidants plus zinc on a daily basis.

The recommended dose used in the study were as follows: vitamin A, 15mg(¤-carotene); vitamin C, 500mg; vitamin E, 400IU; zinc as zinc oxide, 80mg; copper as cupric oxide, 2mg. (Copper should be taken with zinc because high-dose zinc is associated with copper deficiency. Smokers should not use vitamin A because previous studies have suggested an association with lung cancer and vitamin A in smokers.)