High doses of antioxidants (vitamins and the mineral zinc) can reduce the risk of developing advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by up to 28% in some patient groups. These important findings from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group (AREDS) were presented at the RANZCO conference in 2001.

The results of this randomised trial offered patients with intermediate AMD in one or both eyes - or advanced AMD in one eye - an opportunity to reduce their risk of progression said Neil Bressler MD.*

Patients were randomised to receive either:

• placebo
• daily antioxidants (500mg Vit C, 400IU Vit E 15mg beta carotene)
• daily zinc (80 mg zinc oxide plus 2mg cupric oxide)
• or antioxidants plus zinc.

Professor Bressler of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore USA, noted that copper was added to the zinc regimen to prevent any potential anaemia, and that the antioxidants were administered at levels higher than recommended daily adult requirement. Adherence with the study was impressive, with 70% of patients taking 75% or more of their tablets for 7 years of reported follow-up.

Benefits: Results showed an overall risk reduction of 28% at 5 years. These patients who used antioxidants plus zinc, experienced a significant reduction in the risk of at least moderate visual acuity loss over 5 the years of the study.

Optometrists can diagnose Neovascular Macular Degeneration by performing ophthalmoscopy to detect macular abnormalities with the characteristic features of macular degeneration.

Medicare rebates apply to most of our consultation fees. Health Care card holders are charged a reduced fee. No referral is necessary.

Thompson, Larter, Lee & Associates stock a range of Blackmore's supplements which have been shown to help in reducing the rate of progression of Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

We also carry Juice Plus+ capsules and chewables for maintaining wellness. This product has been shown to have high bioavailability of anti-oxidants and other nutrients and has been seen to encourage children to want to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables.

Omega 3 essential fatty acids have been shown to help with concentration, skin quality (eczema), reduction of 'dry eye' symptoms and general wellness. We stock the SmartFish Omega 3 supplement, an orange flavoured paste in daily dose sachets.

For more information visit Mindd Foundation.