Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Antioxidants are supported by scientific evidence for use in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), particularly non-specific antioxidant formulations containing vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, zinc, and copper. The most influential evidence comes from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) and AREDS2, large multicenter randomized controlled trials sponsored by the National Eye Institute. These studies found that a specific combination of antioxidants (vitamin C 500 mg, vitamin E 400 IU, beta-carotene 15 mg, zinc 80 mg, and copper 2 mg) significantly reduced the risk of progression to advanced AMD in individuals with intermediate disease or advanced disease in one eye. Later, AREDS2 modified the formula, replacing beta-carotene with lutein and zeaxanthin due to safety concerns in smokers, and confirmed similar protective benefits. While "antioxidant (unspecified)" is a broad term, the scientific consensus supports the efficacy of antioxidant supplementation in reducing AMD progression risk, though not in preventing AMD onset or improving vision. The rating is not a perfect 5, as benefits are limited to specific populations and formulations; evidence does not support benefit for all antioxidants or in all stages of disease. Nonetheless, high-quality clinical data justify the use of certain antioxidant combinations in AMD management.

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