Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) is an antioxidant enzyme that catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide radicals into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide, helping to mitigate oxidative stress. Oxidative damage is implicated in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), making antioxidants a logical area of investigation for prevention and treatment. Several studies have observed decreased SOD activity in the retinal tissues of AMD patients, and animal models suggest that SOD supplementation can reduce retinal oxidative damage. However, direct clinical evidence supporting oral or systemic SOD supplementation to prevent or treat AMD in humans is limited and inconsistent. SOD, as a protein, is poorly absorbed orally unless specially formulated, raising questions about its bioavailability and efficacy in reaching retinal tissues.

Major clinical trials such as AREDS and AREDS2, which established the role of antioxidants in AMD management, did not include SOD as part of their formulations. Most current antioxidant supplements recommended for AMD feature vitamins C and E, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin, but not SOD. While SOD is sometimes included in eye health supplements, its inclusion is based more on theoretical antioxidant benefits rather than robust clinical data.

In summary, while there is a scientific rationale for using SOD to combat oxidative stress in AMD, the direct evidence of benefit in humans is weak, justifying a modest evidence rating.