Jennifer Weinhardt, BS, MS Senior Research & Development Specialist for Bluebonnet Nutrition, a Texas-based manufacturer, explains the parameters and findings of the AREDS and AREDS 2 studies as it pertains to eye health and specific ingredients that are most effective, as well as statistics pertaining to eye disease and risk factors:

“Briefly, the Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS) were clinical trials sponsored by the Federal Government’s National Eye Institute, which falls under the National Institute of Health (NIH),” she noted. “These studies found that taking high levels of antioxidants and zinc can reduce the risk of developing advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by about 25 percent. Then, in 2006, the same research group, which is based at NIH’s National Eye Institute, began a second study called AREDS 2 to determine if they could improve the AREDS formulation. This time they focused on replacing beta-carotene with the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, adding omega-3 fatty acids and lowering the dose of zinc. It was discovered that this combination reduced the progression to advanced AMD by an average of 18 percent. Most notably, there was a 26 percent reduction in progression to advanced AMD in individuals with the lowest intake of lutein and zeaxanthin in their diet—a statistic that is more representative of the American diet.

“The leading causes of visual impairment and blindness in the United States are due to AMD and cataracts. 1.7 million Americans have AMD, and approximately 100,000 are blind from the disease. The National Eye Institute estimates that there are 1.5 million cataract surgeries each year in the United States. Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgery in the U.S. Treatment for advanced AMD is very limited, and until recently, there has been no treatment to slow the progression of intermediate AMD. The National Institute of Health projects that by 2050, the estimated number of people with AMD is expected to more than double from 2.07 million to 5.44 million. Risk factors for AMD and cataracts include older age, eye characteristics, (farsightedness) and light-colored eyes, smoking, and hypertension. One out of six people between the ages of 55 and 64 are affected with some form of AMD. By age 75, one out of three people will have it.”

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