Age-Related Eye Disease Study--Results

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) is a major clinical trial sponsored by the National Eye Institute, one of the Federal government's National Institutes of Health.

The AREDS was designed to:

• learn more about the natural history and risk factors of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataract
• evaluate the effect of high doses of antioxidants and zinc on the progression of AMD and cataract

Results from the AREDS showed that high levels of antioxidants and zinc significantly reduce the risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and its associated vision loss. These same nutrients had no significant effect on the development or progression of cataract.