Tozal is one supplement for Macular Degeneration approved by Dr. Olson
June is Vision Research Month. The American Optometric Association website features an excellent summary of one of the most important vision research findings in recent years. Because of the AREDS studies Dr. Olson recommends supplements to certain at-risk patients. The AOA article follows:
In the last 20 years, eye health research has linked diet and nutrition with a decreased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A major clinical study of older adults concluded that taking an antioxidant vitamin or mineral supplement significantly reduced the risk of advanced AMD progression in some people. Additionally, today there is significant evidence that vitamin D plays a role in preventing AMD.
AREDS Made it Clear
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) was a major clinical trial sponsored by the National Eye Institute. It enrolled 3640 subjects, age 55 to 80, and was released in October 2001. This landmark study provided evidence that nutritional intervention in the form of supplements could delay the progression of AMD. The study concluded that taking an antioxidant vitamin or mineral supplement reduced the risk of advanced AMD progression by about 25 percent and showed a 19 percent reduction in visual acuity loss in some of the subjects.
The Case for Lutein and Zeaxanthin
It was not clear in the original AREDS report which vitamin, mineral or combination of nutrients was responsible for reducing the risk of AMD. When the study was planned, the lutein and zeaxanthin carotenoids that constitute the macular pigment were not assessed because they were not commercially available. Since then, several studies have provided growing evidence specific to the beneficial role of lutein and zeaxanthin intake, and their positive effect on eye health and AMD risk reduction. The AREDS Report No. 22 published in 2007 described the relationship between dietary intake of various nutrients and AMD among the AREDS subjects. This report concluded that high dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin is associated with a reduction in the risk of geographic atrophy, advanced AMD, and large or extensive intermediate drusen, the waste byproducts of cellular metabolism (activity).
New Study Builds on Long Term Nutrient Benefits
A follow up to the original AREDS trial, AREDS2, began in June 2008. This multi-centered, five-year study builds on a multitude of existing science supporting lutein and zeaxanthin’s role in maintaining healthy eyes. It is the largest human clinical trial to evaluate lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids supplementation, and includes 4,000 patients at high risk for AMD. The study is focusing on the protective effects lutein (10 mg/day), zeaxanthin (2 mg/day) , and omega-3 fatty acids (1 g/day) have against AMD, as well as the link between nutrition and macular pigment optical density, cataract development and visual function.
Vitamin supplements selected by Dr. Olson for appropriate content and quality are available through Complete EyeCare Center–either in stock or direct-shipped to your home. Call 319.385.9534 for an evaluation with Dr. Olson, or to inquire about whether you may benefit from these products.
- Tozal Eye Health Formula (To order Tozal online click the link and use rep# 24894 to complete your purchase.)
- Omega Max
- Viteyes Advanced Formula
- Viteyes AREDS Companion
- Viteyes Smokers Formula
- EyePromise Restore (To order EyePromise Restore online click the link and use referral doctor #10246 to complete your purchase.)
It’s a sunny day in Mt. Pleasant, at least for now! During this spring’s activities I’ve been thankful for a good pair of sunglasses, whether I’m driving, doing yard work, or watching a high school tennis match. What a difference it makes in my comfort and enjoyment! If you are a contact lens wearer you especially know what I mean. We keep hearing more and more about the necessity of proper sun protection, for your skin and your eyes.
You can rack up holiday shopping savings very quickly by purchasing your eyewear at Complete EyeCare Center’s downtown Mt. Pleasant, Iowa office. Not only that, you could win a prize valued at $300 or more! We are participating in Main Street Mt. Pleasant’s “Get Punched” promotion, which starts November 3rd, 2008. For each $100 you spend at participating businesses, take your completed punch card to the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber office to receive a free gift certificate worth at least $5 to spend downtown, plus a chance to win the weekly prize. That’s an automatic reward of at least 5% on your purchase, perhaps more! Large weekly prizes will be awarded November 14th, 21st, December 5th, 12th, and 19th. You can have a new look for the holidays, and these added bonuses, by getting those new eyeglasses or contacts you’ve been wanting now!
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