Q: My 80-year-old mother has been diagnosed with dry ARMD. I am 55. Should I start taking an AREDS Supplement?
A: While having a family member with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) does put you at a higher risk for developing the disease, family history/genetics is only one of the risk factors that can lead to ARMD. Other risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, overexposure to sunlight, and a high-fat diet or one low in nutrients and antioxidants.
The Age-Related Disease Study (AREDS) supplement formula is a specific, high-potency supplement that may slow the progression of ARMD for those with intermediate or early-advanced ARMD. There is no study however to show that taking an AREDS supplement will delay the onset of ARMD. Therefore, unless you have been diagnosed with ARMD, you do not need to take an AREDS supplement. While taking the supplement would not hurt, there is no data proving that it would help.
If you are concerned about ARMD, studies show that eating fruit and deeply colored vegetables rich in antioxidants provides many health benefits and may reduce the risk of developing ARMD. Additionally, quitting smoking and wearing sunglasses can also help reduce the risks. Macular degeneration is a disease that affects your central vision. So if lines start to appear wavy or crooked, or parts of letters and images are missing, see your eye doctor for a complete, dilated exam. Just as important are regular visits to your eye doctor who can monitor your eye health and detect any signs of eye disease early on, should it develop. As with any eye disease, early detection and/or treatment as needed, can help to slow the vision loss associated with this condition.