Prevention of age-related macular degeneration.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of blindness in the developed world. Although effective treatment modalities such as anti-VEGF treatment have been developed for neovascular AMD, there is still no effective treatment for geographical atrophy, and therefore the most cost-effective management of AMD is to start with prevention. This review looks at current evidence on preventive measures targeted at AMD. Modalities reviewed include (1) nutritional supplements such as the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) formula, lutein and zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acid, and berry extracts, (2) lifestyle modifications, including smoking and body-mass-index, and (3) filtering sunlight, i.e. sunglasses and blue-blocking intraocular lenses. In summary, the only proven effective preventive measures are stopping smoking and the AREDS formula.
Wong
Ian Yat Hin
IY
Eye Institute, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong. ianyhwong@gmail.com
Koo
Simon Chi Yan
SC
Chan
Clement Wai Nang
CW
D019587:Dietary Supplements; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D014975:Lutein / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D024341:Xanthophylls / Q000627:therapeutic use; D065146:Zeaxanthins
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D024341:Xanthophylls; D065146:Zeaxanthins; D014975:Lutein