¡¡¡¡Michael J.CooneyMD

¡¡¡¡New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center 100044

¡¡¡¡Age related macular degeneration(AMD)is an increasing public health dilemma worldwide.The National Eye Institute Age Related Eye Disease Study(AREDS)proved that a high dose antioxidant and zinc formula significantly slowed the rate of vision loss and AMD progression in patients with intermediate and advanced AMD by 19%and 25%£¬respectively.There were no significant safety issues with this nutritional therapy¡£

¡¡¡¡Many studies suggest that lutein/zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for AMD.The AREDS II trial is currently assessing the safety and efficacy of these compounds for AMD¡£

¡¡¡¡This symposium will review the current state of nutritional therapy for macular degeneration and patients at risk of macular degeneration.The AREDS I and II trials£¬along with other studies£¬will be reviewed.