NIH Radio
New Nationwide Study Will Evaluate Effect of Antioxidants and Fish Oil on Progression of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Brief Description:
The National Eye Institute at the National Institutes of Health will look into whether a modified combination of vitamins, minerals and fish oil can further slow the progression of vision lost due to AMD.
Transcript:
Schmalfeldt: A study published five years ago showed that high-dose antioxidant vitamins and minerals taken by mouth reduced the risk of progressive vision loss caused by age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, by 19 percent. Now, the National Eye Institute at the National Institutes of Health will look into whether a modified combination of vitamins, minerals and fish oil can further slow the progression of vision lost due to AMD. Nearly 100 clinical centers nationwide are seeking 4,000 people between the ages of 50 and 85 who currently have AMD, according to Dr. Emily Chew, study chair and deputy director of the Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Research at the NEI.
Chew : We're excited about the study. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision impairment in the U.S. and probably in the western civilized world. So if we can do a little bit to reduce the risk, we can go a long way. And it's only going to get worse because we're living longer, and not necessarily healthier.
Schmalfeldt: People taking part in this study must be available for yearly eye exams for at least five years. For more info, visit the website www.nei.nih.gov or call 877-AREDS-80. From the National Institutes of Health, I'm Bill Schmalfeldt in Bethesda, Maryland.
About This Audio Report
Date: 10/13/2006
Reporter: Bill Schmalfeldt
Sound Bite: Dr. Emily Chew
Topic: Macular Degeneration
Institute(s): NEI
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