AREDS Macular Degeneration Vitamins and Smoking

Doctor Endorsements

This combination of nutrients, found in supplements like Ocuvite and VisiVite, is now widely recommended for people with moderate or severe macular degeneration. Current or former smokers may be better off with VisiVite's Smoker's Formula, which leaves out the beta-carotene (beta-carotene supplements my increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers).

Marvin Moe Bell, M.D., M.P.H.

Physician and Author

We see approximately 120 patients per week with about 15% having or being at risk for macular degeneration. Using the AREDS as our reference we became aware of the importance of nutritional supplements in the prevention of the progression of macular degeneration. This along with various other studies on the importance of vitamins for general eye health prompted us to look for a supplement that fit the needs of our patients. Visivite showed itself to be the only company who took pains to offer the ratio of different vitamins initially determined by AREDS.

Dr. Kendal Piatt, O.D.

Optometrist

At "Island Retina" our mission statement is to provide outstanding retinal care in a warm and supportive environment. I have been practicing for more than 20 years. We love taking care of patients with retinal disease including diabetes, macular degeneration and retinal detachments. Our practice is unique in that we have a surgery center,we are involved in several national research projects as well as our own research, and we have a satelite office in Commack, NY. I do a great deal of lecturing throughout the country as part of my committment to education. We have been recommending Visivite for several years. AREDS formulation vitamins are the mainstay in the treatment of dry AMD which affects about 1.7 million Americans. We find that the VisiVite vitamins fit the needs of our patients. We can recommend different formulations based on the patients' history. The quality is unsurpassed, they are well tolerated which increases patient compliance.

Pamela Weber, M.D.

Ophthalmologist

I've been in practice for 36 years. We see many patients with Macular Degeneration and dry eyes. As a general Ophthalmologist, I see patients with varying Eye problems including cataracts and glaucoma. Based on the AREDS study, a vitamin like Visivite is the only treatment for Macular Degeneration available today.

Martin L Weinhoff, MD

Ophthalmologist

We recommend that all of our patients take the VisiVite AREDS 2 formula vitamins, due to the evidence based nature of the formula (doses are based on the NIH study of macular degeneration).

Marc Lay, OD

Optometrist

East Florida Eye Institute specializes in the treatment of Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Diabetic Eye Disease, and Dry Eye Disease. We recommend the use of VisiVite for all of our Macular Degeneration patients.

Ronald E. P. Frenkel, M.D.

Ophthalmologist

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AREDS Macular Degeneration Vitamins and Smoking

Smokers with macular degeneration have a dilemma. Although AREDS in 2001 showed clear benefit to slowing the progression with high dose supplements, one ingredient was the beta-carotene form of Vitamin A.

A large by the U.S. National Cancer Institute called the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) Study cancer prevention trial showed that that beta-carotene may pose an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers. Additionally, the National Eye Institute states, "...many studies suggest that former smokers maintain some increased risk of lung cancer for years after stopping smoking. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect that beta-carotene may also slightly increase their risk of cancer, at least for a period of several years."

Therefore, Dr. Krawitz and our nutritionists recommend AMD supplements that do not contain beta-carotene for people who have habitually smoked within the past 20 years.

Vitamin Science was the first company worldwide to create a macular degeneration supplement specifically for smokers, and the company continues to be a leader for the development of superb formulas based upon the latest scientific research in this high risk group.

VisiVite Smokers Formula For Macular Degeneration - 60 capsules

Based on the formula of the National Eye Institute's Age Related Eye Disease Study, but with 8 mg Lutein substituted in place of beta-carotene. Made with Natural Vitamin E. It is best for smokers and former habitual smokers that have minimal macular degeneration with no vision loss.

THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS NO BETA CAROTENE AND IS THEREFORE RECOMMENDED FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE HABITUALLY SMOKED WITHIN THE PAST 20 YEARS.

Quantity: 60 Capsules (1 month supply)
Suggested Use: Take one capsule twice daily
Price: $17.95 per bottle. Click link to see discount pricing and more information.

Retail price: $21.95
Sale Price: $17.95

VisiVite i-Defense Red Formula For Macular Degeneration - 60 capsules

Begins with the formula of the National Eye Institute's Age Related Eye Disease Study. Zinc is reduced to 40 milligrams daily for reduced gastrointestinal side effects. Adds 15 milligrams of FlorGLO® brand Lutein. Beta-carotene free for patients with a history of habitual smoking within the past 20 years. With Natural Vitamin E. THIS PRODUCT IS DESIGNED FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE SMOKED HABITUALLY WITHIN THE PAST 20 YEARS AS IT DOES NOT CONTAIN BETA CAROTENE.

Quantity: 60 Capsules (1 month supply)
Suggested Use: Take one capsule twice daily
Price: $21.95 per bottle. Click link to see discount pricing and more information.

Retail price: $27.95
Sale Price: $21.95

> 15 mg FloraGLO Lutein
> For Smokers - No Beta Carotene
> Natural Vitamin E

VisiVite AREDS2+ i-Defense Green Formula For Macular Degeneration - 60 capsules

Exceeds the National Eye Institute's AREDS2 guidelines. Contains 15 milligrams of FlorGLO brand Lutein and 4.75 milligrams of OPTISHARP brand Zeaxanthin and other critical antioxidants. Made using high quality Natural Vitamin E.

Quantity: 60 Capsules (1 month supply)
Suggested Use: Take one capsule twice daily
Price: $29.95 per bottle. Click link to see discount pricing and more information.

Retail price: $49.95
Sale Price: $29.95

> Exceeds National Eye Institute's AREDS2 Formula
> 50% more Lutein than AREDS2
> 134% more Zeaxanthin than AREDS2
> Premium Antioxidant Formula
> 200 mcg Selenium

VisiVite AREDS2 Premier Ocular Formula No. 2<br>120 capsules

VisiVite AREDS2 Premier Ocular Formula No. 2
120 capsules

Based upon the National Eye Institute's AREDS2 guidelines. Contains 10 milligrams of FlorGLO brand Lutein and 2 milligrams of OPTISHARP brand Zeaxanthin and other critical antioxidants. Adds 1228 mg of pharmaceutical grade ROPUFA omega 3 fish oil. Made using high quality Natural Vitamin E. Take two soft gels twice daily.

Quantity: 120 Gel Caps (1 month supply)
Suggested Use: Take two capsules twice daily
Price: $39.95 per bottle. Click link to see discount pricing and more information.

Retail price: $59.95
Sale Price: $39.95

> Based on National Eye Institute's AREDS2 Formula
> 10 mg FloraGLO Lutein
> 2 mg OPTISHARP Zeaxanthin
> Adds 1228 mg Pharmaceutical grade Omega-3's
> Premium quality softgel