Macular Degeneration Study - Second Study Underway for Macular Degeneration

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

Home > Second Study Underway for Macular Degeneration

A sequel to one of the most important eye studies is now taking place. It is called the AREDS 2 (Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2) trial and it is being conducted by the National Eye Institute (NEI). The original AREDS study showed that taking certain antioxidants was beneficial in reducing vision loss from macular degeneration. The tested nutrients were vitamins C, E, beta-carotene, zinc, and copper.

THESE INGREDIENTS ARE ALREADY PRESENT IN VISIVITE NON-SMOKER FORMULATIONS (SMOKER VERSIONS REMOVE BETA-CAROTENE)

This second AREDS study will explore the effects of these additional ingredients: 10 mg. lutein, 2 mg. zeaxanthin, 350 mg. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and 650 mg. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).

Why are these ingredients being added?

Lutein and Zeaxanthin are macular pigments and are believed to protect the macula from damage caused by continued exposure to light. They act as “sunscreens” to filter out UV light and fight oxidative damage, and both are found in healthy retinas. Other benefits of Lutein and Zeaxanthin include a lower rate of cataracts, cancer prevention, less cognitive decline, and cardiovascular benefits.

EPA and DHA are Omega-3 fatty acids (“good fats”) present in cold-water fish. They are thought to decrease the damaging effects of light exposure, stress, and inflammation. DHA is present in the photoreceptors of the retina. These photoreceptors convert light energy into the electrical signals that our brains interpret as images. EPA is involved in certain processes that occur in eye tissues.

A study published in the June 2008 issue of Archives of Ophthalmology has proven that EPA and DHA actually PREVENT macular degeneration in healthy eyes.

Vitamin Science is proud to be the first and only company to offer an eye supplement based upon the latest National Eye Institute Study. It is called VisiVite Premier Ocular Formula No. 2.

Goepp, MD, Julius G.. "Protecting Our Eyes Against Time-Induced Damage." Life Extension June 2008: 43-49.

Folk, MD, James C.. "New Studies Underway: AREDS 2." [Weblog Age-Related Macular Degeneration] 22 Jan 2007. MedRounds Publications. 05 Jun 2008 <http://www.medrounds.org/amd/2007/01/new-studies-underway-areds-2.html>.

VisiVite Premier Ocular Formula No. 2 - Based upon AREDS 2

Contains the precise ingredients being used in the National Eye Institute AREDS 2 research: ROPUFA Omega-3's, Zinc Oxide, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Vitamin C and Cupric Oxide.