Courtesy Key-Whitman Eye Center
Eye doctors regularly prescribe oral supplementation, Age-Related Eye Disease Study-2 (AREDS2), to slow the progression of macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of vision loss––more than cataracts and glaucoma combined. However, a recent case study published in JAMA Ophthalmology, a trusted industry journal among ophthalmologists, revealed an incident that occurred when one woman took the AREDS2 supplementation too far. Yes; one can overdose on nutritional supplements.
Dr. Ronald Barke is a board certified ophthalmologist with Key-Whitman Eye Center who has been practicing in Arlington, Texas, since 1995. Dr. Barke informs that the JAMA report highlights the importance of practicing common sense and consulting a doctor before adding supplements to our diets.
As Dr. Barke further explains, “The woman identified in the report ended up with crystal deposits in the macular region of her retina. Unbeknownst to the patient (who didn’t have macular degeneration), she was overdosing on lutein by consuming double the recommended daily dosage of lutein supplements and drinking a daily smoothie loaded with lutein-rich foods like kale and spinach.”
While the JAMA report does highlight a problem, Dr. Barke says the positive sides of lutein supplements for treating macular degeneration––the AREDS-2 formula in particular––outweighs the risks. Along with lutein, the antioxidant rich AREDS-2 formula includes nutrients, vitamins, and zinc that studies have shown supports eye health.
“There are millions of patients who successfully take lutein supplements like AREDS-2 to manage macular degeneration. This case involved one patient who took too much of a good thing. Lutein supplements have proven to be a very effective treatment for slowing the progression of vision loss caused by this disease,” explains Dr. Barke.
How to prevent getting too much of a good thing? Dr. Barke encourages patients to talk openly and candidly with their eye doctor about their diets and all medications or supplements they take. As he explains, “At Key-Whitman we regularly review our macular degeneration patients’ dietary, medication and supplementation history to help ensure we prescribe the appropriate type and dosage of supplements.”
Early diagnosis and treatment of macular degeneration is vital for fending off vision loss caused by the disease. Individuals who are at higher risk for macular degeneration should schedule––at a minimum––annual screenings with an eye doctor.
Main risk factors for macular degeneration include:
- Age 50 and above
- Family history of macular degeneration
- Smoker or former smoker
- Obesity
Once diagnosed, your eye doctor can recommend a variety of treatments, based on the type of macular degeneration––wet or dry––diagnosed.
Don’t let fears of macular degeneration overshadow the importance of early screening for macular degeneration and prevent you from seeing an eye doctor. Dr. Barke finds that patients with macular degeneration or those who are at risk for the disease have two unnecessary fears about the disease that deter them from getting an eye exam.
Number 1, Patients are concerned they will go completely blind.
Number 2, Patients have worries about the treatments available for macular degeneration.
No one needs to be fearful. As Dr. Barke explains, “At Key-Whitman, we hear these concerns all of the time, but we also know how to allay our patients’ fears. The most important thing we tell patients is that you can stave off vision loss when macular degeneration is diagnosed early.”
“In addition, supplements work very well with an early diagnosis. Plus, laser procedures and the medicine we instill into the eyes for the wet form of macular degeneration can be extremely effective. We also keep patients comfortable and pain-free during these procedures by applying a numbing solution to the eye.”
If you notice any changes to your vision, schedule an eye exam ASAP
As with most eye diseases and conditions, early diagnosis and treatment is key for maintaining healthy vision.
