Supplements (2003) AMD Outcomes - Lifestyle, Supplement May Improve Outcomes in AMD

Research indicates changes in lifestyle, including having a lower body mass index, exercising and taking a dietary supplement, may reduce the risk and/or the severity of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which affects 30% of people 75 years or older. A study of 261 patients age 60 or older with signs of non-advanced AMD, published in the Archives of Ophthalmology (2003;121[6]:785-792).

Patients were followed for an average of 4.6 years, and their height, weight and blood pressure were measured annually. The data indicated that study participants with a high body mass index (BMI >25) were more than twice as likely to have their AMD worsen than were those with lower weight. Patients who exercised vigorously at least three times a week had a 25% reduction in the risk that the severity of the disease would increase.