CAN SUPPLEMENTS HELP?

SIMON KELLY, an ophthalmic surgeon at the Royal Bolton Hospital, considers the evidence. He says:

WE KNOW antioxidants and vitamins are good for our health. Lutein and zeaxanthin, f ound i n brightly coloured fruit and vegetables, are good for vision because of their role in maintaining the macula (the central spot on the retina).

The key evidence for supplements for eye health relates to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Two large U.S. studies (called AREDS 1 and 2) looked at whether high doses of supplements could slow down or prevent the progression of this condition. The studies showed that people with AMD who took the supplements every day in the sixyear trial had a 25 per cent reduction in the progression of the disease. This is potentially a significant benefit.

However, the supplements did not prevent AMD in normal eyes.

What you should bear in mind is that the supplements used in the AREDS study provided high doses of specific nutrients. Some eye supplements may not have such high doses.

Those that do will flag up the fact it is an AREDS formulation — these are the ones to look for if you’re in the high-risk group. Based on the studies, the recommended dose is 500mg vitamin C, 400 IU (international units) of vitamin E, 10mg of lutein, 2mg of zeaxanthin, 25mg of zinc and 2mg of copper. It’s virtually impossible to get such quantities in a regular diet.

Some GPs may give you an NHS prescription for these supplements.