Overview:
Nutritional supplements play an important role in the early
management of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Supplements containing antioxidants
and macular pigments have been shown to slow AMD progression, and emerging data
indicate a protective role for B vitamins. This program will focus on key data related
to nutritional supplementation as a treatment strategy for early AMD.
Learning Objectives:
Upon
completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Summarize the classification of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) based on staging
- Outline the design and major findings from the AREDS and AREDS2 clinical trials, including the 10-year follow-on study
- Explain the role of specific B vitamins in the treatment of patients with neovascular AMD when used alongside AREDS2 formulations
- Integrate findings from AREDS and AREDS2 clinical trials and emerging evidence on B vitamin supplementation in treatment recommendations for patients with AMD
Target Audience:
This educational activity is directed toward optometrists
and other eyecare professionals involved in the management of patients with
retinal disease.