Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease caused by damage or breakdown of the macula, the small part of the eye’s retina that is responsible for central vision. This condition affects both distance and close vision. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of severe vision loss in Caucasians over the age of 65. There is no cure for macular degeneration.

There are 2 forms of macular degeneration, wet and dry. Some patients with the wet form, which is far less common than the dry form, can benefit from a laser treatment to stabilize their vision loss. There is no treatment for the dry form of macular degeneration. However, certain antioxidant vitamins and zinc may reduce the impact of AMD in some people with the disease. A dietary supplement with vitamins C, E, beta carotene, zinc and lutein may lower some patients risk of disease progression. Vitamin supplements are not a cure for AMD, nor will they restore vision already lost from the disease. However, they may play a role in helping some people at high risk for advanced AMD to maintain their vision.