MD Eyes
MD eyes is a nutritional supplement specifically formulated for macular eye health. Its objective is to provide the nutrients to the macular pigment of the retina. The macula is an important part of the retina responsible for central vision. The eye condition that the nutrients aim to minimise is age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that can cause loss of central vision.
There are two types of AMD – dry and wet. Dry AMD is the most common form. Wet AMD (also known as neovascular or nAMD) can occur at any stage of dry AMD and is often associated with faster vision degeneration.
Two large research studies, the Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS) showed that a daily intake of a select combination of nutrients may reduce the risk of progression of AMD in some people. This lead to the formulation of the AREDS supplement which has since been refined following the AREDS 2 trial.
The AREDS supplements have been shown in several clinical trials to help slow the progression of dry AMD. They may not prevent wet AMD from occurring, however, they can help reduce the risk of dry AMD progressing to wet AMD. There is also research which indicates that AREDS 2 supplements may delay the progression of intermediate to advanced AMD and may help a person maintain their vision.
What ingredients are in MD Eyes tablets?
The ingredients in each soft gel capsule are:
Vitamin C 500 mg
Vitamin E 400 IU
Zinc (as Zinc Oxide) 25 mg
Copper (as Cupric Oxide) 2 mg
Lutein 10 mg
Zeaxanthin 2 mg
The AREDS 2 supplement which is the basis of several clinical trials includes the following vitamins:
Vitamin C 500 mg
Vitamin E 400 IU
Zinc 80 mg
Copper (as Cupric Oxide) 2 mg
Lutein 10 mg
Zeaxanthin 2 mg
Are there any side effects of AREDS 2 supplements?
AREDS 2 contains vitamins that can interact with certain medications. For example, Vitamin E can interact with chemotherapy medication, blood thinners, and lipid-lowering drugs. Therefore, if you are taking other medication or supplements, it is recommended that you discuss taking MD Eyes with your optometrist and/or doctor.
An increased level of vitamins can also affect how a person digests other foods.
Nutrition and Macular Eye Health
It is helpful to consider a diet rich in anti oxidants and omega-3 for your macular eye health. All fish and shellfish contain omega-3s but higher concentrations are found in oily varieties of fish such as salmon, mackerel, anchovies, trout, herring and sardines. Lutein and zeaxanthin are anti oxidants that are important for macular health and they are found in high levels in dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach and silver beet. They are also present in a range of other vegetables such as peas, pumpkin, brussels sprouts, broccoli, corn and beans.
Summary
AREDS 2 supplements, or MD Eyes, are not a cure for AMD and they are not able to reverse damage already caused by the disease. However, there is clinical evidence that you are able to benefit from these supplements if you have:
Intermediate stage AMD in one or both eyes, to help lower the risk of progressing to late stage AMD
Late stage AMD (dry or wet) in one eye only, to help lower your risk of developing it in the other eye.
Sources:
MD Foundation (2024, May 27). AREDS2 supplements for age-related macular degeneration, https://www.mdfoundation.com.au/about-macular-disease/age-related-macular-degeneration/AMD-overview/
Fletcher, J. (2023, September 4). Can AREDS 2 supplements help treat wet AMD?, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/wet-amd-and-areds-2
