What supplements can help with vitreoretinal (vitreoretinal degeneration) degeneration?

Supplements for Vitreoretinal Degeneration

The AREDS2 supplement formulation (vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, lutein, zeaxanthin) is the most evidence-based supplement regimen for patients with vitreoretinal degeneration, particularly for those with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). 1

Evidence-Based Supplement Options

For Age-Related Macular Degeneration

• AREDS2 Formula - Most strongly recommended:
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin E
  • Zinc
  • Copper
  • Lutein
  • Zeaxanthin

This formulation has been shown to reduce the risk of progression to advanced AMD by 25% in high-risk individuals 1. It is specifically recommended for:

• Patients with intermediate AMD
• Patients with advanced AMD in one eye
• Patients with high-risk drusen (≥125 μm)

For Other Vitreoretinal Degenerative Conditions

For vitreoretinal degeneration beyond AMD, the evidence is more limited, but several antioxidants may be beneficial:

• Lutein and Zeaxanthin: These macular xanthophylls have observational data suggesting they may lower the risk of advanced AMD 2

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids from fish consumption are associated with decreased risk of advanced AMD 2

• Curcumin-Based Supplements: Recent research suggests curcumin-based nutritional supplements may be associated with lower rates of developing AMD or progression to later stages 3

Patient-Specific Considerations

Risk Stratification

1. High-risk patients (should definitely take AREDS2 formula):

   • Intermediate AMD or advanced AMD in one eye
   • Approximately 8 million persons ≥55 years old in the US fall into this category 1

2. Patients with early non-exudative AMD:

   • May benefit from antioxidant supplementation
   • Consider curcumin-based supplements which showed reduced risk of progression to advanced stages 3

3. Patients with vitreous degeneration:

   • Adequate intravitreal antioxidant levels may be protective against further degeneration 4
   • May help with vision-degrading myodesopsia (floaters)

Important Cautions and Contraindications

• Smokers: Beta-carotene has been associated with increased risk of lung cancer in smokers 5, 6

• Patients with vascular disease or diabetes: Vitamin E has been associated with increased risk of heart failure in these populations 6

• Monitoring: Regular ophthalmologic examinations are essential regardless of supplement use

Lifestyle Modifications

• Smoking cessation: Smoking is consistently identified as a risk factor for progression of AMD 1

• Diet: A diet rich in antioxidants (carotenoids, vitamins C and E) and minerals (selenium and zinc) may reduce the likelihood of developing AMD 5

The evidence for supplements in vitreoretinal degeneration is strongest for AMD, with the AREDS2 formula showing clear benefits in preventing progression in high-risk individuals. For other forms of vitreoretinal degeneration, antioxidant supplements may be beneficial based on their protective mechanisms against oxidative stress, but more specific clinical trials are needed.