Can nutritional supplements help treat AMD?

13 July 2018
Summer 2018

Radhika Holmstöm examines the case for antioxidant and vitamin supplements preventing, or slowing the progress of, AMD.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects more than 600,000 people in the UK, mostly those over the age of 50. It is estimated that one in every 200 people in the UK at 60 and one in five by the age of 90 are affected by the condition (Macular Society, 2017a).

Patients routinely ask for advice on the benefits of taking supplements. Despite some evidence that supplementation can slow the progress of AMD, NICE guidelines do not currently recommend it. Why is this, and what should you advise?

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The College of Optometrists has today launched a public consultation on the next edition of its Guidance for Professional Practice which will be open for the next six weeks until Monday 3 August 2026.

The Health Bill is part of the government's modernisation agenda to improve patient care in England.

Patients will be paid £20 per session and all travel expenses will be reimbursed.