Abstract:
This open prospective study aimed to evaluate the dynamics of progression
of early and intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) against
the background of continuous use of the nutraceutical formula AREDS2,
which includes omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), vitamin D,
resveratrol, and photobiomodulation (PBM), over a 5-year follow-up in
patients from Ukraine and Moldova. Examining 126,400 patients, 163
patients (304 eyes) with early and intermediate stages of AMD were treated
(5-year follow-up).
Patients were divided into two groups. Patients in the 1st group (149 eyes)
were prescribed a nutraceutical formula based on AREDS2 with omega-3
PUFAs, vitamin D, and resveratrol (Nutrof®Forte 1 capsule once a day
continuously). The second group (155 eyes) included patients who
irregularly took various vitamin-antioxidant complexes. All patients
underwent PBM every 6 months.
The five-year prevalence of early and intermediate AMD was estimated
using data from leading ophthalmological centers in Ukraine (Odesa - 7.1%,
Kharkiv - 6.6%) and Moldova (6.3%).
AMD progression in the multivariate Cox regression model over five years
showed a 3.24-fold reduction in relative risk (95% CI: 2.15-4.79, p=0.000)
for patients with early and intermediate AMD who regularly took the
recommended nutraceutical (compared to those who irregularly took
various vitamin-antioxidant complexes).
Patients with early and intermediate AMD are recommended to undergo
courses of PBM every six months. Additionally, it is crucial to address
cardiovascular issues and consistently use the AREDS2 nutraceutical
formula. Adherence to these recommendations can reduce the likelihood of
disease progression by at least 3.24 times over the next 5 years.
