A 65-year-old woman has dry AMD with multiple soft drusen and focal areas of geographic atrophy sparing the fovea. Which treatment has been shown to REDUCE the risk of progression to advanced AMD in this category?
- A Monthly intravitreal anti-VEGF injections
- B AREDS2 supplement formula (lutein/zeaxanthin + vitamin C, E, zinc, copper) ✓
- C Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin
- D Epiretinal membrane peeling
Correct answer: B. AREDS2 supplement formula (lutein/zeaxanthin + vitamin C, E, zinc, copper)
Explanation
The AREDS2 trial demonstrated that the modified AREDS2 formula (lutein 10 mg + zeaxanthin 2 mg replacing beta-carotene, with vitamin C 500 mg, vitamin E 400 IU, zinc 80 mg, copper 2 mg) reduces the risk of progression from intermediate/advanced AMD in one eye to advanced AMD (neovascular or GA) by approximately 25% over 5 years. Anti-VEGF is for neovascular AMD; PDT was used for classic subfoveal CNV; epiretinal membrane peeling is for ERM, not AMD.
Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.