A 68-year-old woman with bilateral intermediate dry age-related macular degeneration asks about nutritional supplementation. According to the AREDS2 formulation, which change from the original AREDS regimen is correct?

• A Omega-3 fatty acids were confirmed to slow progression and retained
• B Zinc dose was doubled and copper removed
• C Beta-carotene was removed and lutein plus zeaxanthin added ✓
• D Vitamin A was added to replace beta-carotene

Explanation

AREDS2 modified the original antioxidant formula by removing beta-carotene, which increased lung cancer incidence in smokers, and adding lutein and zeaxanthin as alternative carotenoids. Zinc and copper were retained at original doses, vitamin C was not introduced, and omega-3 fatty acids showed no benefit in slowing progression and were therefore dropped from the final recommendation. The AREDS2 formula is now the standard supplement offered for intermediate AMD or advanced disease in one eye.

Reference: Kanski's Clinical Ophthalmology, 9th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.