An 70-year-old patient has bilateral large soft drusen and moderate age-related macular degeneration without choroidal neovascularization. Based on the AREDS and AREDS2 studies, what intervention reduces the risk of progression to advanced AMD?
- A Monthly intravitreal ranibizumab injections
- B High-dose antioxidant vitamins and zinc formulation (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene or lutein, zinc, copper) ✓
- C Oral aspirin 75 mg daily
- D Topical dorzolamide twice daily
Correct answer: B. High-dose antioxidant vitamins and zinc formulation (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene or lutein, zinc, copper)
Explanation
The AREDS and AREDS2 trials showed that a specific high-dose formulation of antioxidants plus zinc reduces the risk of progression from intermediate AMD to advanced disease by about 25 percent over five years. Anti-VEGF therapy treats established neovascular AMD but does not prevent conversion in dry disease, and neither aspirin nor carbonic anhydrase inhibitors alter the natural course of drusen. Beta-carotene was removed from newer formulations because of increased lung cancer risk in smokers.
Reference: AAO Basic and Clinical Science Course, Section 12: Retina, 2023-2024 ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.