Health
Laser treatments ineffective in preventing vision loss from AMD
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Nov. 20, 2006
Low-intensity laser treatment is not beneficial at slowing or preventing the loss of vision from age-related macular degeneration, according to the findings of a study of more than 1,000 people.
The results of the Complications of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Prevention Trial were published in the November Ophthalmology.
The fact that laser treatments were found to reduce the number of drusen under the retina, the first sign of AMD, led the National Eye Institute to conduct the trial to assess the safety and effectiveness of such treatment in preventing vision loss among people with large drusen in both eyes. It found there was no difference in vision or in progression to advanced AMD.
Currently, the only established way to decrease the risk of vision loss in people with large drusen remains taking daily supplements of vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, zinc and copper, said the researchers.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2006/11/20/hlbf1120.htm.
