The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) Follow-Up protocol allows us to continue with the follow-up of participants who were enrolled in the clinical trial of antioxidant vitamins and zinc. AREDS study was designed in the beginning to determine the clinical course and prognosis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. In addition, AREDS evaluated the possible risk factors associated with the development of AMD and cataracts; the nutritional risk factors were evaluated and published in October, 2001.

Study results showed that antioxidant vitamins and zinc therapy reduced the risk of developing advanced AMD in participants with intermediate and greater risk of developing AMD (categories 3 and 4) by 25%. The risk of vision loss of three lines or more on the logarithmic visual acuity charts was also reduced by 19% for these participants. For those who developed AMD, their risk of vision loss was reduced by 25%. Antioxidants and zinc are now recommended for participants who have an intermediate risk of developing advanced AMD.

Upon completion of the clinical trial in September, 2001, participants were invited for follow-up for an additional five years to collect further data on the natural course of both AMD and cataracts. Although the multi-center trial was complete in December, 2005, we wish to continue to follow these participants for an additional five years to collect additional data. Of the 125 former participants that attended the close-out meeting for AREDS, 105 agreed to participate in a further extension of follow-up.