VisiVite Premier Ocular Formula No. 2 - Based on the Age Related Eye Disease 2 Study

The National Eye Institute has announced their newest Macular

Degeneration Formula Study. The study is ongoing, and the final results won't be known until 2012.

VisiVite is the first and only vitamin manufacturer to offer this unique supplement based upon various aspects of the ongoing Age Related Eye Disease Study 2, and we are optimistic that the results will show not only prevention of disease progression but also improvement of vision.

In 2001, the National Eye Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, completed the Age Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), which showed that ingesting high levels of specific nutritional supplements decreased the risk of macular degeneration (AMD) progression. This included 25,000 IU of beta-carotene, 500 mg of Vitamin C, 400 IU of Vitamin E, 80 mg of Zinc and 2 mg of Cupric Oxide.

Unfortunately, while AREDS showed benefit by slowing the worsening of this retinal eye disease, it did not demonstrate increased vision.

Since the publication of AREDS, more recent studies, including the Lutein Antioxidant Supplement Trial, have demonstrated vision improvement. And much exciting work involving both Lutein and Zeaxanthin, molecules known as carotenoids, have shown not only vision improvement but also a healthier macular appearance with improvement in pigmentation and color.

One important issue not addressed in AREDS is that there appears to be an inflammatory component to Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Other studies suggest that Omega-3 fatty acids derived from deep sea fish may be helpful in further counteracting this eye disease and preventing blindness.

Macular degeneration compromises senior eye health by causing retinal atrophy symptoms . When this occurs, it is known as dry macular degeneration or atrophic macular degeneration. Dry Age-related macular degeneration symptoms include the formation of drusen and atrophy of retinal pigment. In approximately 10% of patients, dry macular degeneration progresses to wet macular degeneration. This is also known as exudative macular degeneration. New blood vessels, called sub-retinal neovascular membranes, abnormally leak blood and protein. causing swelling and destruction of the retina. If the bleeding is located in the center of the retina, this can cause severe and sudden vision loss.