Abstract
Purpose::
To demonstrate regression of macular drusen for the first time in a patient treated with nutritional supplements.
Methods::
Case Report
Results::
Photographic evidence is presented of disappearance of macular drusen over a four year period in a patient treated with vitamin supplements alone.
Conclusions::
Nutritional treatment of retinal disease has proved at least partially successful in Bassen-Kornzweig syndrome (vitamins A,E and K), gyrate atrophy (low protein, low arginine diet), Refsum disease (low phytanic acid) and Sorsby fundus dystrophy (vitamin A).Age related macular degeneration is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in patients over the age of sixty five. Previous studies have demonstrated that higher dietary levels of lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc and antioxidants reduced the risk of progression from moderate to advanced age related macular degeneration. The protective effect of these substances against age related macular degeneration are thought to result from light absorbing properties and reduced free radical production.Argon laser has been used to induce resolution of drusen in age related macular degeneration. To our knowledge this is the first report of documented resolution of macular drusen with vitamin supplements alone.
Keywords: age-related macular degeneration • macula/fovea • nutritional factors