Background: It has been proposed that antioxidants may prevent cellular damage in the retina by reacting with free radicals produced in the process of light absorption.
Objectives: The objective of this review is to assess the effects of antioxidant vitamin and/or mineral supplementation on the progression of age-related macular degeneration.
Search strategy: The Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group specialised registered, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register - Central, MEDLINE, the Science Citation Index, and the reference lists of relevant articles were searched. Investigators of included studies were contacted. The most recent searches were performed in December 1999.
Selection criteria: All randomised trials comparing an antioxidant vitamin and/or mineral supplement (alone or in combination) to control in people with age-related macular degeneration were included.
Data collection and analysis: The reviewer extracted data and assessed trial quality. Due to the small number of trials identified, and variable methods of collecting and presenting outcome data, no statistical summary measure was calculated.
Main results: Four published, two unpublished and two ongoing trials were identified. Published trials to date have been small and results inconsistent. Adverse effects and quality of life for people with age-related macular degeneration have not been addressed.
Reviewer's conclusions: The question as to whether people with age-related macular degeneration should take antioxidant vitamin or mineral supplements to prevent progression of the disease has not been answered by research to date. The results of ongoing trials are awaited.