As Macular Degeneration Treatment Halts, Eye Health Supplements Still Proven Treatment

Studies show anecortave acetate treatments had no effect on the progress of age-related eye condition; eye health supplements from VisiVite.com still linked to control, prevention of AMD.

Huntington, NY (PRWEB) July 27, 2008 -- Alcon Inc., the Swiss eye care giant, announced this week that a new treatment for age-related macular degeneration using anecortave acetate, has been shelved after proving ineffective in two studies. Anecortave prevents angiogenesis, or the growth of new blood vessels, and is used in cancer treatments to stunt the growth of solid tumors. The news comes as several studies and meta-analyses confirm that Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins can slow the progress of macular degeneration.

The drug, which was to be marketed as Retaane, has ceased development due to a pair of studies, C-02-60 A and B, showing no effect on the excess blood vessel growth caused by age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Although there is no cure for macular degeneration, the estimated 6.5 million Americans affected by the condition can still slow its progress with high doses of vitamin supplements. According to the National Eye Institute's Age-Related Eye Disease Study 1, concluded that Vitamins A, C and E, Zinc, Copper and Beta-Carotene reduced the risk of macular degeneration in study participants by 25%. Subsequent studies have shown the effectiveness of carotenoids Lutein and Zeaxanthin in slowing the degenerative effects of the eye disease. The NEI is currently conducting a second AREDS study focusing on Omega-3 Fatty Acids, which have been shown in a recent meta-analysis to also decrease the risk of developing AMD.

VisiVite manufactures macular degeneration vitamin supplements to help potential candidates for AMD combat the disease.

About VisiVite.com:

Since 2001, VisiVite.com is dedicated to providing customers with state of the art macular degeneration vitamins to lessen the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Their products include several VisiVite Omega-3 eye supplements (http://www.visivite.com/visivite.html), Macular Degeneration Vitamins (http://www.visivite.com/vitamin-science.html) and Dry Eye Relief Vitamins (http://www.visivite.com/dry-eye-syndrome.html). For more information and up-to-the minute AMD news, visit VisiVite.com.

Contact:

VisiVite.com

1-800-427-7660

http://www.visivite.com

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