AAO 2025: AREDS vitamins may not slow GA progression in advanced AMD

New evidence presented at American Academy of Ophthalmology’s (AAO) annual meeting challenges the long-held belief that age-related eye disease study (AREDS) vitamin formulations can slow the progression of geographic atrophy (GA) in advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Researchers analyzed data from more than 1,200 untreated eyes in the OAKS (NCT03525613) and DERBY (NCT03525600) trials using advanced imaging techniques, including fundus autofluorescence and optical coherence tomography (OCT), to measure GA growth. The findings revealed no significant impact of vitamin supplementation on overall GA enlargement or foveal involvement, contradicting earlier post hoc analyses that suggested a benefit. Experts attribute the discrepancy to limitations in older imaging methods used in previous studies.

While AREDS-based supplements remain valuable for reducing the risk of progression to neovascular AMD, they shouldn't be considered a strategy for GA management. Clinicians are advised to counsel patients accordingly and prioritize FDA-approved intravitreal therapies—pegcetacoplan and avacincaptad pegol—which have demonstrated efficacy in slowing GA progression.

Source:

(2025, October 20). American Academy of Ophthalmology. Vitamin Supplements May Not Slow Geographic Atrophy Growth in Advanced Macular Degeneration [News release] https://www.aao.org/newsroom/news-releases/detail/vitamin-supplements-may-not-slow-geographic-atroph