NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Taking vitamins E and C may do nothing to protect aging eyes from macular degeneration -- the leading cause of vision loss in older adults, a new clinical trial finds.

Researchers had been hoping the vitamins, both antioxidants, could shield against the tissue erosion that occurs in macular degeneration. The condition involves damage to the center of the retina, which makes it hard to see fine details.

Studies have found that people who get more antioxidants in their diet have a lower risk of macular degeneration. But that doesn't rule out other possible diet or lifestyle explanations behind the link.

And so far, clinical trials using vitamin E have come up empty.

Consider this...

Dr. Michael Tolentino, MD- Retina Specialist

I would like to preface this letter by saying that I have no financial, intellectual or emotional conflicts of interest with the science that I will be summarizing in this letter. My main motivation in writing this letter is not to sell or market vitamins, or tout my invention or even describe my own experimental work.  My main motivation is to summarize the evidence that points to the importance of Meso-Zeaxanthin as the critical nutrient for the protection of the macula from the corrosive effects of age and light induced oxidation(rust) which underlies the pathophysiology of age related macular degeneration the leading cause of visual impairment in our aging population.   In addition, it is my strong hopes that patients will take a pro-active interest in protecting against AMD starting with taking the one soft gel per day in the Macuhealth Formula or like ocular supplements.