Eicosapentaenoic acid-rich omega-3 fatty acids supplementation may improve vision in dry age-related macular degeneration or Stargardt disease, as shown in MADEOS, a prospective, randomized, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study

Background

This study investigates the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-rich omega-3 fatty acids on dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Stargardt disease.

Methods

MADEOS is a prospective, randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, which assessed the impact of omega-3 fatty acids on best corrected visual acuity, blood omega-6/omega-3 ratio, and perceived vision and mood using a questionnaire in patients with dry AMD or Stargardt disease. Participants received either the active product (3660 mg of EPA and DHA; 14 patients) or placebo (sunflower oil; 7 patients) daily for 24 weeks. Measurements were taken at screening (Visit 1), 12 weeks (Visit 3), and 24 weeks (Visit 4). Comparisons were made within and between groups.

Results

The mean letters gained at Visits 3 and 4 were significantly different between the groups (p=0.002). The active group showed a mean gain of 6 ETDRS letters from Visit 1 to Visit 4 (p=0.003). The mean arachidonic acid/EPA ratio in the active group significantly decreased from Visit 1 (5.84 ± 1.05) to Visit 4 (1.47 ± 0.16, p=0.002). The questionnaire scores were similar at Visit 3 but higher for the active group at Visit 4 (9.38 ± 3.35 vs. 7.28 ± 2.36).

Conclusion

EPA-rich omega-3 supplementation may improve both objective and subjective vision in patients with dry AMD or Stargardt disease, offering a potentially simple, safe, and cost-effective approach to enhancing quality of life.