Abstract From the Journal of the American Optometric Association:
Part II:: ARMD- Pilot (Case Series)
environmental intervention data
Dr. Stuart Richer, O.D.
Background:
A description and justification for using a standardized clinical low-cost,
"low-technology", ocular and systemic "ARMD work-up" protocol was presented in
the methods paper (part I).
Methods:
Fourteen male patients (70+-9 years), receiving .73+- .43 portions of
dark-green, leafy vegetables/day base intake, were placed on an additional
portion of 5 ounces sautéed spinach 4 to 7 times per week or lutein based
anti-oxidant (three patients). : Detailed "ARMD work-up" data for six of these
patients and summary pilot (case series) environmental intervention data are
presented.
Results: One, patients demonstrated short-term positive effects in visual
function in one or both eyes with this mild therapeutic approach:: Amsler
grid (87%); Snellen Acuity (71%); Contrast sensitivity (92%); SKILL (65%); Glare
recovery (69%); and Activities of Daily Vision Subscale (60%); Two,
There was no obvious correlation between opthalmoscopic appearance of the retina
and visual outcome; and Three, Patient symptoms did not necessarily
correlate with observed changes in visual function.
Conclusions:
The approach to atrophic ARMD presented here warrants informal practitioner
replication and formal randomized prospective clinical case-control
evaluation.
