Australian researchers recently published the results of a study that examined the effects of low-dose aspirin on age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
The randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled clinical trial involved over 3,000 older adults. The study looked at the efficacy of 100 mg daily aspirin in keeping elderly individuals disability-free. Baseline retinal photographs were taken when each person began the study and then again at 3 and 5 years for all study participants.
The published results indicated that 19.4% in the aspirin group were diagnosed with AMD while 19.1% were diagnosed in the placebo group. Progression of AMD to the intermediate form was found in 2.3% of those in the aspirin group and 3.1% in the placebo group. The onset and progression rates between the aspirin group and the placebo group was not statistically significant.
Researchers continue to look for therapies for those dealing with macular degeneration as it is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the elderly.
