ARMD--pilot (case series) environmental intervention data.

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 0.73 +/- 0.45 portions of dark-green, leafy vegetables/day base intake, were placed on an additional portion of 5 ounces sauted spinach 4 to 7 times per week or lutein-based antioxidant (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 ophthalmoscopic 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.