Serum levels of antioxidants and age-related macular degeneration.

A number of reports have suggested that oxidative damage in the retina may contribute to the pathogenesis of Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The present study was designed to investigate the hypothesis that serum levels of the antioxidants, Vitamin E and selenium are related to the pathogenesis of AMD. Fasting bloods were obtained from 80 patients with AMD and 86 controls. Assays for serum levels of Vitamin E, selenium, cholesterol and triglycerides were performed. Assessment of patients and controls was based upon eye examination, fundus photography and medical history. No significant difference was found in serum levels of Vitamin E between subjects and controls, however, there was a borderline association between AMD and both serum selenium levels and current smoking status. The results suggest that if oxidative damage is a factor in the pathogenesis of AMD, it is not reflected in serum levels of Vitamin E; further studies are required to clarify the possible relationship between serum selenium levels, smoking and AMD.