Transcript Slide 1

Treatment of dry age related macular degeneration using
eicosapentaenoic (EPA) fatty acids
Georgiou T.*, Nicolaou D., Neokleous A., Kolovos P., Constantinidou S,. Ikonomu C.
Ophthalmos Research and Educational Institute, Nicosia, Cyprus.
Introduction: Low-grade chronic inflammation plays a major
Discussion: Our study indicates that EPA mainly omega-3
role to the disease pathogenesis in dry age related macular
degeneration (AMD). Currently there is no treatment to stop
progression or improve vision in these patients.
fatty acids (3.5 to 5 grams of EPA) represents a potentially new
therapeutic approach for the treatment of dry AMD.
We hypothesized that mainly EPA omega-3 fatty acids may
provide improvement of visual function due to its antiinflammatory effects. This study was done to support this
hypothesis.
Methods: Sixty two eyes of 44 patients with dry AMD were
treated mainly with 3.5-5g/day of EPA fatty acids (EPA:DHA
2:1). Visual acuity was examined using the EDTRS chart at 6
week intervals for 6 months. The AA/EPA blood ratio was
evaluated during treatment.
AA
There is no cure for dry AMD. However since these eye
pathologies appear to be inflammatory-mediated conditions,
the use of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids may offer a
potential long-term management approach. Our working
hypothesis is that resolution of inflammation in the eye may be
mediated by Resolvins, especially those derived from EPA.
The limitations of this preliminary study are (a) the limited
number of subjects studied and (b) the lack of a placebocontrolled treatment group.
EPA
Chromatogram for all omega 3 and 6 fatty
acids. The area of the arachidonic acid (AA) and
the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are calculated to
ensure optimum ratio levels during treatment.
Gas chromatography equipment.
Results: The median visual acuity was 6/18 at the start of
Innate immune system
treatment and the mean age was 73 years. The mean gain of
letters at 6 weeks, 3 months, 4.5 months and 6 months was
6.71±0.61, 9.63±1.02, 11.95±1.01 and 13.83±1.11
respectively. The mean AA/EPA blood ratio was 8.47±0.46 at
the beginning of the treatment and 1.73±0.06 during
treatment.
Visual acuity gain in letters. VA improved gradually over the period of 6 months.
Conclusion:
Patients with dry AMD treated with mainly EPA fatty
acids had a significant improvement of visual
AA/EPA ratio before and during treatment. The mean AA/EPA ratio was
8.47±0.46 at the beginning of the treatment and 1.73±0.06 during treatment.
acuity.
*Corresponding author at Ophthalmos Research and Educational Institute, Nicosia, Cyprus.
E-mail address: [email protected] (Dr. Tassos Georgiou)