How does this study differ from the ARED and ARED II studies? Also, how does taking vitamin supplements compare to getting the antioxidants from the foods mentioned in the article.

The clinical evidence is equally compelling. For the past 10 years, I've watched my macular degeneration patients who improve their diets halt the progression of their disease.

Cornell has fascinating research on nutrition. The evidence suggests the best way to get what you need is to eat a rich variety of fruits, vegetables, raw nuts, and raw grains.

Individual vitamins on the other hand have the potential for harm. Vitamin A can raise the risk of lung cancer--especially in smokers. Vitamin E and C are now under suspicion. It stands to reason, these important nutrients when, taken in a natural context are good for you--but maybe not so good when taken in isolation and out of balance.

Makes you wonder why God didn't put 10,000 miligrams of Vitamin C in that apple?

So, in other words, eat a balanced and nutritious diet.

Heidi, you're doing great things for people in need. Keep it up!

This is hopeful--I have myopic macular degeneration, which, although I'm 65, my retina specialist tell me is caused more from the severe myopia I have than from age. When I asked him what I could do, he said, "Nothing." Then he said, "Go on the Internet." When I did so, the first information I found was similar to this article. I have always had a diet that was high in fresh fruits and vegetables, but I did start taking a supplement meant for people with macular degeneration. I also read that obesity may be a factor, so that's another thing we need to work on.

I sure do hope all this helps--EVERYTHING I love to do in life requires vision, and I don't have much left.

Everybody--this is serious--don't wait until you are diagnosed--do it now!