Eye Health: Daily Options with Macu-Vision Plus and Macutec

Investigating Nutritional Support Approaches for the Effective Management of Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration

As qualified optometrists, we often receive questions from patients seeking effective methods to protect or improve their vision, especially when confronting age-related issues like macular degeneration. The significance of nutrition and supplementation in maintaining optimal eye health cannot be overstated, with a growing body of scientific research highlighting their essential role in managing dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

In this extensive evaluation, we will compare two leading products available in the Australian marketplace: Macutec Once Daily and Blackmores Macu-Vision Plus.

In-Depth Exploration of the Basics of Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a degenerative disorder that profoundly affects the macula, the central area of the retina responsible for delivering sharp, high-resolution vision. This condition ranks among the leading causes of severe vision loss in Australia, impacting thousands of individuals annually.

There are two primary forms of macular degeneration:

• Dry Macular Degeneration
  This is the more common variant, accounting for approximately 90% of all cases. It involves a gradual thinning of the macular tissue, leading to a slow yet persistent decline in central vision over time.
• Wet Macular Degeneration
  This variant, although less frequently encountered, is significantly more severe. It arises when abnormal blood vessels form and leak fluid or blood beneath the macula, often resulting in sudden, irreversible vision loss without immediate medical attention.

What Are the Risks of Failing to Treat Macular Degeneration Effectively?

• Dry AMD may progress slowly, but if ignored, it can lead to substantial vision loss over time.
• Wet AMD requires urgent medical intervention to prevent lasting damage to central vision.

What Are the Most Effective Treatment Approaches for Macular Degeneration?

• Wet AMD is generally treated with injections aimed at halting the development of leaking blood vessels.
• Dry AMD is managed through a combination of lifestyle changes and nutritional supplements that comply with the scientifically corroborated AREDS2 formula.

Why Is Adhering to the AREDS2 Formula Crucial for Treatment?

The Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS and AREDS2) have significantly altered our understanding of how nutritional support can be pivotal in combating AMD. The second study, AREDS2, refined the composition of supplements by:

• Removing beta-carotene, which had been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer among smokers.
• Adjusting zinc levels to safer yet equally effective quantities.
• Adding lutein and zeaxanthin, two vital macular carotenoids.

The result? A safer and more effective strategy for slowing the progression of dry AMD.

Which Nutritional Supplements Align with AREDS2 Guidelines Available in Australia?

Two highly regarded supplement options are:

1. Macutec Once Daily (by Stiltec – Proudly Australian Made)

Key Ingredients That Align with AREDS2 Guidelines:

• Vitamin C – 500mg
• Vitamin E – 400 IU
• Zinc Oxide – 25mg
• Copper – 2mg
• Lutein – 10mg
• Zeaxanthin – 2mg

Recommended dosage: One tablet daily with food.

Fully complies with the AREDS2 formula

2. Blackmores Macu-Vision Plus

Key Ingredients Overview:

• Vitamin C – 250mg
• Vitamin E – 200 IU
• Zinc Oxide – 40mg
• Copper – 1mg
• Lutein – 5mg
• Zeaxanthin – 1mg

Recommended dosage: One tablet daily with food.

Contains only half the recommended dose of lutein and zeaxanthin according to AREDS2

What Are the Drawbacks of the Original Blackmores Macu-Vision?

This product lacks both lutein and zeaxanthin and does not meet the AREDS2 guidelines in any regard. While it provides some antioxidant support, it fails to deliver the critical nutrients essential for maintaining optimal macular health.

Comparative Evaluation: Macutec vs Macu-Vision Plus

Ingredient	Macutec Once Daily	Macu-Vision Plus	AREDS2 Recommended Dosage
Vitamin C	500 mg	250 mg	500 mg
Vitamin E	400 IU (as dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate)	200 IU	400 IU
Zinc (as Zinc Oxide)	25 mg	40 mg	80 mg*
Copper (as Cupric Oxide)	2 mg	1 mg	2 mg
Lutein	10 mg (FloraGLO® Lutein)	5 mg	10 mg
Zeaxanthin	2 mg (Optisharp® Zeaxanthin)	1 mg	2 mg
Daily Capsules	1 softgel	1 tablet	1 dose
AREDS2 Formula Compliance	Fully Compliant	Partially Compliant (half dose L/Z, low C/E)	Based on NEI AREDS2 Formula

*AREDS2 research indicated that lower zinc doses (25 mg) were equally effective and resulted in fewer side effects compared to higher amounts of 80 mg.

Ingredient Analysis and Key Insights:

• Lutein & Zeaxanthin: Macutec Once Daily meets the AREDS2 recommendation precisely (10mg Lutein, 2mg Zeaxanthin), while Blackmores Macu-Vision Plus only provides half.
• Zinc: Although Macutec employs a lower 25 mg Zinc dosage, AREDS2 findings demonstrated that this amount was equally effective and linked to fewer side effects compared to higher levels.
• Vitamin E Formulation: Macutec utilises dl-alpha tocopherol; while AREDS2 utilised natural d-alpha, this form is a widely accepted substitute that does not significantly impact most users.
• Manufacturing Standards: Macutec is Australian-made under pharmaceutical GMP and features premium branded lutein (FloraGLO®) and zeaxanthin (Optisharp®), both of which were used in the original AREDS2 trials.

Vital Considerations for Choosing Nutritional Supplements:

Macutec is also Australian-made, featuring premium branded carotenoids that are integral to the AREDS2 study, designed for convenient once-per-day dosing.

Macutec Once Daily offers a precise alignment with the AREDS2 formula, containing full-strength lutein (10 mg) and zeaxanthin (2 mg), while minimising excessive zinc intake.

Macu-Vision Plus, although marketed as an AREDS-style supplement, provides only half of the recommended L/Z dosage, lower antioxidant levels, and excess zinc that may not be necessary.

Making an Informed Decision: Which Supplement Best Meets Your Needs?

Both supplements are designed to slow down the progression of dry macular degeneration, but only one fully adheres to the AREDS2 formula: Macutec Essentials. It offers:

• Full-strength, evidence-based ingredients
• Clinically proven effectiveness
• Exceptional value and precise dosing
• Manufactured in Australia to high-quality standards

For these reasons, Eyes by Design exclusively stocks Macutec Essentials, which we confidently recommend to our patients on the Central Coast and beyond.

Available in-store or for delivery across Australia.

Looking for Expert Guidance on Eye Health?

If you have questions regarding macular health, nutritional supplements, or your eligibility for nutritional treatments, please feel free to contact our knowledgeable team.
We provide personalised, expert advice based on the latest clinical research.

Call (02) 4369 8169
Visit us at Shop 6, Kincumber Centre, 39 Avoca Drive, Kincumber NSW 2251

Common Questions Regarding Macutec Once Daily vs Macu-Vision Plus

What Is the AREDS2 Formula and Why Is It Crucial for Eye Health?

AREDS2 is a clinically validated mixture of vitamins and minerals that have been shown to slow the progression of dry age-related macular degeneration. This formula includes vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Supplements that comply with this formula, such as Macutec Essentials, provide the most evidence-based protection for maintaining macular health.

What Is the Role of Macutec Once Daily in Eye Care?

Macutec Once Daily is specifically formulated to support eye health in individuals diagnosed with dry age-related macular degeneration. It is based on findings from the AREDS2 clinical research and aims to slow the disease's progression by protecting the macula from oxidative damage.

Can Supplements Like Macutec or Macu-Vision Cure Macular Degeneration?

No, these supplements cannot cure the condition. However, they can significantly slow the progression of dry macular degeneration and may help preserve vision for an extended period. Early intervention and consistent usage are crucial factors in achieving optimal results.

What Sets Macutec Once Daily Apart from Other Macular Supplements?

Macutec Once Daily includes all the validated AREDS2 components in a convenient once-daily capsule form. It utilises high-quality lutein and zeaxanthin identical to those used in the clinical trials and is manufactured in Australia adhering to strict pharmaceutical Good Manufacturing Practice standards.

How Do Lutein and Zeaxanthin Contribute to Overall Macular Health?

Lutein and zeaxanthin are natural pigments found in the macula. They play a crucial role in forming the macular pigment, and adequate intake is associated with higher macular pigment density. This enhancement aids in filtering harmful blue light and protects retinal tissue from oxidative stress.

Which Supplement Is Recommended If I Already Have Advanced Dry Macular Degeneration?

Macutec Once Daily is the optimal choice if you are seeking an AREDS2-compliant supplement that contains full-strength ingredients. It is specifically designed for patients diagnosed with moderate to advanced dry AMD who wish to slow its progression.

Citation

The insights and findings presented in this content are derived from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2), conducted by the National Eye Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health. This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of the AREDS2 supplement formulation in slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration.
For further information, please consult the National Eye Institute’s publication regarding the AREDS2 study.