Eicosapentaenoic acid-rich omega-3 fatty acids supplementation may improve vision in dry age-related macular degeneration or Stargardt disease, as shown in MADEOS, a prospective, randomized, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study

Background: This study investigates the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-rich omega-3 fatty acids on dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Stargardt disease. Methods: MADEOS is a prospective, randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, which assessed the impact of omega-3 fatty acids on best corrected visual acuity, blood omega-6/omega-3 ratio, and perceived vision and mood using a questionnaire in patients with dry AMD or Stargardt disease. Participants received either the active product (3660 mg of EPA and DHA; 14 patients) or placebo (sunflower oil; 7 patients) daily for 24 weeks. Measurements were taken at screening (Visit 1), 12 weeks (Visit 3), and 24 weeks (Visit 4). Comparisons were made within and between groups. Results: The mean letters gained at Visits 3 and 4 were significantly different between the groups (p=0.002). The active group showed a mean gain of 6 ETDRS letters from Visit 1 to Visit 4 (p=0.003). The mean arachidonic acid/EPA ratio in the active group significantly decreased from Visit 1 (5.84 ± 1.05) to Visit 4 (1.47 ± 0.16, p=0.002). The questionnaire scores were similar at Visit 3 but higher for the active group at Visit 4 (9.38 ± 3.35 vs. 7.28 ± 2.36). Conclusion: EPA-rich omega-3 supplementation may improve both objective and subjective vision in patients with dry AMD or Stargardt disease, offering a potentially simple, safe, and cost-effective approach to enhancing quality of life.