In AREDS, dietary supplements as zinc and anti-oxidants vitamins C, E and beta-carotene, have been shown to reduce the risk of progression in participants in categories 3 and 4 to advanced AMD (25% in 5 years), however, in the group with GA away from the center (category 3), this reduction was not statistically significant.

Despite of that the AREDS Report nº 8 concluded, that those with noncentral GA also should consider taking a supplement of antioxidants plus zinc^(4,12).

Macular xantophylls and polyunsaturated fatty acids seem to be associated with a lower risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration^(59,60).

Because of that antioxidant effect of macular pigments as lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids has been tested in the Age-related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS 2)^(59,61).

Low dietary glycemic index also seems to reduce the risk of evolution to advanced AMD⁽⁶¹⁾.

Other behavioral factors such as stop smoking and control of BIM may play an important role on prevention⁽¹³⁾.

So far there is no proven drug treatment for dry AMD.

However, several trials are investigating many strategies regarding three major targets: Neuroprotection, oxidative stress protection and suppression of inflammation⁽⁶²⁾.

Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is a potential new treatment protecting photoreceptors of degeneration.

CNTF is released from an encapsulated cell device implanted in vitreous cavity^(63,64).

ACU-4429 is a modulator of visual cycle, inhibiting the generation of lipofuscin precursors and is selective to rod system⁽⁶²⁾.

OT-551 is a new topical anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic and antioxidant agent, that protects photoreceptor cells by inhibiting lipid peroxidation^(64,65).

POT-4 is a C3 inhibitor administered as an intravitreal gel and suppresses local inflammation⁽⁶⁶⁾.

Other inflammation suppressor is fluocinolone acetonide, a glucocorticoid used as an intravitreal implant.

Although currently there is no drug proven effective, in the next decade some of the research lines will probably be able to find a more effective treatment for the atrophic form of AMD.