The purpose of this study is:

I. To measure MP optical density (MPOD) in two groups (experimental and placebo) of 50 subjects each (N = 100), during an Lutein + Zeaxanthin supplementation period of 12 months.

II. To test the hypothesis that increases in MP (via 12 mg daily Lutein + Zeaxanthin supplementation) will result in significantly improved visual performance under disability glare conditions.

III. To test the hypothesis that increases in MP (via 12 mg daily L + Z supplementation) will result in significantly reduced photostress recovery times.

IV. To test the hypothesis that increases in MP (via 12 mg daily L + Z supplementation) will result in improved contrast enhancement.

The following measurements will be taken, before and after supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin:

Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) Visual performance under glare conditions Photostress recovery times chromatic contrast sensitivity.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Gender: male or female
• Age: 18 - 40 years
• BMI: 20-30
• No anticipated changes in dieting habits (as relevant to xanthophyll intake).
• No anticipated surgical procedures.
• Assessed as healthy, based on a pre-study examination including medical history, physical examination, and clinical laboratory. The examination will be performed by an MD or a Nurse Practitioner.
• Willingness and ability to give written informed consent and willingness and ability to comply with the study requirements.
• Corrected visual acuity (ETDRS): better than 20/60

Exclusion Criteria:

• BMI <20 or >30
• Age <18 or >40 years
• Smokers
• Current or history of relevant diseases (such as AMD)
• Corrected visual acuity worse than 20/60
• Inability to reliably perform MPOD measurements by heterochromatic flicker photometry or any of the other ophthalmic tests of the study.
• Any condition likely to interfere with normal gastro-intestinal absorption of xanthophylls.
• Current use of xanthophyll containing supplements
• Use of xanthophyll containing supplements in the past 6 months
• Participation in any other study during last 1 month.
• Blood donation during the last 3 months.
• Known hypersensitivity or allergy to xanthophylls.
• Regular intake of medications or supplements, which the principal investigator deems likely to confound the study outcomes.
• Suspected lack of compliance with any requirements of the study.
• Childbearing potential and unwillingness to refrain from acceptable anticonceptive measures (not including abstinence).
• Current pregnancy or breast feeding
• Any relevant abnormalities in the routine laboratory tests

male, female, other, non-conforming

One year

Adverse event collection occurred over the phone at one month intervals, and during in-person follow-up visits every three months.

Sample included only young, healthy adults with acute vision. Because the sample was recruited from the local college student population, there were high rates of attrition (students moving away, forgetting appointments, discontinuing contact)