With the rapid growing aging population, age-related eye diseases including cataract are becoming more prevalent. The demand for cataract surgery and post-surgical care posed enormous financial burdens to the government.

Lycium barbarum contains lutein and zeaxanthin which can filter the phototoxic blue light and neutralize the reactive oxygen species, thus provide a protective effect against cataract formation.

This study aims to determine the effects of Lycium barbarum Supplements on the progression of senile cataract in Hong Kong Chinese elderly.

Please note that a manuscript for this study is being prepared. Detailed description will be provided after we come up with the final draft.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Unlikely to have cataract surgery within 3 years
• Presence of mild to moderate cataract in one or both eyes, graded by Lens Opacities Classification System III (LOCSIII).
• logMAR acuity equivalent to Snellen acuity of 20/63 or better
• no previous history and clinical signs of glaucoma by determining intraocular pressure using applanation Tonometry (no more than 22mmHg)
• no ocular anomalies: amblyopia, binocular anomalies, ocular trauma
• no history of eye surgery, laser treatment, iritis, retinal crystalline deposits, macular degeneration, or optic nerve diseases
• no extended use of systemic or ocular corticosteroid drugs
• no concurrent participation of other systemic or ocular drug intervention study

Exclusion Criteria:

• diabetes mellitus
• renal failure
• fat malabsorption syndrome
• intestinal surgery history
• chronic diarrhea
• alcoholism
• use of anticoagulants
• regular use of nutritional supplements such as multi-vitamin, mineral and other antioxidant supplements (including Omega-3)