Effects of Lutein and Zeaxanthin Supplementation on Early Age-related Macular Degeneration

The Effects of Lutein and Zeaxanthin Supplementations on Early Age-related Macular Degeneration

This study is to investigate the protective effects of supplemental lutein and zeaxanthin on early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients in China.

Early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an early hallmark of irreversible vision impairment accompanying with senescence of macular. Given the fact in treatment, prevention strategy is thought to be an efficient and robust approach to diminish early AMD patients in low-income countries, however, feasible cocktail provision in most developing nations remain mysteries. Here we proposed an effective cocktail treatment with different amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin could increase the macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and serum xanthophylls concentrations among randomized Chinese AMD patients; and might improve visual function measured by visual performance indices such as best-spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), contrast sensitivity (CSF), flash recovery time (FRT), multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) and microperimetry.

Inclusion Criteria:

• aged over 50 years, Chinese of the Han nationality
• diagnosed as age-related macular degeneration
• did not take lutein or zeaxanthin supplements in the past half a year
• good general health
• corrected visual acuity above 0.25 (20/80)
• did not take optical laser or medical treatments

Exclusion Criteria:

• had other ocular diseases, such as glaucoma, macular pucker, optic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy etc.
• had nervous system diseases, stroke, Type I diabetes
• had diseases effected nutrients absorption, such as Crohn' s disease
• had turbid ocular media or transplanted intraocular lenses
• reported abnormal digestive condition