Dr. Grossman’s Blog

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in aging Western populations.   A study measuring the benefits of lutein found that consuming lutein nutritional supplements improves visual function and symptoms in those suffering from AMD.

90 participants with AMD participated in a trial conducted at a midwestern Veterans Administration Hospital from August 1999 to May 2001.

For 12 months, patients in Group 1 received lutein supplements; in Group 2, a lutein plus an antioxidant/vitamin/mineral supplement; and in Group 3, a placebo.

Researchers found that participants in groups 1 and 2 displayed improvements in mean eye macular pigment optical density, visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity.  Patients who received the placebo had no significant changes in any of the measured findings.

The study authors concluded that visual function is improved with lutein alone or lutein together with other nutrients.

Lutein is a naturally occurring carotenoid, and is found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale.

Learn more about lutein and other nutrients important for good eye health

Read more about macular degeneration (AMD)

SOURCE:  Double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of lutein and antioxidant supplementation in the intervention of atrophic age-related macular degeneration: the Veterans LAST study (Lutein Antioxidant Supplementation Trial), Stiles, et al, Optometry. 2004 Apr;75(4):216-30.