Dr. Grossman’s Blog

A new study, known as Meso-zeaxanthin ocular supplementation trial (MOST), begins in late March 2010 and the clinical research team are currently recruiting suitable candidates. The specialists involved in the trial are research experts in this area of eye disease. The trial requires 60 patients who have been diagnosed with early AMD. After a complimentary eye screening by an IVR Ophthalmologist, suitable candidates will be enrolled into the trial and provided with a 12-month course of dietary supplements containing the macular pigments.

For further information on AMD or on the MOST trial being conducted at the Institute of Vision Research, please contact: Eithne Connolly, Clinical Research Technician, on 051 302153 or at eithneativr.ie

Editor’s Note: Recent studies have shown that mesozeaxanthin is another carotenoid in the family of lutein and zeaxanthin essential for macular degeneration, and is used as an antioxidant directly in the center of the retina. Hopefully this study will further confirm that this nutrient along with a family of other essential nutrients helps preserve vision for those with macular degeneration. For more related studies, Click Here

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids used in the retina and lens of the eyes. These are antioxidants that color yellow and leafy dark green vegetables such as kale, spinach, and carrots. Researchers believe that this pair of antioxidants may help build and maintain the pigment layer of the retina. Another theory is that they help filter out blue light, protecting the eye from sunlight damage.

Studies have shown that these antioxidants can help us preserve healthy vision, and significantly reduce the risk of onset of macular degeneration and cataracts.

References:

Women’s Health Study. Archives of Ophthalmology (Arch. Ophthalmol. 2008;126:102-9)

Moeller SM et al. Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Lutein and Zeaxanthin in the Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Disease Study (CAREDS). Archives of Ophthalmology 124:1151-1162, 2006.

Editor’s Note: For more related studies, go to www.naturaleyecare.com/studylist.asp

Oral supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin with coantioxidants may improve vision at 36 months for those at high risk for progression to late age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

In the Carotenoids and Co-Antioxidants in Age-Related Maculopathy (CARMA) study, presented at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2009 Annual Meeting, researchers examined the effects of supplementation with serum lutein and zeaxanthin plus coantioxidants (vitamins C and E and zinc) on visual function and the progression from early to late stages of AMD.

A total of 433 participants in the United Kingdom with early AMD in at least one eye, or any level of AMD in the study eye and late-stage AMD in the fellow eye, received either carotenoids plus coantioxidants or a placebo.

Study participants were examined at 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months. Although no statistically significant difference was seen in best corrected distance visual acuity (BC DVA) at 12 months, at the 36 month follow-up researchers did note an improved BC DVA.

Investigative team member Usha Chakravarthy, MD, PhD, from Queens University of Belfast in Northern Ireland concluded that supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin results in better macular function in patients with early AMD. He also noted that the eyes of people who had high serum (lutein) demonstrated a less severe early AMD change over time, and suggested that supplementation may prove beneficial in preventing progression to late AMD.

Learn about self-help for macular degeneration, including recommended diet and supplements containing lutein and zeaxanthin at the Natural Eye Care website

SOURCE: ARVO 2009: Lutein, Zeaxanthin Supplements May Result in Better Macular Function in Early AMD, Chakravarthy, et al, The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), May 4, 2009.

Researchers from Tufts University have found that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and low in starchy carbohydrates can significantly reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The study, published in the journal Ophthalmology, is the first to calculate the combined effect of specific dietary nutrients and eating habits on a person’s risk for age-related macular degeneration.

During the study of 4003 participants in the ongoing Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), each dietary factor was assigned a percentile score; these scores were accumulated to find each participant’s compound score. The compound score was then evaluated for its association with the risk of AMD.

Researchers showed that vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin and the omega-3 fatty acids known as D.H.A. and E.P.A. were linked to lower risk for AMD.

The lowest risk of AMD was found in participants who regularly consumed a combination of these nutrients as part of a low-glycemic index diet.

The glycemic index (GI) is a measure of the effects of carbohydrates on blood glucose levels. Carbohydrates that break down rapidly during digestion, such as white bread and pastries, have a higher GI, as they release glucose into the bloodstream rapidly. Foods that break down more slowly, such as vegetables and proteins, have a lower GI value.

Read more about AMD on the Natural Eye Care website

Learn more about food sources for nutrients important for good eye health, including omega-3 fatty acids

SOURCE: “Dietary Compound Score and Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study”, Chiu, et al, Ophthalmology, Volume 116, Issue 5, Pages 939-946.

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.

Lutein May Help Visual Contrast Sensitivity for Computer Users

Lutein is known to be an essential nutrient in helping prevent the onset of macular degeneration. Researchers now believe that lutein may also help protect against the detrimental effects of long-term computer display light exposure.

A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition indicates that improvements in the eye’s sensitivity to contrast on a computer screen were observed following 12 weeks of supplementation with lutein.

Scientists at the Peking University in China studied 37 healthy individuals aged 22 to 30 who had long-term computer display light exposure. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: one group was given placebos, one group was given 6 milligrams of lutein daily, and one group was given 12 milligrams of lutein daily.

Levels of serum lutein and visual performance indices such as visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and glare sensitivity were measured at the beginning of the study and again at 12 weeks.

After 12 weeks researchers found an increase in blood levels of lutein in both lutein groups. The study authors noted: “Visual function in healthy subjects who received the lutein supplement improved, especially in contrast sensitivity, suggesting that a higher intake of lutein may have beneficial effects on the visual performance.”

Lutein can be found in green leafy vegetables and egg yolks. Learn about food sources for nutrients important to good eye health, including lutein.

Read other studies about the benefits of lutein for good eye health

SOURCE: “A 12-week lutein supplementation improves visual function in Chinese people with long-term computer display light exposure”, Ma, et al, British Journal of Nutrition, Published online by Cambridge University Press 19 Feb 2009 doi:10.1017/S0007114508163000.

Consumption of lutein has been linked to a reduced risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD).  (read studies showing the benefits of lutein for eye health ).

In order to consume the levels of lutein recommended for good eye health many people take lutein supplements.  Results from a study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association suggest that it may be beneficial to take supplements of lutein along with vitamin C.

Researchers from the University of Wisconsin gave young healthy men and women supplements of lutein alone, or supplements of lutein combined with vitamins C or E.  It was noted that absorption of lutein varied greatly among individuals, regardless of whether they had taken lutein alone or with vitamins C or E.  However, it was determined that lutein was absorbed significantly faster when given simultaneously with vitamin C.

Learn about lutein and vitamin C supplements, as well as food sources for nutrients essential to good eye health

SOURCE:  “Lutein absorption is facilitated with co-supplementation of ascorbic acid in young adults”, Tanumihardjo, et al, J Am Dietetic Assoc 105:114-18, 2005.

Evidence continues to show that oxidative stress contributes to age-related maculopathy (ARM) and that consuming appropriate antioxidants such as zeaxanthin may protect against this condition. 

The term maculopathy is associated with diseases of the macula, an area at the center of the retina that is associated with highly sensitive, accurate vision.  Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an example of maculopathy.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition investigated the link between lower intakes of antioxidants and ARM.   828 healthy Irish participants between the ages of 20 and 60 years were analyzed for risk factors for ARM and dietary intake of relevant nutrients.

Researchers showed that several variables related to risk for ARM are associated with a relative lack of key nutrients in the diet.  They determined that the most important and universal risk factor for ARM is a lack of dietary zeaxanthin.

Zeaxanthin is one of the two carotenoids contained within the retina of the eye.  Ultraviolet radiation is absorbed by the lens, but visible or “blue” light penetrates to the retina, enabling us to see.  Along with lutein, zeaxanthin absorbs the potentially harmful effects of blue light.

How can you ensure you are consuming zeaxanthin?  Good dietary sources include green vegetables such as spinach, kale, turnip greens, collard greens, romaine lettuce, broccoli, zucchini, corn, garden peas and Brussels sprouts.

Read more about antioxidants and nutrient food sources for good eye health

Learn about natural zeaxanthin products

SOURCE:  O’Connell, et al, Diet and risk factors for age-related maculopathy, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 87, No. 3, 712-722, March 2008.

A new European study suggests that the combination of low levels of antioxidants and blue light exposure from the sun is associated with certain forms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The EUREYE study, led by Astrid Fletcher, Professor of Epidemiology of Ageing at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, is the first to report an adverse association between sunlight exposure and AMD in people with low levels of antioxidants.

It is known that the eye is vulnerable to the damaging effects of sunlight. Ultraviolet radiation is absorbed by the lens, but visible or “blue” light penetrates to the retina, enabling us to see. Protection against the harmful effects of blue light is provided by antioxidant enzymes—including vitamins C and E, the carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin) and zinc.

Researchers measured levels of these nutrients in the blood of 4,753 older adults (average age 73.2) who were part of the European Eye Study. Participants were interviewed about their lifetime sunlight exposure and had photographs taken of their retinas to detect AMD.

Participants with the lowest concentrations of antioxidants in the blood were found to be most at risk of AMD due to blue light exposure. In fact, participants with the combination of blue light exposure and low levels of zeaxanthin, alpha tocopherol and Vitamin C were nearly four times more likely to develop AMD. Researchers also noted that blue light exposure in middle age might be more damaging than at younger ages.

Professor Fletcher comments: ‘In the absence of cost-effective screening methods to identify people in the population with early AMD, we suggest that recommendations on protecting the eyes, ensuring that diets contain the right nutrients and antioxidants, are targeted at the general population, and especially middle-aged people’.

Study authors don’t advise people to stay out of the sun altogether — sunlight is important for its role in vitamin D synthesis. However, they do recommend avoiding exposing eyes to too much sunlight by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses when outdoors.

In addition, study authors advise consumption of key antioxidants, which can be accomplished by consuming recommended dietary intake levels of vitamin C and zinc and increasing consumption of carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables.

Learn more about macular degeneration

Read more about antioxidants and nutrient food sources for good eye health

SOURCE: Fletcher AE et al. Sunlight exposure, antioxidants, and age-related macular degeneration. Archives Ophthalmology 2008; 126:1396-1403.

At the American Glaucoma Society meeting, Dr. JoAnn A. Giaconi reported that women who reported eating greater amounts of fruits and vegetables appeared to have a lower likelihood of developing glaucoma.

The foods that seemed especially protective included fresh oranges, peaches, spinach, collard greens, and kale.

Dr. Giaconi presented results from a review of data from the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures.  In this study involving a subset of 584 black women, glaucoma was diagnosed in at least one eye in 77 participants.  Disc photos and suprathreshold visual fields were evaluated in conjunction with Block Food Frequency Questionnaires on the participants’daily food consumption.

The results?

• Eating three or more servings of fruit or fruit juices daily decreased the odds of black women developing glaucoma by 79%
• Eating one serving of collard greens or kale decreased the odds of glaucoma by 57%
• Eating more than two servings per week of fresh oranges and peaches also significantly decreased the chance of developing glaucoma.

Researchers believe that the antioxidants in fruits and vegetables (vitamin A, alpha- and beta-carotene, folate, lutein, zeaxanthin) can potentially block oxidation stress that can lead to cell damage in glaucoma.

Read other studies about the benefits of consuming antioxidants

SOURCE:  Giaconi JA, et al. Nutritional associations with glaucoma among older black women. Paper presented at: The 18th Annual AGS Meeting; March 8, 2008; Washington, DC.