New research recently published online in JAMA Ophthalmology show that high intake of carotenoids, specifically lutein and zeaxanthin, reduce the risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) progression.
Age-related macular degeneration is an eye disease in which the macula slowly deteriorates causing central vision loss. Approximately 11 million people in the US are affected by AMD and it is the leading cause of legal blindness in Americans age 65 and older.
The study took place over 25 years comprising of 63,443 women and 38,603 men aged 50 or older. At the start of the study, none of participants had diagnosed AMD, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, or cancer (except nonmelanoma skin cancer). When reviewing the participant’s dietary self-reporting, those in the highest quintile of carotenoid intake or estimated serum levels had a 40% reduction in development of advanced AMD or “Wet Macular Degeneration.”
Because investigators observed no association between the outcome of intermediate AMD and any of the predicted plasma carotenoid scores, this suggests intake of carotenoids has an effect on AMD progression, rather than preventing it altogether.
Ophthalmologist Thomas Henderson, M.D. explains, “The study is extremely important in the fight against AMD because retinal carotenoid levels can be measured and supplemented. At the Eye Clinic of Austin, we have utilized the MPOD (Macular Pigment Optical Density) for years to measure a patient’s macular pigment density in an easy, non-invasive way. If the level is low, we know that the current diet or supplement is not effective. We can make a change and with a follow up test, determine that the level is improving, thereby confirming a lower risk of going blind from advanced macular degeneration. It is clearly better to know that you might be at risk, take inexpensive supplements, and know from improving test scores that you are doing the right thing to reduce the risk and hardship of very expensive treatment and the potential of a major loss of central vision.”
If you have early macular degeneration or have a close relative who has lost vision to or has required advanced treatment for wet macular degeneration, contact Eye Clinic of Austin for a complete eye exam and MPOD to see if you need to reduce your risk of loss of vision.