Age-related eye disorders

Several studies have suggested lutein and zeaxanthin may lower the risk for forming age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.

 

A randomized controlled trial in patients with AMD found that lutein supplementation with 10 mg/day slightly improved visual acuity after one year compared to a placebo (11).

 

More recently, a study in patients with cataracts or AMD found that lutein supplementation (3 times 15 mg/week) for up to two years slightly improved visual acuity and glare sensitivity (18).

 

Visual performance under glare conditions

Many parameters of visual performance (e.g., contrast sensitivity) are compromised under glaring light conditions. As lutein and zeaxanthin are thought to block out blue light and to shield from strong light, they may increase the eyes’ tolerance for bright lights (e.g., glare from the sun or blinding headlights at night).

 

A study in healthy subjects suggested that increasing macular levels of lutein and zeaxanthin by supplementation (10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin per day for 6 months) may help to withstand intense light and decrease the time needed to recover from bright lights (19).