Relationships between macular pigment optical density and lacquer cracks in high myopia

Efficacy of lutein supplements on macular pigment optical density in highly myopic individuals: A randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Lutein supplementation is beneficial in preventing maculae from developing serious ocular diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lutein administration in patients with high myopia (HM).

METHODS

In a single-center randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial conducted over 24 months, 22 eyes were enrolled in lutein and control groups. Among them, 15 eyes in the lutein group and 13 eyes in the control group completed the study. All patients with HM (axial length > 26.00) were administered lutein (20 mg) or placebo once daily for 6 months. The macular pigment optical density (MPOD), rate of change in MPOD, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and electroretinogram after administration were examined at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months.

RESULTS

The baseline MPOD in the control and lutein groups was 0.71 ± 0.21 and 0.70 ± 0.22, respectively. The MPOD in the control and lutein groups at 3 months was 0.70 ± 0.21 and 0.70 ± 0.25, respectively, and at 6 months was 0.66 ± 0.20 and 0.72 ± 0.27, respectively, which was not significantly different from those at baseline or between the groups. The MPOD significantly increased from baseline in the lutein group with less than 28.25 mm of axial length at 6 months (from 0.71 ± 0.20 to 0.78 ± 0.22, P = .02, t test). visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and electroretinogram values were similar between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Lutein supplementation showed significant benefits in MPOD augmentation in patients with HM.

Lutein Supplementation for Eye Diseases

Lutein is one of the few xanthophyll carotenoids that is found in high concentration in the macula of human retina. As de novo synthesis of lutein within the human body is impossible, lutein can only be obtained from diet. It is a natural substance abundant in egg yolk and dark green leafy vegetables. Many basic and clinical studies have reported lutein's anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties in the eye, suggesting its beneficial effects on protection and alleviation of ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, myopia, and cataract. Most importantly, lutein is categorized as Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS), posing minimal side-effects upon long term consumption. In this review, we will discuss the chemical structure and properties of lutein as well as its application and safety as a nutritional supplement. Finally, the effects of lutein consumption on the aforementioned eye diseases will be reviewed.