Macular pigment density variation after supplementation of lutein and zeaxanthin using the Visucam®200 pigment module: Impact of age-related macular degeneration and lens status.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the evolution of macular pigment optical density (MPOD) following supplementation with various macular formulations obtained with the Visucam®200, and to study the factors affecting MPOD measurements.


METHODS
In this prospective, randomized, double-masked multicenter study, patients were divided into 2 groups: group A (patients without retinal pathology who underwent cataract surgery 1 month previously) and group B (patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration [AMD] in one eye). In each group, half of the patients were randomly assigned to receive a food supplementation either with or without carotenoids (5mg of Lutein and 1mg of Zeaxanthin). Outcome measures included MPOD responses obtained with the Visucam®200 for one year.


RESULTS
In total, 126 subjects (52 men, 74 women) with a mean age of 75.3±7.61 years were enrolled. Mean MPOD values at the time of inclusion were statistically lower in group A (0.088 density unit [DU]) compared to group B (0.163 DU, P<0.05). No statistically significant increase in MPOD was noted in either group, even after discontinuation of the supplementation. By multiple regression analysis, age, female gender, lens status and the presence of AMD seemed to significantly affect MPOD measurements.


CONCLUSIONS
No significant improvement in MPOD seems to be detected with the Visucam®200 after carotenoid supplementation. The MPOD measurement seems to be highly affected by cataract extraction and the presence of AMD.
Eye & ear university hospital, faculté de médecine, université Saint-Esprit de Kaslik, université Saint-Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon. Electronic address: georgesazar@hotmail.com.
G
G
Azar
Rabelais Eye Clinic Center, 16, rue Rabelais, 69003 Lyon, France.
M
M
Quaranta-El Maftouhi
Ophthalmology center of Dauphiné, 6, boulevard Agutte-Sembat, 38000 Grenoble, France.
J-J
JJ
Masella
Rothschild Foundation, 25, rue Manin, 75019 Paris, France.
M
M
Mauget-Faÿsse
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D014975:Lutein / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008266:Macula Lutea / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D065348:Macular Pigment / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D061848:Optical Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000187:drug effects; D065146:Zeaxanthins / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D065348:Macular Pigment; D065146:Zeaxanthins; D014975:Lutein
Age-related macular degeneration; Densité optique du pigment maculaire; Dégénérescence maculaire liée à l’âge; Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation; Lutéine; Macular pigment optical density; Visucam(®) 200; Zéaxanthine