Lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 reduce AMD
In 1992 through 2001, the first Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) tested if an antioxidant combination could reduce chances for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In a second phase begun in 2006 (AREDS2), doctors added macular carotenoids; 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin, plus omega-3 fish oil, to the original antioxidant formula, giving it to some participants while keeping others on the original formula.
In 2011, after five years of AREDS2 data, the lutein-zeaxanthin formula had reduced the progression of AMD by 26 percent compared to the original formula. Doctors then gave all participants the macular carotenoids. In 2016, those who had taken lutein-zeaxanthin for the entire 10 years had an additional 20 percent lower chance of progressing to late-stage AMD.
Reference: JAMA Ophthalmology; 2022, Vol. 140, No. 7, 692-8
Vitamin D reduces dry eye
The surface of the eye needs continuous lubrication, which comes from the regular flow of tears from tear ducts. Too few tears can dry the eye surface, cause discomfort, inflammation, and eventually damage the eye surface.
In this study, 100 people with dry eye and vitamin D deficiency—less than 20 nanograms per milliliter of blood—took artificial tears alone or with a daily vitamin D supplement.
After eight weeks, while the artificial tears only group had not improved, those who added vitamin D saw greater tear production, and more time for tears to dry after a complete eye-blink—a test called “tear film break-up time.”
Reference: Clinical & Experimental Optometry; 2022, Article No. 2033601
Internet data tags: #Lutein #Zeaxanthin #Omega-3 #Vitamin D #Eyes