Our data indicate an interaction between GTGs and AREDS-F use that is consistent in size and direction with previously published reports, which had found that using AREDS-F supplements significantly increases the risk of nvAMD for some users and significantly protects other users.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe vision loss in the elderly and has major economic and quality-of-life impact. Prophylactic high-dose zinc and antioxidant supplements treatments are typically recommended with the assumption of homogeneously distributed benefit and risk of developing neovascular AMD. We show that individual variation at complement factor H and age-related maculopathy susceptibility 2, genes which predispose to AMD, also determines the effectiveness of nutritional prophylaxis. Some individuals paradoxically experience worsening disease with treatment, while others experience greater than average benefit. These divergent responses are difficult to identify when treatment effects have long latency. Understanding individual variations in prophylactic treatment response should inform future research and optimize health outcomes.

The benefit of the AREDS formulation seems the result of a favorable response by patients in only 1 genotype group, balanced by neutral or unfavorable responses in 3 genotype groups.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin on macular pigment optical density (MPOD) in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) among patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and healthy subjects. 

In early AMD, MP can be augmented with a variety of supplements, although the inclusion of MZ may confer benefits in terms of panprofile augmentation and in terms of CS enhancement.

Lutein slows the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness in ageing societies. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we evaluated lutein’s effects on light-induced AMD-related pathological events.

Among patients with early AMD, supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin improved macular pigment, which played a causative role in boosting visual function and might prevent the progression of AMD. Future studies are required to evaluate the effect of these carotenoids on the incidence of late AMD.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are thought to decrease the incidence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD); however, findings have been inconsistent. We conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin and AMD risk. 

Higher intake of bioavailable lutein/zeaxanthin is associated with a long-term reduced risk of advanced AMD. Given that some other carotenoids are also associated with a lower risk, a public health strategy aimed at increasing dietary consumption of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables rich in carotenoids may reduce the incidence of advanced AMD.

In healthy subjects, MPOD values were highest near the foveal center. These values appeared to increase during adulthood (peak at 45–50 years), followed by a gradual reduction after 60 years of age.

Early functional abnormalities of the central retina in the early AMD patients could be improved by lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation. These improvements may be potentially attributed to the elevations in MPOD.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of severe vision loss in elderly people. Diabetes mellitus is a common endocrine disorder with serious consequences, and diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the main ophthalmic complication. 

Carotenoids potentially delay the initiation and prevent the progression of DR; however, ample preclinical studies are required to confirm their effect, and adequate clinical trials are needed to really understand how well these compounds influence DR among humans.

The use of carotenoid supplements may be of benefit for improving visual function of type 2 diabetes patients. However, further study is needed to assess the treatment’s long-term efficacy.

Type 2 diabetic patients, with or without retinopathy, had reduced MPOD when compared with that in nondiabetic patients. In addition, a significant inverse correlation between MPOD and HbA1C levels was observed.

Serum L/Z concentrations in DR patients are significantly lower than those in normal subjects, and L/Z intake can improve the visual acuity, CS and macular edema in DR patients, suggesting that L/Z supplementation might be targeted as potential therapeutic agents in treating NDR.

Type 2 diabetic patients, with or without retinopathy, had reduced MPOD when compared with that in nondiabetic patients. In addition, a significant inverse correlation between MPOD and HbA1C levels was observed.