meso-zeaxanthin and Retinal-Telangiectasis

To assess the outcomes of patients with macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel 2) in response to lutein (L), meso-zeaxanthin (M), and zeaxanthin (Z) supplements (LMZ3).. Thirteen patients diagnosed with MacTel 2 were started on lutein 10 mg, meso-zeaxanthin 10 mg, and zeaxanthin 2 mg and were followed-up for a mean period of 15.7 months ± 4.85 months.. Visual acuity improved in three patients (13%), and there was a reduction in the percentage of patients who had worsening vision (25% to 4%; P < .05). Optical coherence tomography changes showed a reduction in the number of cavitations and the largest diameter of the cavitation after the LMZ3 supplements were started. The largest diameter of photoreceptor disruption showed mild improvement in the first 6 months after LMZ3 supplements were started.. LMZ3 supplements may stabilize vision and improve the cavitations in patients with MacTel 2. Larger randomized, controlled studies are required to verify these pilot results. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2016;47:528-535.].

Topics: Administration, Oral; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antioxidants; Carotenoids; Dietary Supplements; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Combinations; Female; Fluorescein Angiography; Follow-Up Studies; Fundus Oculi; Humans; Lutein; Macula Lutea; Male; Middle Aged; Ophthalmoscopy; Pilot Projects; Retinal Telangiectasis; Retrospective Studies; Time Factors; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Treatment Outcome; Visual Acuity; Zeaxanthins

To quantitatively analyze the distribution of macular pigment (MP) over a period of 5 years and for monitoring progression of macular telangiectasia.. Macular pigment concentration (autofluorescence, excitation wavelengths: 488 and 514 nm) was determined at baseline and after 5 years in 43 eyes of 22 subjects (46-80 years; mean, 65.6 years; 10 men) participating in the macular telangiectasia project.. Mean MP density at 0.5° declined in the segment (one eighth of a circle) with the highest MP optical density (-0.04 density units; P= 0.015), where density units (DU), and also averaged in the 2 segments that divided segments with detectable MP from those in which MP was no longer detectable (-0.04 density units; P = 0.0005). In the first segment mentioned, 2° values decreased to a lesser extent and not significantly. The diameter of MP loss expanded horizontally from 2.64 mm to 2.74 mm (P = 0.0001) but not vertically. Macular pigment density in the "halo" of peripheral MP at a mean of 5.44° (4.53-6.21°) increased (+0.01 DU; P= 0.01).. Five years of follow-up resulted in central (0.5°) reduction and peripheral (4.53-6.21°) accumulation of MP. Longer period of follow-up may disclose significant changes in paracentral locations. The area of central MP loss expands in particular in a horizontal direction and less vertically. Centrifugal movement of MP during disease may explain our findings.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Disease Progression; Female; Fluorescein Angiography; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Lutein; Macula Lutea; Male; Middle Aged; Optical Imaging; Retinal Pigments; Retinal Telangiectasis; Zeaxanthins