zeaxanthin and Retinal-Neovascularization

Low levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in blood or food are associated with an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). These molecules, provided by food, form the macular pigment.. Patients included in this pilot study where categorized into four groups : (1) < 50 years with drusen, (2) > or = 50 years without drusen, (3) > or = 50 years with drusen, and (4) > or = 50 years with drusen and neovascularization. During consultation, macular pigment optical density was measured and information on pathology and eating habits were collected.. Assessment of macular pigment optical density considering eating habits and groups showed that it was lower in group 1 patients when they ate less than five portions of fruits and vegetables per day and less than two portions of cabbage, broccoli, pepper, corn, or spinach a week. In groups 3 and 4, food supplement intake was related to an increase in optical density. Food supplements were consumed by 58.5 % of patients in group 4.. Analysis of mean optical density measured by the MPS 9000 QuantifEYE considering eating habits confirmed the impact of food supplement intake on optical density, especially in patients > or = 50 years with drusen and with or without neovascularization.

Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Brassica; Capsicum; Dietary Supplements; Feeding Behavior; Female; Fruit; Humans; Lutein; Macula Lutea; Macular Degeneration; Male; Middle Aged; Pilot Projects; Retinal Drusen; Retinal Neovascularization; Retinal Pigment Epithelium; Risk Factors; Spinacia oleracea; Vegetables; Xanthophylls; Young Adult; Zea mays; Zeaxanthins