zeaxanthin and Telangiectasis

By analyzing the patterns of macular pigment (MP) in type 2 idiopathic telangiectasia eyes, different stages in the changes reflecting the extent of disease can be observed. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the amount and the pattern of MP can be influenced by supplementation.. Eleven patients with type 2 idiopathic telangiectasia received 12 mg lutein and 0.6 mg zeaxanthin (Ocuvite Lutein AMD) daily for 9 months. For a period of 12 months, MP concentration was determined every 3 months by autofluorescence (2 excitation wavelengths: 488 and 514 nm).. When central accumulation of MP was similar to that in healthy subjects (with segment of reduced MP in the temporal fovea: MP Class I), supplementation enriched the MP at 0.5 degrees, 2 degrees, and 5 degrees to 6 degrees. In MP Class II (reduced concentration of MP centrally), accumulation could be detected at 2 degrees and 5 degrees to 6 degrees but not centrally. In MP Class III (oval-shaped effacement of MP centrally, surrounding oval-shaped ring of MP at 5 degrees-7 degrees eccentricity), supplementation promoted MP accumulation only at 5 degrees to 6 degrees.. After oral supplementation with lutein/zeaxanthin, an increase in the MP was detected only in areas where the MP was present at baseline. Supplementation did not produce an increase in the area where the MP was absent. Degenerative processes causing an impairment in transport and storage of lutein and zeaxanthin may play a leading role in the pathogenesis of type 2 idiopathic telangiectasia.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Adult; Aged; Dietary Supplements; Female; Fluorescein Angiography; Humans; Lutein; Macula Lutea; Male; Middle Aged; Retinal Diseases; Retinal Pigments; Retinal Vessels; Telangiectasis; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Visual Acuity; Visual Field Tests; Xanthophylls; Zeaxanthins

Recently, a unique distribution, namely a reduction of macular pigment optical density (MPOD) within the central retina with a surrounding ring-like structure of preserved MPOD at about 6 degrees eccentricity was suggested to be a common finding in macular telangiectasia (MacTel) type 2. In order to quantify this reduced MPOD, 28 eyes of 14 patients with MacTel type 2 were investigated by fundus reflectometry and two wavelengths fundus autofluorescence (FAF; at 488 nm and 514 nm). Fundus reflectometry showed a reduced MPOD within the central 4 degrees eccentricity that was most absent temporal to the foveola. At 6 degrees, MP density was not different from normative values. Two wavelengths FAF was in accordance with these findings. Fundus reflectometry also allowed separate determination of lutein and zeaxanthin. The patients with MacTel type 2 showed a disproportionally high zeaxanthin reduction. The study suggests that in MacTel type 2, there might be an inability to accumulate MP in the central retina. This disease might serve as a model to further study abnormalities of MP distribution in retinal disorders and to elucidate the mechanisms of MP deposition in the retina.

Topics: Aged; Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological; Female; Humans; Lutein; Macula Lutea; Male; Middle Aged; Retinal Diseases; Retinal Pigments; Telangiectasis; Visual Acuity; Xanthophylls; Zeaxanthins

To determine the distribution of macular pigment in type 2 idiopathic macular telangiectasia (IMT).. Twenty-two eyes of 12 patients with type 2 IMT were examined by means of best-corrected visual acuity testing, fundus biomicroscopy, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography. Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) was assessed using a modified confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope whereby MPOD was calculated from fundus autofluorescence images acquired at two different excitation wavelengths (488 and 514 nm). The results were verified with a method that provides density maps after digital subtraction of log fundus reflectance maps (four patients) and by means of heterochromatic flicker photometry (four patients).. MOPD distribution showed an abnormal pattern for all patients with type 2 IMT. In correspondence to the late-phase hyperfluorescent areas shown by fluorescein angiography, MPOD was reduced in the macular area, while there was preserved MPOD at 5 degrees to 7 degrees eccentricity.. The central depletion of macular pigment represents a novel phenotypic characteristic of type 2 IMT. Recording of macular pigment distribution may prove useful in the diagnosis of type 2 IMT and implicates an impaired trafficking or storage of lutein and zeaxanthin in the disease process.

Topics: Aged; Female; Fluorescein Angiography; Humans; Lutein; Male; Microscopy, Acoustic; Middle Aged; Ophthalmoscopy; Retinal Diseases; Retinal Pigments; Retinal Vessels; Telangiectasis; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Visual Acuity; Xanthophylls; Zeaxanthins