A new supplement has been developed which could be the answer to the leading cause of blindness in the western world, it was revealed today.
Scientists in Belfast working with colleagues in Waterford discovered antioxidants found in fruit and vegetables may slow down sight loss in elderly people.
Professor Usha Chakravarthy, from the Queen’s University Centre of Vision and Vascular Science, co-ordinated a five year study which looked at nutritional supplements for patients with early age-related macular (AMD) degeneration and found they helped sharpen vision.
AMD is an incurable eye disease which causes blurring of central vision because of its effects on the macula, the central part of the retina.
More than 400 people across Ireland, with an average age of 77, took part in clinical trials investigating whether carotenoids, rich antioxidants which are found in fruit and vegetables, could prevent progression to the more serious late AMD.
Prof Chakravarthy worked with Dr Stephen Beatty, head of vision research at the Waterford Institute of Technology, on the study which developed the supplement given to the trial patients.
The supplement contained the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, combined with vitamins C, E and zinc.
The study showed the intake of high levels of both carotenoids preserved the macular pigments, slowing down the progression from early AMD to late AMD.
In contrast, the macular pigments of participants in a group given placebos declined steadily.
Prof Chakravarthy said: “These findings are important because this is the first randomised controlled clinical trial to document a beneficial effect through improved function and maintained macular pigment
“Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to identify the numbers needed to treat to prevent one case from progressing from early to late AMD.”
The study was funded by eyecare companies Dr Mann Pharma and Bausch and Lomb and sponsored by the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.
Details of the research findings are being presented in Belfast today by the professor and Dr Beatty who is a consultant ophthalmic surgeon at the Waterford Regional Hospital.
PA