Lutein (2003, 2015) Helps Age-Related Cataracts

Learn more about treatment for cataracts.

2015 The researchers reported that despite much literature indicating that the antioxidant lutein is associated with reduction in cataract incidence there have been very few articles reviewing such research. In this review the researchers investigate the role of damage to the lens of the eye caused by oxidative stress, how cataracts develop, and the potential beneficial effects of using lutein as both prevention and maintenance in managing cataract and the health of the retina.

Researchers: A. Manayi, et al

Published: Lutein and cataract: from bench to bedside, Critical Reviews in Biotechnology, June, 2015

2014

A meta analysis noted that levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in blood serum found that pooled results were mostly not linked to reduced cataract risk. However there was a marginally lowered risk of subcapsular cataracts, and a significantly reduced risk of nuclear cataracts.were linked to a lower risk of cortical and subcapsular types of cataracts.

Liu, X.H., Yu, R.B., Liu, R., Hao, Z.X., Han, C.C., et al. (2014). Association between lutein and zeaxanthin status and the risk of cataract: a meta-analysis. Nutrients, Jan.

2003 In a small pilot study (17 patients) over 24-months, they found that sharpness of vision and sensitivity to glare (problematic for cataract patients) were improved in patients taking lutein supplement compared to a control. The study was double-blind, placebo-controlled, and randomized. Measurements of the nutrients was done with liquid chromatography and visual performance and biochemical/blood profiles were done every three months during the study.

Researchers concluded that lutein is helpful in treatment of cataracts and that lutein, but not alpha tocopherol, improves visual function in patients with age-related cataracts

Olmedill, B., Granado, F., Blanco, I., Vaquero, M. (2003). Lutein, but not alpha tocopherol, supplementation improves visual function in patients with age-related cataracts: A 2 year double-blind, placebo controlled study. Nutrition, Jan;19(1):21-4.

Note: other research has investigated the combination of lutein and zeaxanthin and lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin E in treating cataracts.