Abstract
Purpose :
To determine changes in the visual function of subjects with retinal drusen and risk of developing macular degeneration when taking the liquid, lipid-based carotenoid supplement (Lumega -Z), or AREDS2 formula.
Methods :
A total of 41 individuals (74 eyes) with drusen, were randomized into one of two treatment groups; Lumega -Z (25 subjects), or AREDS-2 (16 subjects. Fifteen subjects ( 29 eyes) of similar age with no drusen were selected for an observation group. All subjects in the treatment groups had retinal drusen identified on Visucam-Pro and a dark adaptation recovery of 6-10 minutes in at least one eye. The study subjects were recruited from a single clinic under the care of an ophthalmologist at the Eye Clinic of Austin. The Lumega -Z and AREDS2 formula were provided at no charge to the study participants. The baseline measures of visual acuity, contrast sensitivity (CSF, CSV 1000E), dark adaptation recovery (DAR, Maculogix), and macular pigment optical density (MPOD, MapcatSF) was obtained and repeated at 3-month, and 6-month visit.
Results :
Baseline data of age, visual acuity, MPOD, or CSF were not significantly different between groups; however, the AREDS2 (in both eyes) and LMZ (right eye) groups displayed a significantly longer DAR value when compared to the observation group (p<.05).
Visual acuity, DAR and MPOD showed no change over time. A mixed-design analysis of variance showed there was a significant linear change in CSF over time. Sub-analysis with paired samples t-test showed a tendency of improvement in vision at 3 months and a definite improvement in CSF at 6months when using LMZ. AREDS2 group also showed improvements in CSF albeit to a lesser degree (see Table 1&2).
Conclusions :
This study shows that individuals at risk of AMD benefit with visual improvement when taking Lumega-Z and AREDS-2 supplements. The Improvement in visual function is linear and strongly associated with time. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm this finding. Electrophysiological and OCT-angiography studies may shed light on the mechanisms of improvement in vision.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.