Abstract
Purpose :
To determine the effect of supplementation with Lutein (L), Zeaxanthin (Z) and Meso-Zeaxanthin (MZ) on multisensory integration (MSI) performance among individuals with open-angle glaucoma (OAG).
Methods :
The European Nutrition in Glaucoma Management study (ENIGMA, ClinicalTrials.gov id: NCT04460365) is a placebo-controlled, double-masked randomized trial evaluating the effects of 18 months of carotenoid supplementation in OAG. 62 participants (24 female) with a diagnosis of OAG were enrolled, of whom 42 were randomized to active treatment (10 mg L, 10 mg MZ, 2 mg Z [MacuShield®]), and 20 to placebo. Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) was measured in the study eye using dual-wavelength autofluorescence (Heidelberg Spectralis OCT). MSI was assessed using the sound induced flash illusion (SIFI), where participants indicated the number of visual flashes observed on screen, while simultaneously presented with a congruent or incongruent number of auditory beeps. Participants susceptibility to the SIFI illusion, where individuals misperceive the number of flashes displayed in the incongruent condition, was assessed as an indicator of MSI efficiency.
Results :
Mean MPOD increased by 60% in treated participants over the study duration, indicating effective carotenoid tissue deposition. A 2 (treatment: active and placebo) by 2 (time: baseline and 18 months) mixed repeated-measures ANOVA revealed a statistically significant interaction of treatment and time (F (1,48) = 4.518, p = 0.039) for the incongruent SIFI condition, indicating improved MSI performance following supplementation in those treated with carotenoids, but not placebo.
Conclusions :
MSI performance improved significantly in response to supplementation with L, Z and MZ in people with OAG. MSI deficiencies have been reported in older individuals prone to falling, an issue known to affect people living with glaucoma. This finding indicates that MSI performance, a factor potentially linked to daily life issues affecting people with glaucoma such as risk of falls, driving safety concerns and general impact on quality of life, may be improved by supplementation with a mix of L, Z and MZ carotenoids.
This abstract was presented at the 2022 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Denver, CO, May 1-4, 2022, and virtually.