Vol. 46 No.2 Original Article PDF

A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effect of Lutein Supplementation on Macular Pigment Optical Density and Macular Function in Pseudophakic Patients

Victor Ephraime V. Paulino, MD, DPBO, Edward C. Uy, MD, DPBO,
Sherman O. Valero, MD, FPAO

Makati Medical Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Makati City, Philippines

 

Correspondence: Victor Ephraime V. Paulino, MD, DPBO
Department of Ophthalmology, Makati Medical Center
#2 Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City, Philippines
e-mail: rempaulino@gmail.com

Disclaimer: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of oral lutein supplementation on macular pigment optical density (MPOD) levels and macular function in pseudophakic eyes that underwent phacoemulsification.

Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, parallel-arm, single-masked study comparing oral lutein supplement 20 mg/tablet (Lutax 20) with non-supplementation in pseudophakic eyes. We assessed MPOD, low-luminance deficit (LLD), visual recovery time (VRT) using photostress test, and adverse events. One hundred twenty-eight (128) eyes were enrolled and randomized 1:1 to active treatment (lutein supplementation) or no treatment (no supplementation). The supplementation period was 12 weeks and patients were assessed every 4 weeks over a period of 16 weeks.

Results: Sixty-four (64) eyes in each group completed the study. A significant increase in MPOD (p<0.001) was observed in the lutein supplemented group, from 0.36 DU at baseline to 0.55 DU at week 12, with a mean increase of 6.32 ± 1.72% per 4 weeks of supplementation compared with a mean MPOD decrease rate of 0.63 ± 0.48% in the non-supplementation group. A significant reduction in LLD was observed in the lutein-treated group, from LogMAR 0.063 at baseline to LogMAR 0.023 at Week 12 (p=0.003). VRT was also significantly shorter in the treatment from a baseline of 83.06 to 68.80 seconds at Week 12 (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Lutein supplementation (20 mg/tablet; Lutax 20) demonstrated a significant degree of MPOD augmentation, and reductions in LLD and VRT among patients who underwent phacoemulsification with lens implantation.

Keywords: lutein supplementation, macular pigment optical density, pseudophakic, low luminance deficit, photostress test

Philipp J Ophthalmol 2021;46: 88-95