The 2 carotenoids mostly know for their role in preserving vision and protecting the eye from damage are Lutein and Zeaxanthin. A new study just published in Nutrients has found that Lutein and Zeaxanthin may aid in improving night vision.
Almost 35 individuals participated in this study. A supplement containing 7 mg of Lutein and 14 mg of Zeaxanthin was given to 24 of the participants. The study lasted 6 months. All participants were free from any overall retinal pathology but had reported challenges to their night vision. Assessments measuring eye function in different light conditions were performed by researchers.
Significant improvements were seen in the participants who had supplemented with the Lutein and Zeaxanthin when testing for glare recovery time speed, LogMar scoring and macular pigment optical density. Additionally decreases in the preferred lighting needed to complete visual tasks, was seen in the supplementation group. Improvements in UFOV (useful field of view) scores, which are necessary for driving and measure visual attention and functional vision were seen in the group supplementing with Lutein and Zeaxanthin when compared with the group not supplementing these carotenoids. UFOV scores may be used to aid in making decisions about a person’s driving fitness.
Poor night vision is very common in older individuals. Some people do not adjust as easily to variations in light conditions as others. Often times this creates a very challenging environment for an individual especially when having to drive at night. The risks of automobile fatalities or injury associated with driving increase with age at the same time as age related vision impairments increase. Not a good combination of events.
Past studies like AREDS2 which established the safety of Lutein and Zeaxanthin as well as their ability to support improvements in visual function seen with supplementation have helped bring the benefits of these carotenoids to the forefront of vision health.
Additional studies are needed.
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