Abstract
Use of ocular nutritional supplementation has been investigated with regard to prevention of onset or progression of age-related ocular disease. There is particular interest in the use of nutritional supplementation as a prevention and treatment strategy for age-related macular degeneration, as it is the leading cause of visual disability in the developed World. Pertinent articles on nutrition and age-related ocular disease published in peer-reviewed journals were identified, using a multi-staged, systematic approach. Reports from epidemiological studies provide conflicting evidence for the role of beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E in prevention of age-related cataract. However, several studies support an inverse relationship between lutein/zeaxanthin and this condition. There is also epidemiological and clinical support for use of lutein/zeaxanthin in prevention of onset and progression of age-related macular disease. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study reported a beneficial effect of high-dose nutritional supplementation for late stages of this condition. There is some clinical evidence for a therapeutic effect of Ginkgo biloba extract in glaucoma. Review of the literature supports an association between lutein/zeaxanthin and reduced risk of age-related macular disease and age-related cataract. Further work is needed to clarify the role of GBE in glaucoma, and future work may involve investigating its use for treatment or prevention of ARMD.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 231-242 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Current Topics in Nutraceutical Research |
Volume | 3 |
Issue number | 4 |
Publication status | Published - 1 Nov 2005 |
Keywords
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Antioxidant
- Cataract
- Glaucoma
- Lutein
- Nutrition