Lutein (1992) macular degeneration and cataracts

Learn more about macular degeneration recommendations.

Highlights from the Eye Disease Case Control Study Group, 1992

• Lower risk of neovascular AMD was connected to higher levels of carotenoids in the blood serum samples ... (pg. 1704)
• Higher risk of neovascular AMD was tied to cigarette smoking, and higher levels of serum cholesterol ... (pg. 1704)
• Persons with higher carotenoid levels (sum of serum lutein/zeaxanthin, b-carotene, a-carotene, cryptoxanthin, and lycopene levels) had significantly reduced risks of neovascular AMD. This finding is important because of suggestions that AMD occurs after cumulative oxidative insults and that higher levels of micronutrients with antioxidant capability may decrease the risk of AMD.

Reference: The Eye Disease Case-Control Study Group, "Risk Factors for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration," Archives of Ophthalmology, December, 1992, Volume 110, Pages 1701-1708.