Optometry - Journal of the American Optometric Association
Volume 75, Issue 4 , Pages 216-229, April 2004

Double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of lutein and antioxidant supplementation in the intervention of atrophic age-related macular degeneration: the Veterans LAST study (Lutein Antioxidant Supplementation Trial)

  • Stuart Richer, O.D., Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Veterans’Affairs, Medical Center Eye Clinic, North Chicago, Illinois
    • Family Medicine/Chicago Medical School, Chicago, Illinois
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author: Eye Clinic/Operative and Invasive Proccedures, 112e, DVA Medical Center 3001, Green Bay Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064-3095.
    • ,
  • William Stiles, M.D., J.D.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Veterans’Affairs, Medical Center Eye Clinic, North Chicago, Illinois
    • ,
  • Laisvyde Statkute, M.D.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Veterans’Affairs, Medical Center Eye Clinic, North Chicago, Illinois
    • Dr. Statkute is currently affiliated with Internal Medicine, Cook County Hospital, Chicago, Illinois.
    • ,
  • Jose Pulido, M.D.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Ophthalmology, University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary Retina Service, Chicago, Illinois
    • ,
  • James Frankowski, M.S., Ph.D. candidate

      Affiliations

    • Department of Veterans’Affairs, Medical Center Eye Clinic, North Chicago, Illinois
    • Dr. Frankowski is currently affiliated with Department of Research and Scientific Affairs, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Rosemont, Illinois.
    • ,
  • David Rudy, M.D., M.P.H.

      Affiliations

    • Family Medicine/Chicago Medical School, Chicago, Illinois
    • ,
  • Kevin Pei, B.S.

      Affiliations

    • Family Medicine/Chicago Medical School, Chicago, Illinois
    • ,
  • Michael Tsipursky, M.S.

      Affiliations

    • Family Medicine/Chicago Medical School, Chicago, Illinois
    • ,
  • Jill Nyland, R.N.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Veterans’Affairs, Medical Center Eye Clinic, North Chicago, Illinois

Article Outline

Background

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in aging Western societies. The objective of the lutein antioxidant supplementation trial (LAST) is to determine whether nutritional supplementation with lutein or lutein together with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, improves visual function and symptoms in atrophic ARMD.

Methods

The study was a prospective, 12-month, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial conducted at an urban midwestern Veterans Administration Hospital from August 1999 to May 2001. Ninety patients with atrophic ARMD were referred by ophthalmologists at two Chicago-area veterans medical facilities. Patients in Group 1 received lutein 10 mg (L); in Group 2, a lutein 10 mg/antioxidants/vitamins and minerals broad spectrum supplementation formula (L/A); and in Group 3, a maltodextrin placebo (P) over 12 months.

Results

In Groups 1L and 2 L/A, mean eye macular pigment optical density increased approximately 0.09 log units from baseline, Snellen equivalent visual acuity improved 5.4 letters for Group 1 L and 3.5 letters for Group 2 L/A, and contrast sensitivity improved. There was a net subjective improvement in Amsler grid in Group 1L. VFQ—14 questionnaires concerning subjective glare recovery were nearly significant at 4 months for Group 2 L/A. Patients who received the placebo (Group 3) had no significant changes in any of the measured findings.

Conclusion

In this study, visual function is improved with lutein alone or lutein together with other nutrients. Further studies are needed with more patients, of both genders, and for longer periods of time to assess long-term effects of lutein or lutein together with a broad spectrum of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in the treatment of atrophic age-related macular degeneration.

Key Words: Age-related macular degeneration, antioxidants, lutein, nutrition

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PII: S1529-1839(04)70049-4

doi:10.1016/S1529-1839(04)70049-4

Optometry - Journal of the American Optometric Association
Volume 75, Issue 4 , Pages 216-229, April 2004

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