The Impact of Formulation on Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and meso-Zeaxanthin Bioavailability: A Randomised Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study.

Lutein (L), zeaxanthin (Z), and meso-zeaxanthin (MZ) have been the focus of research and commercial interest for their applications in human health. Research into formulations to enhance their bioavailability is merited. This 6 month randomised placebo-controlled trial involving 81 healthy volunteers compared the bioavailability of different formulations of free L, Z, and MZ in sunflower or omega-3 oil versus L, Z, and MZ diacetates (Ld, Zd, and MZd) in a micromicellar formulation. Fasting serum carotenoids, macular pigment, and skin carotenoid score were analysed at baseline and 6 months. Serum L, Z, and MZ concentrations increased in all active interventions compared to placebo (p < 0.001 to p = 0.008). The diacetate micromicelle formulation exhibited a significantly higher mean response in serum concentrations of Z and MZ compared to the other active interventions (p = 0.002 to 0.019). A micromicellar formulation with solubilised Z and MZ diacetates is a promising technology advancement that enhances the bioavailability of these carotenoids when compared to traditional carotenoid formulations (ISRCTN clinical trial registration number: ISRCTN18206561).

Risk factors associated with myopia in schoolchildren in Ireland.

AIM: To examine the demographic and social factors associated with myopia in schoolchildren in Ireland. METHODS: Thirty-seven schools participated, representing a mix of urban and rural schools and schools in socioeconomically disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged areas in Ireland. Examination included cyclopleged autorefraction (1% cyclopentolate hydrochloride). Height and weight of participants were measured. Parents filled in a participant's lifestyle questionnaire, including questions on daily screen time use and daylight exposure. Myopia was defined as spherical equivalent ≤-0.50 D. RESULTS: Data from 1626 participants (881 boys, 745 girls) in two age groups, 6-7 years (728) and 12-13 years (898), were examined. Myopia prevalence was significantly higher in children aged 12-13 years old (OR=7.7, 95%CI 5.1 to 11.6, p<0.001) and significantly associated with non-white ethnicity (OR=3.7, 95% CI 2.5 to 5.3, p<0.001). Controlling for age group and ethnicity, myopia prevalence was also significantly linked with height (p<0.001) and higher in participants in the following groups: using screens >3 hours per day (OR=3.7, 95% CI 2.1 to 6.3, p<0.001), obesity (OR=2.7, 95% CI 1.9 to 3.9, p<0.001), sedentary lifestyle (OR=2.9, 95% CI 1.9 to 4.4, p<0.001), frequently reading/writing (OR=2.2, 95% CI 1.4 to 3.5, p=0.001), less daylight exposure during summer time (OR=5.00, 95% CI 2.4 to 10.3, p<0.001), spring season births (OR=1.9, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.3, p=0.02), paternal history of myopia (OR=2.4, 95% CI 1.8 to 3.3, p<0.001) and bottle fed for the first three months of life (OR=1.7, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.5, p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The associations found between myopia prevalence in schoolchildren in Ireland and demographic and lifestyle factors suggest that longitudinal research investigating the associations between myopia prevalence and these factors may be beneficial in advising preventative public health programmes.

Refractive error and visual impairment in Ireland schoolchildren.

AIM: To report refractive error prevalence and visual impairment in Republic of Ireland (henceforth 'Ireland') schoolchildren. METHODS: The Ireland Eye Study examined 1626 participants (881 boys, 745 girls) in two age groups, 6-7 years (728) and 12-13 years (898), in Ireland between June 2016 and January 2018. Participating schools were selected by stratified random sampling, representing a mix of school type (primary/postprimary), location (urban/rural) and socioeconomic status (disadvantaged/advantaged). Examination included monocular logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) presenting visual acuity (with spectacles if worn) and cycloplegic autorefraction (1% Cyclopentolate Hydrochloride). Parents completed a questionnaire to ascertain participants' lifestyle. RESULTS: The prevalence of myopia (spherical equivalent refraction (SER): ≤-0.50 D), hyperopia (SER: ≥+2.00 D) and astigmatism (≤-1.00 DC) among participants aged 6-7 years old was 3.3%, 25% and 19.2%, respectively, and among participants aged 12-13 years old was 19.9%, 8.9% and 15.9%, respectively. Astigmatic axes were predominately with-the-rule. The prevalence of 'better eye' presenting visual impairment (≥0.3 logMAR, with spectacles, if worn) was 3.7% among younger and 3.4% among older participants. Participants in minority groups (Traveller and non-white) were significantly more likely to present with presenting visual impairment in the 'better eye'. CONCLUSIONS: The Ireland Eye Study is the first population-based study to report on refractive error prevalence and visual impairment in Ireland. Myopia prevalence is similar to comparable studies of white European children, but the levels of presenting visual impairment are markedly higher than those reported for children living in Northern Ireland, suggesting barriers exist in accessing eye care.

Colorectal cancer survivors: an investigation of symptom burden and influencing factors.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is a significant issue internationally, with over 1.3 million people diagnosed annually. Survival rates are increasing as treatments improve, although physical symptoms can persist despite eradication of the tumour. In order to optimize survivorship care, further research is warranted in relation to symptom burden. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to (i) investigate frequency of physical symptoms in colorectal cancer survivors (ii) identify which symptoms occur together (iii) examine the associations between demographic and clinical variables, and symptoms. METHODS: Participants nine months to three years post diagnosis were identified from the population-based National Cancer Registry Ireland. Respondents completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-CR29. Reported physical symptom frequencies were transformed into continuous scale variables, which were then analysed using one way analysis of variance, general linear modelling and Spearman rank correlations. RESULTS: There were 496 participants. Fatigue, insomnia and flatulence were the most frequent symptoms, with ≥20% of respondents reporting these to be often present in the previous week. Eight other symptoms were experienced often by 10-20% of respondents. At least one of these eleven most common symptoms was experienced frequently by almost every respondent (99%). 66% of respondents experienced at least two of these symptoms together, and 16% experienced five or more together. Current stoma was the single most common variable associated with increased symptom scores, although statistically significant relationships (p ≤ 0.05) between symptom frequency scores and clinical/demographic variables were generally weak (R-sq value ≤0.08). CONCLUSION: Findings may inform targeted interventions during the nine month to three year post diagnosis timeframe, which would enable supported self-management of symptoms.

Supplemental Retinal Carotenoids Enhance Memory in Healthy Individuals with Low Levels of Macular Pigment in A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: There is a biologically plausible rationale whereby the dietary carotenoids lutein (L), zeaxanthin (Z), and meso-zeaxanthin (MZ), which are collectively referred to as macular pigment (MP) in the central retina (macula), support the maintenance of cognition via their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of supplemental L, Z, and MZ on memory, executive function, and verbal fluency among healthy individuals with low MP levels. METHODS: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial, subjects (n = 91; mean±SD age = 45.42±12.40; % male = 51.6) consumed a daily formulation of 10 mg L, 10 mg MZ, and 2 mg Z (n = 45) or placebo (n = 46) for 12 months. Cognitive domains assessed included verbal and visual learning, immediate and delayed memory, executive function, and verbal fluency. MP and serum carotenoid concentrations of L, Z, and MZ were also measured. RESULTS: Following 12-month supplementation, individuals in the active group exhibited statistically significant improvements in memory when compared to the placebo group (paired associated learning [PAL] memory score [rANOVA, p = 0.009]; PAL errors [rANOVA, p = 0.017]). Furthermore, the observed reduction in the number of errors made in the PAL task among those in the intervention group was positively and significantly related to observed increases in MP volume (p = 0.005) and observed increases in serum concentrations of L (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial demonstrates a memory-enhancing effect of daily supplementation with L, Z, and MZ in healthy subjects with low MP at baseline. The implications of these findings for intellectual performance throughout life, and for risk of cognitive decline in later life, warrant further study.

The Relationship Between Plasma Concentrations of Lutein and Zeaxanthin with Self-Reported and Actual Prevalence of AMD in an Irish Population-Based Sample.

PURPOSE: To investigate plasma lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) concentrations with grading-confirmed and self-reported prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data collected from a nationally representative prospective cohort study of community-dwelling adults aged 50 years and over in the Republic of Ireland. Participants underwent a computer-assisted personal interview and a center-based health assessment. Plasma concentrations of L and total Z (Z and meso-zeaxanthin [MZ]) were measured by high performance liquid chromatography, and retinal photographs were graded using a version of the AMD International Classification and Grading System. Consumption of supplements containing L and/or Z and/or MZ was recorded as supplement use. Four groups were identified: Group 1 (n = 24): AMD-afflicted and correctly aware; Group 2 (n = 264): AMD-afflicted but unaware; Group 3 (n = 41): AMD-free and incorrectly believed that they were afflicted with the condition; Group 4 (n = 4094): AMD-free and correctly self-reported absence of AMD. RESULTS: Of 4,423 participants with plasma concentrations of L and Z and gradable retinal photographs, 288 (6.5%) were afflicted with AMD, and 65 (1.5%) self-reported AMD. Controlling for family history and age, the relationship between grading-confirmed AMD and plasma L was positive and significant (p < 0.001). Mean plasma concentrations of L in Group 2 (mean = 0.2162 ± 0.132 µmol) and Group 4 (mean = 0.2040 ± 0.121 µmol/L) were significantly lower than Group 1 (mean = 0.4691 ± 0.0.372 µmol/L) and Group 3 (mean = 0.3176 ± 0.0.235 µmol/L). Supplement use was reported by 41.7% and 17.1% of participants in Groups 1 and 3, respectively, but only 2.7% and 1.9% of participants in Groups 2 and 4, respectively. CONCLUSION: A belief that one suffers from AMD, whether justified or not, is associated with supplement use and with higher plasma concentrations of L.

The Impact of Supplemental Antioxidants on Visual Function in Nonadvanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Head-to-Head Randomized Clinical Trial.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of supplemental macular carotenoids (including versus not including meso-zeaxanthin) in combination with coantioxidants on visual function in patients with nonadvanced age-related macular degeneration. Methods: In this study, 121 participants were randomly assigned to group 1 (Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 formulation with a low dose [25 mg] of zinc and an addition of 10 mg meso-zeaxanthin; n = 60) or group 2 (Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 formulation with a low dose [25 mg] of zinc; n = 61). Visual function was assessed using best-corrected visual acuity, contrast sensitivity (CS), glare disability, retinal straylight, photostress recovery time, reading performance, and the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25. Macular pigment was measured using customized heterochromatic flicker photometry. Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in the primary outcome measure (letter CS at 6 cycles per degree [6 cpd]) over time (P = 0.013), and this observed improvement was statistically comparable between interventions (P = 0.881). Statistically significant improvements in several secondary outcome visual function measures (letter CS at 1.2 and 2.4 cpd; mesopic and photopic CS at all spatial frequencies; mesopic glare disability at 1.5, 3, and 6 cpd; photopic glare disability at 1.5, 3, 6, and 12 cpd; photostress recovery time; retinal straylight; mean and maximum reading speed) were also observed over time (P < 0.05, for all), and were statistically comparable between interventions (P > 0.05, for all). Statistically significant increases in macular pigment at all eccentricities were observed over time (P < 0.0005, for all), and the degree of augmentation was statistically comparable between interventions (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Antioxidant supplementation in patients with nonadvanced age-related macular degeneration results in significant increases in macular pigment and improvements in CS and other measures of visual function. (Clinical trial, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN13894787).

Serum and macular response to carotenoid-enriched egg supplementation in human subjects: the Egg Xanthophyll Intervention clinical Trial (EXIT).

The macular carotenoids lutein (L), zeaxanthin (Z) and meso-zeaxanthin (MZ) accumulate at the macula, where they are collectively referred to as macular pigment (MP). Augmentation of this pigment, typically achieved through diet and supplementation, enhances visual function and protects against progression of age-related macular degeneration. However, it is known that eggs are a rich dietary source of L and Z, in a highly bioavailable matrix. In this single-blind placebo-controlled study, L- and MZ-enriched eggs and control non-enriched eggs were fed to human subjects (mean age 41 and 35 years, respectively) over an 8-week period, and outcome measures included MP, visual function and serum concentrations of carotenoids and cholesterol. Serum carotenoid concentrations increased significantly in control and enriched egg groups, but to a significantly greater extent in the enriched egg group (P<0·001 for L, Z and MZ). There was no significant increase in MP in either study group post intervention, and we saw no significant improvement in visual performance in either group. Total cholesterol increased significantly in each group, but it did not exceed the upper limit of the normative range (6·5 mmol/l). Therefore, carotenoid-enriched eggs may represent an effective dietary source of L, Z and MZ, reflected in significantly raised serum concentrations of these carotenoids, and consequentially improved bioavailability for capture by target tissues. However, benefits in terms of MP augmentation and /or improved visual performance were not realised over the 8-week study period, and a study of greater duration will be required to address these questions.

Relationship between macular pigment and visual function in subjects with early age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between macular pigment (MP) and visual function in subjects with early age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: 121 subjects with early AMD enrolled as part of the Central Retinal Enrichment Supplementation Trial (CREST; ISRCTN13894787) were assessed using a range of psychophysical measures of visual function, including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), letter contrast sensitivity (CS), mesopic and photopic CS, mesopic and photopic glare disability (GD), photostress recovery time (PRT), reading performance and subjective visual function, using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25). MP was measured using customised heterochromatic flicker photometry. RESULTS: Letter CS, mesopic and photopic CS, photopic GD and mean reading speed were each significantly (p<0.05) associated with MP across a range of retinal eccentricities, and these statistically significant relationships persisted after controlling for age, sex and cataract grade. BCVA, NEI VFQ-25 score, PRT and mesopic GD were unrelated to MP after controlling for age, sex and cataract grade (p>0.05, for all). CONCLUSIONS: MP relates positively to many measures of visual function in unsupplemented subjects with early AMD. The CREST trial will investigate whether enrichment of MP influences visual function among those afflicted with this condition. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN13894787.

Introduction of a Toric Intraocular Lens to a Non-Refractive Cataract Practice: Challenges and Outcomes.

AIM: To identify challenges inherent in introducing a toric intraocular lens (IOL) to a non-refractive cataract practice, and evaluate residual astigmatism achieved and its impact on patient satisfaction. METHODS: Following introduction of a toric IOL to a cataract practice with all procedures undertaken by a single, non-refractive, surgeon (SB), pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative data was analysed. Attenuation of anticipated post-operative astigmatism was examined, and subjectively perceived visual functioning was assessed using validated questionnaires. RESULTS: Median difference vector (DV, the induced astigmatic change [by magnitude and axis] that would enable the initial surgery to achieve intended target) was 0.93D; median anticipated DV with a non-toric IOL was 2.38D. One eye exhibited 0.75D residual astigmatism, compared to 3.8D anticipated residual astigmatism with a non-toric IOL. 100% of respondents reported satisfaction of ≥ 6/10, with 37.84% of respondents entirely satisfied (10/10). 17 patients (38.63%) reported no symptoms of dysphotopsia (dysphoptosia score 0/10), only 3 respondents (6.8%) reported a clinically meaningful level of dysphotopsia (≥ 4/10). Mean post-operative NEI VF-11 score was 0.54 (+/-0.83; scale 0 - 4). CONCLUSION: Use of a toric IOL to manage astigmatism during cataract surgery results in less post-operative astigmatism than a non-toric IOL, resulting in avoidance of unacceptable post-operative astigmatism.

Quantification of zeaxanthin stereoisomers and lutein in trout flesh using chiral high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection.

In our previous work we identified the presence of meso-zeaxanthin [(3R,3'S)-zeaxanthin] in trout flesh and skin (Nolan et al., 2014), but were not able to quantify this carotenoid with the method used at that time. In the present study, we developed a protocol that allows for the quantification of lutein and the three stereoisomers of zeaxanthin [(3R,3'R)-zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin and (3S,3'S)-zeaxanthin] in fish flesh. We tested this protocol in two species of farmed trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss and Salmo Trutta), and we detected and quantified these carotenoids. The concentrations of each carotenoid detected (ranging from 1.18 ± 0.68 ng g-1 flesh for meso-zeaxanthin to 38.72 ± 15.87 ng g-1 flesh for lutein) were highly comparable for the two fish species tested. In conclusion, we report, for the first time, the concentrations of zeaxanthin stereoisomers (including meso-zeaxanthin) and lutein in trout flesh. This work adds further to the knowledge on the presence of these carotenoids in the human food chain.

Enrichment of Macular Pigment Enhances Contrast Sensitivity in Subjects Free of Retinal Disease: Central Retinal Enrichment Supplementation Trials - Report 1.

PURPOSE: The high-performance visual function associated with central vision is mediated by the macula (the central retina), which accumulates three diet-derived pigments (the carotenoids lutein [L], zeaxanthin [Z], and meso-zeaxanthin [MZ]). Our study sought to investigate the impact on visual function, including contrast sensitivity (CS), of supplementation with these naturally occurring carotenoids, in individuals with low retinal concentrations. METHODS: Subjects consumed daily a formulation containing 10 mg L, 2 mg Z, and 10 mg MZ (active group; n = 53) or placebo (n = 52) for a period of 12 months. Study visits were at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. Contrast sensitivity at 6 cycles per degree (cpd) was the primary outcome measure (POM). Secondary outcome measures included CS at other spatial frequencies, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), glare disability, photostress recovery, and light scatter. Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) was measured using dual-wavelength autofluorescence, and serum carotenoid concentrations were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: Compared to placebo, statistically significant improvements from baseline CS were detected at 6 (P = 0.002) and 1.2 (P = 0.004) cpd in the active group. Additionally, improvements in CS were commensurate with the observed increases in retinal concentrations of these carotenoids (r = 0.342, P = 0.002 at 6 cpd). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that dietary fortification with the macular carotenoids can have meaningful effects on visual function.

The Impact of Cataract, and Its Surgical Removal, on Measures of Macular Pigment Using the Heidelberg Spectralis HRA+OCT MultiColor Device.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of cataract (and cataract surgery) on macular pigment (MP) measurements using the Heidelberg Spectralis HRA+OCT MultiColor device. METHODS: Thirty-six patients (age, 54-87 years) scheduled for cataract surgery at the Institute of Eye Surgery, Ireland, were enrolled in this study. Cataracts were graded using the Lens Opacities Classification System (LOCS) III, and surgery was performed using standard phacoemulsification technique with implantation of a Tecnis ZCB00 or Tecnis ZCT intraocular lens. Macular pigment was measured before and after cataract surgery in the operated (study) eye and in the fellow (control) eye. RESULTS: In the study eye, there was statistically significant disagreement in measures of MP taken before and after surgery. At all eccentricities, and also for MP volume, the postsurgery measurements were significantly (P < 0.05) greater, ranging from an average 16% greater at 1.72° to an average 35% greater at 0.23° eccentricity. Eyes exhibiting large disagreement between pre- and postsurgery measurements at a given eccentricity also generally exhibited substantial disagreement at other eccentricities. Overall severity of cataract contributed to greater disagreement between pre- and postoperative measures of MP, as did grade of nuclear opalescence, nuclear color, and posterior subcapsular cataract. In control eyes, there was no statistically significant disagreement in terms of measures of MP taken before and after cataract surgery (P > 0.05 for all; 1-sample t-test). CONCLUSIONS: Macular pigment measurements using the Spectralis are affected by cataract. Accordingly, we recommend that cataract be graded when measuring MP with a device that utilizes dual-wavelength fundus autofluorescence and propose the employment of a correction factor to compensate for cataract when measuring MP.

Assessment of lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin concentrations in dietary supplements by chiral high-performance liquid chromatography.

We investigated the concordance between actual and declared content of the three macular carotenoids in commercially available supplements aimed at eye health. Three batches of nine products were tested for content of lutein (L), zeaxanthin (Z) and meso-zeaxanthin (MZ) by chiral HPLC-DAD. In every product tested, actual L concentration was close to target, but Z concentration varied greatly (47-248 % of declared concentration), and the L:Z ratio within some supplements was adversely affected in consequence. In six of seven products not declaring MZ, we found this carotenoid, and four of them, using the same L source, contained a concentration of MZ that correlated positively and significantly with measured concentrations of L (r2 = 0.86; P < 0.001). More transparency is needed in terms of concordance between actual and declared concentrations of Z in commercially available formulations, and MZ should be declared in those formulations where it is present.

Cognitive Function and Its Relationship with Macular Pigment Optical Density and Serum Concentrations of its Constituent Carotenoids.

BACKGROUND: Macular pigment (MP) levels correlate with brain concentrations of lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z), and have also been shown to correlate with cognitive performance in the young and elderly. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between MP, serum concentrations of L and Z, and cognitive function in subjects free of retinal disease with low MP (Group 1, n = 105) and in subjects with AMD (Group 2, n = 121). METHODS: MP was measured using customized heterochromatic flicker photometry and dual-wavelength autofluorescence; cognitive function was assessed using a battery of validated cognition tests; serum L and Z concentrations were determined by HPLC. RESULTS: Significant correlations were evident between MP and various measures of cognitive function in both groups (r = -0.273 to 0.261, p≤0.05, for all). Both serum L and Z concentrations correlated significantly (r = 0.187, p≤0.05 and r = 0.197, p≤0.05, respectively) with semantic (animal) fluency cognitive scores in Group 2 (the AMD study group), while serum L concentrations also correlated significantly with Verbal Recognition Memory learning slope scores in the AMD study group (r = 0.200, p = 0.031). Most of the correlations with MP, but not serum L or Z, remained significant after controlling for age, gender, diet, and education level. CONCLUSION: MP offers potential as a non-invasive clinical biomarker of cognitive health, and appears more successful in this role than serum concentrations of L or Z.

Determinants of patient satisfaction and function related to vision following cataract surgery in eyes with no visually consequential ocular co-morbidity.

PURPOSE: To investigate subjectively reported outcomes following cataract surgery and the relationships between such outcomes in the context of falling thresholds for cataract surgery. SETTING: Large, private, non-refractive cataract practice, Institute of Eye Surgery, Whitfield Clinic, Waterford, Ireland METHODS: Pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative data of 2552 eyes undergoing phacoemulsification and implantation of the Tecnis(R) ZCB00 1-piece intraocular lens (IOL) by a single surgeon between July 2009 and October 2013 was analysed. Patients without visually consequential ocular co-morbidity completed two validated questionnaires, designed to assess subjectively perceived visual functioning and identify symptoms of dysphotopsia following cataract surgery. RESULTS: 54.8 % of questionnaire respondents were entirely satisfied (satisfaction 10/10) post-operatively, with 83.7 % reporting satisfaction of ≥7/10. Satisfaction was positively associated with patient age and negatively associated with spectacle dependence, dysphotopsia, and function related to vision (NEI VF-11) score. The mean (±standard deviation[SD]) dysphotopsia score was 1.36 (±1.9; scale 0-10), with 40 % of respondents reporting no dysphotopsia symptoms and 9.8 % reporting clinically meaningful dysphotopsia. The mean (±SD) National Eye Institute visual function-11 (NEI VF-11) score was 0.33 (±0.53; scale 0-4) and reduced function related to vision was associated with increasing severity of dysphotopsia symptoms. When linear regression was applied, 17.5 % of the variation in functionality was attributable to symptoms of dysphotopsia. CONCLUSION: Dysphotopsia is an important determinant of a patient having difficulty with vision-related tasks following cataract surgery, and patient satisfaction is positively associated with patient age and negatively associated with spectacle in dependence, dysphotopsia and function related to the vision (NEI VF-11) score.

Prevalence of age-related macular degeneration in the Republic of Ireland.

BACKGROUND: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains the most common cause of visual loss among subjects over 50 years of age in the developed world. The Irish Longitudinal study on Ageing (TILDA) is a population-based study of subjects aged 50 years or older, designed to investigate factors that influence ageing, and has enabled this investigation of the prevalence of AMD in the Republic of Ireland (ROI). METHODS: Data collected from a nationally representative sample of community-living older adults aged 50 years and over in ROI over the period November 2009 to July 2011. 5035 participants attended the TILDA health centre for assessment. Retinal photographs were obtained in 4859 of these participants. Retinal grading was performed in a masked fashion using a modified version of the International Classification and Grading System for AMD. RESULTS: Adjusting for lower response rates among older subjects, the estimated overall prevalence of any AMD was 7.2% (95% CI 6.5% to 7.9%) in the population aged 50 years or older. The estimated prevalence of early AMD was 6.6% (95% CI 5.9% to 7.3%), and the estimated prevalence of late AMD was 0.6% (95% CI 0.4% to 0.8%). Statistically significant associations with AMD included increasing age and family history of the condition. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to provide prevalence estimates of AMD in ROI and will inform eye care professionals and policymakers involved in the delivery and planning of care for those afflicted with this condition.

The impact of supplemental macular carotenoids in Alzheimer's disease: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) exhibit significantly less macular pigment (MP) and poorer vision when compared to control subjects. OBJECTIVE: To investigate supplementation with the macular carotenoids on MP, vision, and cognitive function in patients with AD versus controls. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind clinical trial with placebo and active arms. 31 AD patients and 31 age-similar control subjects were supplemented for six months with either Macushield (10 mg meso-zeaxanthin [MZ]; 10 mg lutein [L]; 2 mg zeaxanthin [Z]) or placebo (sunflower oil). MP was measured using dual-wavelength autofluorescence (Heidelberg Spectralis®). Serum L, Z, and MZ were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography. Visual function was assessed by best corrected visual acuity and contrast sensitivity (CS). Cognitive function was assessed using a battery of cognition tests, including the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB)). RESULTS: Subjects on the active supplement (for both AD and non-AD controls) exhibited statistically significant improvement in serum concentrations of L, Z, MZ, and MP (p < 0.001, for all) and also CS at (p = 0.039). Also, for subjects on the active supplement, paired samples t-tests exhibited four significant results (from five spatial frequencies tested) in the AD group, and two for the non-AD group, and all indicating improvements in CS. We found no significant changes in any of the cognitive function outcome variables measured (p > 0.05, for all). CONCLUSION: Supplementation with the macular carotenoids (MZ, Z, and L) benefits patients with AD, in terms of clinically meaningful improvements in visual function and in terms of MP augmentation.