루테인과 지아잔틴 성분 지속 섭취 시 황반 색소 밀도 및 황반변성 예방 효과 검증 요청

Research Summary & Abstract: Background/Objectives: Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) represents a biomarker of retinal antioxidant status in intermediate age-related macular degeneration (iAMD). Strategies aimed at increasing macular carotenoid availability may contribute to disease stabilization. This study evaluated the effects of oral supplementation and transscleral iontophoresis on MPOD and retinal parameters in iAMD. Methods: This prospective, non-randomized pilot study included 60 eyes of 60 patients with intermediate AMD enrolled at the Eye Clinic of the University of Naples Federico II between July 2024 and May 2025 (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06465342). Patients received either oral carotenoid supplementation (n = 30) or transscleral iontophoresis (n = 30). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and MPOD measured by one-wavelength reflectometry ( Visucam 200; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany) were assessed at baseline and 6 months. Results: BCVA remained stable in both groups without significant changes (p > 0.05). MPOD significantly increased in the iontophoresis group (0.40 ± 0.11 to 0.49 ± 0.12, p < 0.001) with no statistically significant difference between them (p = 0.09). CMT showed a mild, non-significant increase in both groups (p > 0.05). No adverse events were observed. Conclusions: Both oral supplementation and transscleral iontophoresis were associated with a significant increase in MPOD while preserving visual acuity in intermediate AMD. Within the limitations of this non-randomized pilot study, transscleral iontophoresis produced MPOD changes comparable to those observed with oral supplementation. These findings are exploratory and support further investigation of localized delivery strategies in larger, randomized trials.

Research Summary & Abstract: PURPOSE: To quantify the effects of lutein-containing supplementation on structural and functional visual outcomes in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), with particular focus on disease stage and treatment exposure. METHODS: A meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials was conducted. Nine RCTs involving 860 participants were included. Eligible studies evaluated oral lutein alone or in combination with zeaxanthin or epilutein and reported pre- and post-treatment measurements of macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Random-effects models were applied to calculate pooled effect sizes using Hedges' g. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore stage-specific responses and dose-duration associations. RESULTS: Across the 9 RCTs, lutein-containing supplementation significantly improved MPOD (Hedges' g = -0.589, p < 0.001) and BCVA (Hedges' g = -0.827, p = 0.001). Improvements were predominantly observed in early-stage AMD, whereas no statistically significant benefit was detected in late-stage disease. Lutein monotherapy demonstrated greater visual benefit than combination regimens. Meta-regression analyses revealed significant positive associations between treatment effect and both supplementation duration and total lutein exposure. Contrast sensitivity and serum lutein concentrations also improved significantly. CONCLUSION: Lutein-based supplementation is associated with measurable structural and functional visual benefits in early-stage AMD. Treatment effects appear dose- and duration-dependent, while evidence in late-stage AMD remains limited. These findings support early intervention strategies and warrant further investigation into long-term therapeutic impact.