Study Shows Zeaxanthin Improves Vision in Elderly

Jan. 25, 2012 - PRLog -- A recent study published in the November, 2011 Journal of Optometry confirms improved vision in elderly patients through nutritional supplementation. The Zeaxanthin (zee-uh-zan-thin) and Visual Function Study (ZVF), conducted by eye nutrition pioneer, Stuart Richer, PhD, OD at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Chicago, shows scientific evidence that dietary Zeaxanthin improved vision in night driving and fine detail, among others.
The ZVF Study followed 60 elderly veterans with early Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) over a 12-month period that consumed 8 mg of dietary Zeaxanthin daily, showed improvement in the ability to drive at night, recognition of fine detail - an average improvement of 1.5 lines or 8.5 letters on an eye chart, and the disappearance of blind spots.  
The ZVF Study is particularly exciting for individuals with early AMD, the leading cause of vision loss for people over age 55. Common symptoms of early AMD include difficulty driving at night, reading in low light, blind spots, loss of vivid colors, all of which contribute to daily difficulty and potential loss of independence for seniors. Participants underwent extensive visual measurements including the QuantifEye Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD) exam, while taking 8 mg of Zeaxanthin, 9 mg of Lutein, or a combination of both daily over a 12-month period.  The study confirmed that dietary Zeaxanthin supplementation increased MPOD, improved vision, and provided benefits beyond traditional Lutein supplementation.  
Located in the back of the eye, the macula contains the protective pigments, Zeaxanthin and Lutein, which are found naturally at a 2:1 ratio.  Zeaxanthin specifically protects the cones, or photoreceptors responsible for central vision, color perception, and fine detail. While Zeaxanthin and Lutein are found in brightly-colored fruits and vegetables as well as dark green, leafy vegetables, Zeaxanthin is scarce in the average US daily diet, making it difficult to maintain healthy macular pigment levels to protect and enhance vision.  
Dennis Gierhart, PhD and CEO of ZeaVision, a pioneer in Zeaxanthin research commented “Since the identification of Zeaxanthin and its role in eye health more than 20 years ago, I have seen it as my mission to bring the benefits of Zeaxanthin to a wider audience. I am thrilled with the findings that support the many benefits of Zeaxanthin supplementation.”   ZeaVision holds several patents on Zeaxanthin and its EyePromise® brand of nutraceuticals feature patented formulas that include the highest levels of dietary Zeaxanthin available in 8 mg and 10 mg doses.
About AMD

AMD destroys central vision through damage to the macula, a small part of the retina in the back of the eye. Key risk factors for AMD include family history, smoking (past or present), age, low macular pigment, light skin and eyes, obesity, and Caucasian women are also at slightly higher risk. AMD affects more than 25 million people worldwide, and is the leading cause of vision loss over age 55.  The American Optometric Association (AOA) estimates that the incidence of AMD is expected to triple by the year 2025.

About ZeaVision
ZeaVision is passionate about preserving healthy vision and fighting vision loss. The company develops nutraceutical and technology products for EyeCare Professionals and patients. ZeaVision scientists have conducted more than 20 years of research and development in nutrition and eye health, and hold patents on Zeaxanthin, a natural antioxidant and photo-protectant derived from paprika peppers. The company also offers a state-of-the-art measurement device as part of its Eye-Q® Intelligent AMD Risk Management program. The QuantifEye® instrument measures macular pigment optical density and allows EyeCare Professionals to measure, manage, monitor, and maintain healthy macular pigment levels to address an important AMD risk factor.  For more information, please visit www.zeavision.com or call 866-833-2800. For more information on the EyePromise® brand of all natural nutraceuticals for eye health, visit www.eyepromise.com.

ZeaVision, EyePromise, QuantifEye, and Eye-Q are the respective logos and registered trademarks of ZeaVision, LLC. All rights reserved.