NUTRITION AND AGE-RELATED OCULAR DISEASE

摘要

Use of ocular nutritional supplementation bos been investigated with regard to prevention of onset or progression of age-related ocular disease. There is particular interest in the use of nutritional supplementation as a prevention and treatment strategy for age-related macular degeneration, as it is the leading cause of visual disability in the developed World. Pertinent articles on nutrition and age-related ocular disease published in peer-reviewed journals were identified, using a multi-staged, systematic approach. Reports from epidemiological studies provide conflicting evidence for the role of beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E in prevention of age-related cataract. However, several studies support an inverse relationship between lutein/zeaxanthin and this condition. There is also epidemiological and clinical support for use of lutein/zeaxanthin in prevention of onset and progression of age-related macular disease. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study reported a beneficial effect of high-dose nutritional supplementation for late stages of this condition. There is some clinical evidence for a therapeutic effect of Ginkgo biloba extract in glaucoma. Review of the literature supports an association between lutein/zeaxanthin and reduced risk of age-related macular disease and age-related cataract. Further work is needed to clarify the role of GBE in glaucoma, and future work may involve investigating its use for treatment or prevention of ARMD.