Treatment of Macular Telangiectasia Type 2 With Carotenoid Supplements Containing Meso-Zeaxanthin: A Pilot Study

Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2016 Jun 1;47(6):528-35. doi: 10.3928/23258160-20160601-04.

Abstract

Background and objective: To assess the outcomes of patients with macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel 2) in response to lutein (L), meso-zeaxanthin (M), and zeaxanthin (Z) supplements (LMZ3).

Patients and methods: Thirteen patients diagnosed with MacTel 2 were started on lutein 10 mg, meso-zeaxanthin 10 mg, and zeaxanthin 2 mg and were followed-up for a mean period of 15.7 months ± 4.85 months.

Results: Visual acuity improved in three patients (13%), and there was a reduction in the percentage of patients who had worsening vision (25% to 4%; P < .05). Optical coherence tomography changes showed a reduction in the number of cavitations and the largest diameter of the cavitation after the LMZ3 supplements were started. The largest diameter of photoreceptor disruption showed mild improvement in the first 6 months after LMZ3 supplements were started.

Conclusion: LMZ3 supplements may stabilize vision and improve the cavitations in patients with MacTel 2. Larger randomized, controlled studies are required to verify these pilot results. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2016;47:528-535.].

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antioxidants / administration & dosage
  • Carotenoids / administration & dosage*
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Combinations
  • Female
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fundus Oculi
  • Humans
  • Lutein / administration & dosage
  • Macula Lutea / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ophthalmoscopy
  • Pilot Projects
  • Retinal Telangiectasis / diagnosis
  • Retinal Telangiectasis / drug therapy*
  • Retinal Telangiectasis / physiopathology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Time Factors
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Visual Acuity*
  • Zeaxanthins / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Drug Combinations
  • Zeaxanthins
  • Carotenoids
  • meso-zeaxanthin
  • Lutein