Forest Grove

Researchers are studying the effects of oral dietary carotenoid supplements on various aspects of retinal health in healthy adults. The study aims to evaluate how these supplements influence macular pigment optical density MPOD, which helps protect the retina by reducing waste accumulation. It also investigates the supplements impact on macular structure, blood vessel density, eye pressure, visual functions like contrast sensitivity and photostress recovery, as well as cognitive function related to working memory. Additionally, the study explores the relationship between skin and eye carotenoid levels using a non-invasive finger measurement. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a carotenoid supplement or a placebo in softgel capsule form. They will take one capsule daily with a meal for three months. The study includes three visits an initial visit for consent, history-taking, and questionnaires, followed by two follow-up visits at one and three months during which the same eye and cognitive measurements are repeated. The testing involves non-invasive procedures like retinal imaging, blood pressure and eye pressure measurements, and computerized memory tests. Throughout the study, participants will undergo comprehensive assessments including contrast sensitivity, photostress recovery, MPOD, retinal thickness, vascular density, lipofuscin levels, skin carotenoid levels, blood pressure, intraocular pressure, and working memory performance. These evaluations occur at baseline, one month, and three months to track changes over time. The primary outcomes focus on changes in MPOD and fundus autofluorescence brightness over three months. Safety and adherence are monitored during the study period, which lasts approximately three months from enrollment to the end of treatment.