Research

Current studies
Eithne Connolly: Meso-zeaxanthin Ocular Supplementation Trials (MOST): Research into supplementation with lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin to prevent progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

Volunteers required
Who are we looking for?

• People with early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in either eye

How can you take part?

• Contact Eithne Connolly, Clinical Research Technician, on 051 302153 or at eithne@ivr.ie

What’s involved?

• Volunteers will be asked to attend the Institute of Vision Research at Whitfield Clinic on four separate occasions over a twelve-month period
• Each study visit will last approximately one hour
• Volunteers will be asked to take a dietary supplement containing the macular pigments
• The study will involve taking a blood sample along with a series of non-invasive but specialised tests to fully assess eye health

Background

• Late age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of age-related blindness, affecting an estimated 80,000 people in the Republic of Ireland
• AMD affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for clear central vision and is a particularly frustrating disease because it results in loss of central vision
• Recent research has shown that appropriate dietary supplements reduce a patient’s risk of developing late AMD
• The supplements under investigation in this study contain dietary pigments which make their way to the macula where they are referred to as macular pigment
• Macular pigment is believed to protect against AMD as it filters damaging blue light and neutralises unstable molecules (known as free radicals) at the macula

Current studies
Sonia Charalampidou: Preoperative optical and psychophysical predictors of patient satisfaction following cataract surgery. Please contact us for more information on this study.