Zeaxanthin and Lutein May Help Improve Night Vision

Night vision is the ability to see in low-light conditions and tends to deteriorate as you age. This can lead to difficulty driving at night. A recent study has found that zeaxanthin and lutein may help improve night vision and ability to drive at night.

Thirty-three adults with difficulty with night vision and driving at night participated in the study. They were given a supplement containing 14 mg of zeaxanthin and 7 mg of lutein or a placebo daily for 6 months. The researchers evaluated eye function in various light conditions at baseline and at the end of the study period.

Participants in the supplement group saw significant improvements in several visual functions that are important for night vision driving, including macular pigment optical density, glare recovery speed time, and useful field of vision. No changes were seen in the placebo group.

The study was conducted by researchers from the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. It was published online ahead of print on September 14, 2021 in the journal Nutrients.