Written by Greg Arnold, DC, CSCS. 37 healthy subjects, who took either 7 mg or 12 mg of lutein per day for 12 weeks, had a 70% or 123% increase in lutein blood levels respectively. They also experienced statistically significant improvements in contrast sensitivity in the 12 mg lutein group along with better vision and less eye strain.
The American Optometric Society states that 1 in 7 people (more than 14%) who see an optometrist have eye or vision-related symptoms resulting from computer work, with the most common symptoms being eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision and neck or shoulder pain (1). The American Heart Association states that 60% of teenagers spend on average 20 hours per week in front of television and computer screens while 33% spend closer to 40 hours per week and about 7% are exposed to more than 50 hours of ‘screen-time’ per week (2).
When it comes to computer use, viewing a computer screen is different from viewing a typewritten or printed page. This is due to the reduced contrast between the letters and background that causes eye strain and resulting neck and shoulder pain (3). Because of this, helping the eye increase contrast while looking at a computer screen may provide a substantial health benefit. Now a new study (4) has found that lutein may help with computer screen viewing.
In the study, 37 healthy subjects aged 22 to 30 were given either 6 mg of lutein per day, 12 mg of lutein per day, or placebo for 12 weeks. Their blood levels of lutein were measured and they underwent visual acuity tests to measure overall vision improvements, as well as any increases in contrast sensitivity.
Regarding blood lutein levels, those in the 6 mg group had a 70% increase (0.356 to 0.607 micromoles/liter), while the 12 mg group had a 123% (0.328 to 0.733 micromoles/liter) increase. While there was no benefit in overall visual acuity, the researchers found statistically significant improvements in contrast sensitivity in the 12 mg lutein group versus either the 6 mg lutein group or placebo, which improved their ability to view computer screens with less strain.
For the researchers, “Visual function in healthy subjects who received the lutein supplement improved, especially in contrast sensitivity, suggesting that a higher intake of lutein may have beneficial effects on the visual performance.”
Source: Ma, Le, et al. “A 12-week lutein supplementation improves visual function in Chinese people with long-term computer display light exposure.” British journal of nutrition 102.02 (2009): 186-190.
© The Authors 2009
Posted April 15, 2009.
References:
- “The Effects of Computer Use On Eye Health and Vision” posted on the American Optometric Association website.
- “Many teens spend 30 hours a week on ‘screen time’ during high school” posted on The American Association Media Room website.
- Briggs R. Safety and health effects of visual display terminals, a chapter in GD Clayton and FE Clayton (eds), Patty’s Industrial hygiene and toxicology, fourth edition, vol. 1, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1991.
- Ma L. A 12-week lutein supplementation improves visual function in Chinese people with long-term computer display light exposure. British Journal of Nutrition 2009. Published online February 19, 2009.
