The Effects of LycoRed Phytonutrient and Vitamin Supplement (a.k.a. LYC-001e) on Ocular Blood Flow

Age-Related Eye Disease (ARED) is a group of conditions that are associated with an increased risk of manifesting later in life, and include: Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), cataract, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, dry eye, and low vision. AMD and cataract are the leading causes of visual impairment in the United States. According to the National Eye Institute, approximately 1.7 million Americans suffer from some form of AMD, and over 1.5 million cataract surgeries are performed annually.

Although there are established risk factors, such as smoking and diabetes, cataracts are generally considered a consequence of ageing. The National Eye Institute estimates more than half of Americans will have cataracts or have had cataract surgery by the time they reach 80 years old. Additionally, AMD is the leading cause of central vision loss in developed countries and affects 13.4% of all adults aged 60 years and older.

It is estimated that the number of patients with AMD in the U.S. will double in 2050, based on 2010 demographics.

The severity and irreversibility of ocular pathology have created interest in researching ways to either prevent or slow their progression. Nutritional methods have been demonstrated to improve microvascular function in hypertensive patients, however diet modifications are infrequently well established and maintained in the American population.

Over the last 15 years, researchers focused on the role of the AREDS vitamin formulation on age related eye disease, specifically as it pertains to the development and progression of AMD and cataracts. While the benefit of AREDS supplementation has proven beneficial for AMD, its role in the prevention of cataract and/or glaucoma development has not been confirmed. However, with evidence suggesting that some combination supplements do provide potential risk reduction, it is our belief that further studies are needed to elucidate the role of combination nutriceuticals for the prevention of cataracts.