Investigating Associations Between Chronic Electronic Device Blue Light Exposure, Dietary Xanthophyll Intake and Macular Pigment Density in Humans.

Exponential uptake of modern technology over the last 30 years (computers) and 10 years (smartphones) has resulted in remarkable increase in artificial blue light exposure amongst all age groups. This suggests the incidence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) could be increasing significantly in the population in the years to come. It is unknown whether the extent of daily blue light exposure influences macular pigment optical density (MPOD) in young to middle age adults. Stringham et al. (2017) showed that, in 18-25 year old healthy adults, exposed to electronic devices over 6 hours daily, MPOD value and visual performance significantly improved after 6 months of lutein/zeaxanthin/meso-zeaxanthin supplementation. The findings of this project may inform on the risks of high exposure to electronic screens and the need to address with preventive measures the potential decline in MPOD and increased risk of AMD. The impact of usual dietary intake of macular xanthophylls on circulating concentrations and MPOD will be investigated. Findings may inform guidelines on recommended daily intake of these food constituents either through diet or supplementation.

Data Management and Confidentiality of Data Collected:

Consent is sought for extended use of the collected data which means it may be used in future research. For example, in the future if more sensitive methods for detecting L/Z, or other macular pigments become available, stored blood samples may be re-analysed. Furthermore, data may be used for subsequent statistical analysis and statistical analysis may be published in peer-reviewed journals, however no identifiable personal details will be published or used. Any personal information, such as full name and date of birth will remain confidential to only the study investigators at all times.

All hard copy personal information and measures taken as part of the study protocol will be stored in locked filing cabinets when not in use, and will only be accessible to approved study investigators. Any electronic data collected for the study will be stored using the UQ Research Data Management system. Data will be de-identified through the use of participant ID numbers allocated at enrolment. Re-identification of participant information will only be accessible by study investigators. At the conclusion of the study, participant hard copy files and trial documents are kept in locked filing cabinets for a period of 15 years. After this time, records will be disposed of by a certified record destruction, such as shredding.

Blood samples will be collected for research purposes, specifically for the measurement of plasma lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations. Collected samples will be stored as per the extended consent sought, held for up to 15 years. After this time, they will be destroyed via incineration. Collected plasma samples will only be identifiable via the participant study number allocated at enrolment. All publicly shared data or data used in publications will be in a non-identifiable form.