To evaluate the effects of lutein ester supplementation on choroidal thickness and refractive progression in school-age children.
Approach:
Key Findings:
Placebo group showed a mean reduction in subfoveal CT of −8.92 micrometers.
Lutein supplementation group showed a mean change of 1.16 micrometers, with a significant between-group difference of 10.08 micrometers.
No significant differences in axial length, spherical equivalent refraction, or central corneal thickness were observed.
Interpretation:
The study indicates that lutein ester supplementation can preserve choroidal thickness but does not affect axial elongation or refractive error in the short term.
Limitations:
The study duration was only six months, limiting long-term conclusions.
No adverse events were reported, but longer-term effects of lutein supplementation remain unknown.
Conclusion:
Lutein ester supplementation may serve as a structural biomarker for myopia progression, but further research is needed to assess its long-term impact on refractive outcomes.