Irish-based research published June 30th in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science (IOVS), holds out the prospect of even sharper  vision for those who already have good eyesight. Whereas most research in this area has focussed on corrective action for those who’ve already suffered vision loss as a result of eye disease, this new study concentrated on those with strong and healthy eyesight, and found marked improvements in vision among those who received specific dietary supplements over a year.

The results of this study have important implications for those who rely on their vision for professional reasons. The study – entitled CREST (Central Retinal Enrichment Supplementation Trials) – was conducted by the Macular Pigment Research Group at Nutrition Research Centre Ireland (NRCI).

This study was funded by the European Research Council and involved 105 volunteers undergoing complex test of vision over a 12-month period. Of the one hundred and five subjects, 53 received daily supplements while 52 received a placebo (the control group). The outcome demonstrates that those receiving macular carotenoids – lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin – enjoyed meaningful benefits to their visual function. The improvement recorded was primarily in people’s contrast sensitivity.

Prof John Nolan, Principal Investigator for the CREST study and founder of the Nutrition Research Centre Ireland, said: “All of us involved in this research are tremendously excited about the outcome – not only from a scientific perspective but also because of the significant benefits it will have for a wide range of people. Many people may already consider themselves to have ‘good’ eyesight, but now we know that many of these would benefit from appropriate supplementation.”

Read the full paper here.