gms | German Medical Science

Purpose: Floaters are regarded as a visual nuisance that impact negatively on the quality of life of its sufferers. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of supplementation with a targeted micronutrient formulation on the visual discomfort associated with vitreous degeneration.

Methods: In this clinical trial, 61 patients with symptomatic vitreous floaters were randomized to consume daily, the active supplement consisting of 125 mg L-lysine, 40 mg vitamin C, 26.3 mg Vitis vinifera extract, 5 mg zinc, and 100 mg Citrus aurantium or placebo for 6 months. Change in visual discomfort from floaters, assessed with the Floater Disturbance Questionnaire, was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures included best-corrected visual acuity, letter contrast sensitivity, photopic functional contrast sensitivity with positive and negative contrast polarity, and quantitative vitreous opacity areas.

Results: After supplementation, the active group reported a significant decrease in their visual discomfort from floaters (P<0.001), whereas the placebo group had no significant change in their visual discomfort (P=0.416). At 6 months, there was a significant decrease in vitreous opacity areas in the active group (P<0.001) and an insignificant increase in vitreous opacity areas in the placebo group (P=0.081). Also, there was a significant improvement in photopic functional contrast sensitivity with positive contrast polarity in the active group after supplementation (P=0.047).

Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate improvements in vision-related quality of life and visual function of patients suffering from vitreous floaters after supplementation with a formulation of antioxidative and antiglycation micronutrients. Notably, these improvements were confirmed by the decrease in vitreous opacity areas in the active group.