Nutraceutical helps patient see clearly

Longevinex (Resveratrol), a nutraceutical matrix, can remove lipofuscin deposits from the retina to improve visual acuity and night vision, according to research presented at this year's meeting of the American Academy of Optometry in Seattle, US.

Stuart Richer, OD, PhD, FAAO, Chief of the Optometry Section at the Veterans Medical Center in North Chicago, US and colleagues treated a male patient (aged 80 years) with nutraceuticals to improve his night vision. No improvement was observed. After five months of treatment with the Longevinex supplement, which removes excess minerals (including calcium, iron and copper) through chelation, the subject showed a statistically significant increase in night vision, visual acuity, side vision and colour perception.

Although Dr Richer concedes that Longevinex is not yet ready to be marketed as a treatment, the results so far have been positive and there have been no side effects.