Learn more about Carotenoids with Dr. Jennifer Stewart

It’s time for some Woo’s Wisdom!

Dr. Jennifer Stewart joined us for the third time, which is certainly an indication of how great of a speaker she is. You will be in for a treat! This time, presenting on “Carotenoids: Prescribing for Ocular Health & Visual Performance”.

Here are some key takeaways from the presentation:

∙       The macula is just 4% of the retina but gives rise to 90% of our conscious visual perception. It is also the only part of the eye that accumulates carotenoids, which are lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin.

∙       Carotenoids are antioxidants which help to prevent oxidative stress by donating or accepting electrons. This stabilizes free radicals that are responsible for oxidative stress and damage to retinal tissue, thus protecting the macula

∙       Lutein functions to filter short wavelengths of blue light and is found in green leafy vegetables and egg yolks.

∙       Zeaxanthin sharpens central vision and can reduce the effects of glare.

∙       Meso-zeaxanthin is the most potent of all three carotenoids and is found in green leafy vegetables, as well as the skin of fish, such as salmon.

∙       The body can convert lutein to meso-zeaxanthin, BUT 20% of the population is unable to. This inability to convert lutein to meso- zeaxanthin is prevalent in patients with age-related macular degeneration.

∙       Supplementation with these three carotenoids can be advantageous for even young, healthy patient according to results from the CREST study. The study found that patients with 20/20 vision, yet low macular pigment density, had a statistically significant improvement in contrast sensitivity after supplementing with a triple carotenoid formula.

∙       Dr. Stewart wrapped up with some practice management pearls – Make sure to ask patients to bring all medications and supplements. This helps to open the door for further conversation on supplementation and ocular health/side effects. Market your passion for ocular health through your website, social media, and e-blasts, letting patients know you carry supplements to optimize ocular health. Empower your technicians discuss retinal health during pre-testing or specialty testing. Lastly, try not to take any objections or questioning of your recommendations personally.

From this presentation, we learned that all patients could potentially benefit from triple carotenoid supplementation. So, if you have any patients that are 20/20, but not 20/happy, consider their macular health.

Please make sure to check out Dr. Stewart’s presentation under “Past Events” at WooU.org!

Make sure to watch the Key Takeaways here.