Measuring carotenoid levels in the eye and skin

Macular Pigment Measurements in Eye & Other Tissues

Not applicable Interventional University of Utah · NCT03022773

This study is testing how nutrition affects eye health by measuring carotenoid levels in the eye and skin of patients at the Moran Eye Center to see if these nutrients can help protect against vision loss.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10000 (estimated)
Ages7 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Utah Academic / other
Locations1 site (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Trial IDNCT03022773 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to explore the impact of nutrition on eye health by measuring carotenoid concentrations in the human eye and skin tissues. It will validate non-invasive methods for assessing these carotenoid levels, specifically lutein and zeaxanthin, which are believed to protect against age-related macular degeneration. Additionally, the study will correlate these measurements with blood levels of carotenoids in a subset of participants. The research is conducted at the Moran Eye Center, focusing on patients undergoing routine ophthalmology examinations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 7 and older undergoing routine eye examinations, particularly those with adult vitelliform dystrophy.

Not a fit: Patients under the age of 7 will not benefit from this study as they are excluded from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of dietary influences on eye health and potentially reduce the risk of vision loss.

How similar studies have performed: Epidemiological studies have shown associations between carotenoid intake and reduced vision loss, suggesting that this approach has a foundation in previous research.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Any patient age 7 or older, undergoing routine dilated ophthalmology examinations at the Moran Eye Center will be eligible to participate.
* Patients with adult vitelliform dystrophy. (This condition initially presents in adulthood as bilateral subtle and often asymptomatic macular lesions, which are often misdiagnosed as early age-related macular degeneration (AMD)).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients under age 7 will not be eligible to participate.

Where this trial is running

Salt Lake City, Utah

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Macular PigmentationSkin Pigment
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.