Effects of Lycium Barbarum Supplements on the Progression of Senile Cataract in Hong Kong Chinese Population

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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With the rapid growing aging population, age-related eye diseases including cataract are becoming more prevalent. The demand for cataract surgery and post-surgical care posed enormous financial burdens to the government. Lycium barbarum contains lutein and zeaxanthin which can filter the phototoxic blue light and neutralize the reactive oxygen species, thus provide a protective effect against cataract formation. This study aims to determine the effects of Lycium barbarum Supplements on the progression of senile cataract in Hong Kong Chinese elderly.

Detailed Description
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Please note that a manuscript for this study is being prepared. Detailed description will be provided after we come up with the final draft.

Official Title
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Effects of Lycium Barbarum Supplements on the Progression of Senile Cataract in Hong Kong Chinese Population

Conditions
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Lens Opacity

Intervention / Treatment
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* Dietary Supplement: Starch
* Dietary Supplement: Lycium Barbarum


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Unlikely to have cataract surgery within 3 years Presence of mild to moderate cataract in one or both eyes, graded by Lens Opacities Classification System III (LOCSIII). logMAR acuity equivalent to Snellen acuity of 20/63 or better no previous history and clinical signs of glaucoma by determining intraocular pressure using applanation Tonometry (no more than 22mmHg) no ocular anomalies: amblyopia, binocular anomalies, ocular trauma no history of eye surgery, laser treatment, iritis, retinal crystalline deposits, macular degeneration, or optic nerve diseases no extended use of systemic or ocular corticosteroid drugs no concurrent participation of other systemic or ocular drug intervention study Exclusion Criteria: diabetes mellitus renal failure fat malabsorption syndrome intestinal surgery history chronic diarrhea alcoholism use of anticoagulants regular use of nutritional supplements such as multi-vitamin, mineral and other antioxidant supplements (including Omega-3)

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 60 Years
Maximum Age: 75 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Prevention
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Placebo<br>Starch | Dietary Supplement: Starch<br>* 1350mg/day<br>|
| Experimental: Lycium Barbarum<br>Lycium Barbarum supplement | Dietary Supplement: Lycium Barbarum<br>* 1350mg/day<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lens Opacity Classification System III (LOCSIII) |  | 3 years | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Visual Acuity |  | 3 years |