It is believed that the macular pigment protects the retina against photooxidative damage which can lead to agerelated macular degeneration (AMD). It is also hypothesized to enhance visual performance in normal human eyes. Much of the research into lutein supplementation has been centered around AMD subjects. AMD can result from agerelated retinal photoreceptor dysfunction which could hypothetically be prevented or slowed down through early supplementation. To our knowledge, the effects of lutein in normal ageing, have not been studied previously.