Macular Degeneration Treatment Tips

One of the most recent AREDS studies concerns Lutein and also Zeaxanthin. Follow-ups in the long-term study are still underway, but we already know these two substances are powerfully beneficial.

What are Lutein and Zeaxanthin? They are two carotenoid pigments naturally present in the human eye. In fact they are the only carotenoids (of many in circulation in the body) that accumulate in the eye. They are most highly concentrated in the central retina - in the macula, the area of sharpest vision. There they are referred to as the ‘macula lutea’, and they impart a yellow colour, luteal pigment.

Luteal pigment in the macula protects cells from light damage. Lutein absorbs harmful blue light, acting rather like a natural inbuilt sunblock for the eyes. So you see why it’s vital we have it working for us. Without lutein our vision suffers and deteriorates. On the other hand, after only a few weeks’ oral supplementation with lutein vitamins, which increased the amount of pigment in the macula, AMD patients reported sharper vision with better colour awareness and less glare.

Zeaxanthin also appears to protect photoreceptor cells in the central retina from damage by sunlight, and levels of this pigment are in inverse proportion to presence of AMD. Macula with AMD have less Lutein and Zeaxanthin present. Smokers also have less (and smoking is one of the risk factors for this eye disease). Generally these macular pigments become depleted with age.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin are also good antioxidants; that is, like Vitamins A, C and E, they scavenge harmful ‘free radicals’ or reactive oxygen molecules. This means they also may be beneficial in prevention or treatment of other diseases, including cardiovascular disease, as well as AMD and vision loss. And Lutein benefits the skin as well.