Carotenoids

Lutein and zeaxanthin are the primary carotenoids found in the macula lutea and crystalline lens and responsible for macular pigment optical density (MPOD). Lutein is the main pigment in the periphery of the macula and zeaxanthin is predominant in the fovea.

Lutein and zeaxanthin protect the eye in two ways:

• They absorb harmful high-energy blue light (from both natural sunlight and indoor light) which can cause oxidation in the eye.
• They act as an antioxidant, protecting cells by neutralizing the free radicals that may lead to oxidative stress and damaged retinal cells.

These carotenoids are not synthesized in the body and must be obtained from the diet:

• dark green leafy vegetables (broccoli, kale, spinach, etc)
• corn
• egg yolks
• fruit (kiwi, honeydew melon)
• nettles, algae and petals of yellow flowers
• or they can be found in nutritional supplements.

Research suggests 5 to 10mg of lutein per day are needed for ocular health benefits.¹

As the LAST study demonstrates, lutein alone or combined with additional carotenoids and antioxidants/minerals (including zinc) significantly improve macular pigment optical density and glare recovery, improved near visual acuity, and most measures of quality of vision.²

1. Chew EY. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2003; 44: E-Abstract 968.
2. Richer S et al. Double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of lutein and antioxidant supplementation in the intervention of atrophic ARMD. Optometry 2004.