Eye Health
Eye Health Frequently Asked Questions
What is lutein's role in eye health?
Studies have shown that lutein may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A newer research study on Veterans with AMD suggests that 10 mg a day of lutein may actually improve visual function of AMD sufferers. Other work suggests that lutein may play a role in helping reduce the risk of cataracts.
What is age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?
Macular degeneration is a condition that may begin to develop as one ages, but usually does not manifest itself until later in life. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of loss of sight in the United States for individuals over 65 years of age. It occurs when the cells (rods and cones) in the macula degrade, causing loss of sight in the central part of the field of vision, but leaving peripheral vision intact.
"Dry" age-related macular degeneration
Dry AMD occurs in 90 percent of the reported cases and is characterized by small yellow spots called drusen accumulating behind the macula. It is typically not associated with blindness but with loss of visual acuity. However, if left untreated, it could progress into wet AMD. A recent study suggests that lutein supplementation may have a positive effect on visual performance in subjects diagnosed with dry AMD 7.
"Wet" age-related macular degeneration
Wet AMD derives its name from the tiny, abnormal vessels that grow behind the retina toward the macula that seep fluid into the tissue. As a result, the macula is damaged, leading to the onset of blindness.
What is the macula?
The macula lutea is a small area just two millimeters wide, located in the back of the eye, in the middle portion of the retina. The center portion of the macula is referred to as the fovea, and contains the highest concentration of rods and cones. It is responsible for central vision.
How is lutein related to macular degeneration?
Lutein is deposited in the macula of the eye through the lutein we consume. Lutein filters blue light and may protect the macula from free-radical damage. A healthy macula provides good central vision. If through the years of exposure to light and other stressors, the macula begins deteriorating, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can result.
By consuming fruits and vegetables in accordance with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans, you may be getting an adequate amount of lutein in your diet to decrease the risk of developing AMD. However, consumer statistics show that only 23 percent of Americans eat the recommended amounts of vegetables and fruits daily 2. Therefore, a dietary supplement or fortified foods and beverages containing lutein may be used as a complement to the diet.
Who is susceptible to age-related macular degeneration?
There are several factors that may increase your risk of developing AMD: age, poor diet, exposure to sunlight, smoking, heredity, gender, race, eye color, alcohol usage and heart disease. For example, individuals with blue or green eyes, seniors, women, smokers and Caucasians are all at higher risk.
What can I do to protect myself from age-related macular degeneration?
While there are factors that you cannot change, such as age, heredity and gender, several key risk factors are lifestyle related. Here are some tips: wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to protect you from direct or reflected sunlight; eat a diet rich in fruits and dark green, leafy vegetables that contain lutein; stop smoking and limit your intake of alcohol, saturated fats and cholesterol.
Can lutein help promote eye health for other age related conditions?
The latest progress report from the Beaver Dam eye study, which involves adults from 43-84 years of age, suggests that lutein and zeaxanthin intake may reduce the incidence of cataracts . Cataracts are a generalized clouding of the lens and often associated with the aging process. Lutein and zeaxanthin are the only carotenoids found in the lens.
Chasan-Taber and co-workers conducted a prospective study of 77,466 female nurses 45-71 years of age, from 1980 through 1992. The results showed nurses with the highest intake of lutein and zeaxanthin had 22 percent lower risk of cataract extraction compared to those in the lowest quintile of intake. This study also showed high intake of spinach and kale, may reduce the risk of cataract extraction 8. Both spinach and kale are rich in lutein.
In a similar study, Brown and collaborators studied the association between carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, beta-cryptoxanthin and lycopene) and Vitamin A intakes and cataract extraction in 36,344 male health professionals 45 to 75 years old. Researchers found that men with the highest consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin had a 19 percent lower risk of cataract extraction compared to men with the lowest consumption. Furthermore, among foods consumed that were high in carotenoids, broccoli and spinach had the strongest association with a lower risk of cataracts 7. Again, these vegetables are rich in lutein.
Has lutein been studied in other areas of human health?
In addition to AMD and cataracts, emerging science suggests that lutein may play a role in skin cardiovascular and women's health.
