| Several studies have looked at the value of lutein for | | | | the nutritional formula that was given to patients. |
| macular degeneration. One research group refers to it | | | | You might be wondering why there is so much |
| as "anti-aging ophthalmology". They group it with | | | | excitement about lutein for macular degeneration |
| lifestyle related diseases. It does seem that unhealthy | | | | treatment. But, if you have any familiarity with the |
| eating habits and other lifestyle factors, such as | | | | disease, you know that there are currently no |
| smoking, increase the risk, but there are genetic | | | | effective treatments. Loss of central vision is the |
| factors that come into play as well. Researchers first | | | | usual result and it affects 1.2 million Americans. |
| began to look at lutein and macular degeneration, | | | | In addition to lutein and macular degeneration, |
| because the antioxidant is one of the components of | | | | anti-aging ophthalmology researchers have also |
| a healthy retina. | | | | looked at the value of fish oil, the antioxidant |
| The retina is light sensitive tissue that lines the inner | | | | Astaxanthin and a variety of other "food factors" |
| surface of the eye. The macula is a tiny spot within | | | | that they believe should be recommended for early |
| the retina that is responsible for central vision. Light | | | | intervention. Basically, it is the fish, fruit and vegetable |
| striking the retina causes a cascade of chemical and | | | | diet that keeps people healthy. |
| electrical events that eventually send signals to the | | | | Taking lutein for macular degeneration prevention |
| visual centers of the brain. Doctors recommending | | | | may be a good idea. But, if you are over the age of |
| lutein for macular degeneration do so because some | | | | 40 and haven't always followed the |
| studies have found that taking it and other | | | | fish-fruit-vegetable eating plan, you need more help. |
| antioxidants reduce the risk of blindness from the | | | | There may not be a strong connection between low |
| "dry" type of the disease. | | | | levels of lutein and macular degeneration in the |
| While there is no conclusive evidence linking low blood | | | | elderly. But studies have shown that there is a strong |
| levels of lutein and macular degeneration, it has been | | | | connection between high levels of total antioxidants |
| noted that there is a lower concentration of both | | | | and "no" macular degeneration. The antioxidants |
| lutein and zeaxanthin in the retinas of people with the | | | | studied were those that are found in the traditional |
| disease. Until recently, this could only be measured | | | | Japanese diet. |
| post-mortem, but one research group has found a | | | | The best suggestion for everyone is to find and take |
| way to measure zeaxanthin concentration. So, it may | | | | a good multi-nutritional supplement that contains a |
| soon be possible for ophthalmologists to measure the | | | | variety of plant extracts, including lutein, zeaxanthin, |
| antioxidant concentration in their offices and be able | | | | Astaxanthin, beta-carotene and green tea extract. A |
| to make specific recommendation. | | | | good omega 3 supplement (fish oil) is also important. |
| A six year study conducted at the National Eye | | | | Omega 3 fatty acids are another component of a |
| Institute in Maryland draws the strongest connection | | | | healthy retina. Increasing total antioxidant intake will |
| between lutein and macular degeneration prevention. | | | | do more than taking lutein for macular degeneration, |
| Doctors concluded that it does, in fact, protect | | | | alone. |
| against blindness, but they also included zeaxanthin in | | | | |