Recently we had a reader write us about supplements he was using. He reported he had surprising results using lutein and zeaxanthin to combat his age-related macular degeneration. [Lin/Linda: click here to read Surprise and Hope.]
While I am somewhat skeptical about the level of recovery this person reported, I know there is validity in some of what he was saying. We have talked about antioxidants slowing the rate of oxidative stress in the eyes. Lutein and zeaxanthin are both antioxidants and, according to WebRN, they are concentrated in the lens and the macula of the eye.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in macular pigment. The macular pigment protects against light rays that can lead to macular degeneration and cataracts.
It appears that lutein and zeaxanthin act like ‘sunglasses’ for the eye. People with low levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in their eyes are often the same people to develop AMD. The same is true of blood concentrations of these two carotenoids.
Lutein increases macular pigment density. Remember nice, plush macular pigment is lacking in us AMD folks. While most articles I read suggested lutein and zeaxanthin were good for preventing the loss of macular pigment, a May 1, 2013, article in JAMA Ophthalmology suggested they might also be able to ‘plump up’ the macular pigment later in the game.
NutritionExpress quoted a study that found lutein improved night vision and perception of contrast. Those are two areas we know AMD shows it’s effects pretty early.
There appear to have been limited studies of lutein and zeaxanthin and lutein or zeaxanthin alone. Most of the popular press articles I looked at segue right into the AREDS research. Remember that lutein and zeaxanthin are main ingredients in that formula.
Where to find lutein and zeaxanthin? All of the ‘usual’ places that we have talked about. Remember to eat your leafy greens such as kale, spinach and collar greens. Also, since lutein will turn things yellow, some farmers will feed it to hens so the yolks of their eggs are a nice, bright color. That means that if you lean towards being a carnivore as I am afraid I do, you can eat eggs and feel a little righteous about eating ‘for your eyes’.
So, as I said before, I am skeptical the lutein and zeaxanthin combo is going to do a great deal for actual photoreceptor loss. Dead is dead. But earlier in the game, when night vision losses and reduced contrast sensitivity start, lutein and zeaxanthin may be excellent ways of slowing the progression of the disease. That means you folks with early signs need to learn some recipes for spinach omelettes, spinach quiche, what have you.
The name of the game is plump up your macular pigments. In order to have a visual future that is bright, you gotta wear your natural ‘shades’.
And on that note, I gotta ‘book’ (leave). I managed to spend 12 hours – 12 hours! – bopping around yesterday. Where? Oh, the Y, waiting an HOUR for my ride, a trip to the technology store, a trip to the grocery store, a meal out, etc . While all that – minus the HOUR waiting for my ride, that is – was necessary, absolutely nothing got done here. Time to channel my inner domestic goddess! Sigh. Type at you later!