In recent years, research and intensive studies have found that without a proper diet rich in carotenoids, a person’s body becomes susceptible to damage from harmful free radicals. Given time, these free radicals increase tissue damage and increase the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and Age-related Macular Degeneration, or AMD. AMD is caused by a slow, steady rate of damage over time in the macula of the eye -- this is the part that allows a person to see clearly and in fine detail. Lutein, in addition to Zeaxanthin and Meso-Zeaxanthin, are three types of carotenoids that have been shown to offer added protection from these free radicals, as well as to help prevent vision loss by increasing macular pigment.

Wet and Dry AMD

Drusen is the whitish, yellowy fat deposits that occur in the eye after years of steady free radical damage. Once an eye-care professional spots drusen in the eye, they will diagnose the patient with Dry AMD. Although the most common symptom is blurred vision, other symptoms of Dry AMD include:

• Difficulty adjusting to darkness
• Sensitivity to light
• Difficulty detecting contrast
• Problems with glare

Unfortunately, the damage has already occurred by the time a person notices a change in vision; the effects of this damage are also permanent and cannot be undone. Wet AMD occurs when small blood vessels begin to grow beneath the macula -- these vessels are quite fragile and can leak blood and other fluid. This is an advanced form of AMD (Wet AMD) and occurs quickly, whereas Dry AMD develops in stages. Signs of Wet AMD include difficulty while reading, watching television and driving. When straight lines become wavy, it is important to seek an eye-care professional immediately.

Consultation

Once a consultation with an eye-care professional has taken place, the next step is to equip the person with the proper training materials to help them understand their condition. The eyecare professional will then take steps to mitigate the condition in an effort to prevent the Dry AMD from advancing to the Wet form, in many cases providing the person with antioxidant supplements and dietary recommendations as a means of lessening the risk of advanced AMD. Supplements containing Lutein and Zeaxanthin are prescribed because antioxidants help to build the protective macular pigment in the eyes while reducing the amount of damage caused by drusen.

Benefits of Lutein

While lutein is found in certain foods, many people opt to increase their intake in the form of ocular vitamins; in this form, it is easier to consume the recommended daily allowance in one vitamin than it is to rely on a well-balanced diet. The amount of information regarding lutein and its positive effect on eyesight is increasing every day, and many published studies conclude that lutein is very beneficial to overall eye health.