	Article Directory		Article Submission Service		Article Marketing Blog		Publishers		Member Log In

Article Directory :: Health & Fitness Articles

Lutein can Protect Against Macular Degeneration and Promote Eye Health

By John Bradstreet

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 12Aug2009
Word count: 733
Viewed: 327 time(s)

Get Free Content For Your Site

As people live longer eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts are on the rise which has a negative effect on eye health. This often robs people of their freedom and quality of life. Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in people over 65. AMD occurs when the cells in the central part of the eye, which is called the macular, begin to degrade. This causes loss of sight in the central part of the field of vision, but leaves peripheral vision intact.

It is estimated that as many as 16 million Americans show signs of the initial stages of AMD. To put that into perspective that is roughly twice the population of Los Angeles. While this seems like a very high number the fortunate thing is that 90% exhibit the dry form of AMD which occurs over time and can be corrected with nutrition and lifestyle changes. The dry form of this disease is not associated with blindness, but, if left untreated can progress to the wet form of AMD. This sudden form of the disease leads to blindness in about 10% of AMD patients.

There are a number of factors that are known to lead to the development of AMD. Some of these include age, eye color, gender, exposure to sunlight, smoking, alcohol consumption and heart disease to name a few.

Lutein is a carotenoid found in some vegetables and fruits. It acts as a powerful antioxidant that can protect the eyes from disease and is essential for good vision and eye health. It is not made by the body and can only be obtained by the foods that we eat and nutritional supplements. The problem is that large amounts of fruits and vegetables would need to be consumed to get the required amount of lutein. It is found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale. It is also found in corn and egg yolks. Carotenoids have shown benefits in reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease and eye disease and enhancing the body's immune system.

Lutein is found in the macular which is the central part of the retina. While it is not a vitamin lutein is an antioxidant that may help to protect the macular tissue from destructive oxidation reactions by eliminating free radicals. It can also filter high energy blue light that has been known to damage the macula and skin.

It was first discovered by a researcher at Harvard University in 1994 that lutein plays an important role in eye health. Since that time there has been significant research on its ability to protect the eyes and is recommended by many eye doctors for their patients.

According to a recent study done by Kemin Foods 91% of eye doctors believe that lutein plays an important role in promoting good eye health. In addition, 58% of those surveyed believe lutein is the best nutrient for promoting long term eye health. This survey consisted of 150 ophthalmologists and 150 optometrists in the United States about their perceptions of lutein.

When the color of one's eyes starts to fade it is not a result of aging but a loss of lutein. It is used by the eye as a natural antioxidant to eliminate damaging free radicals. Lutein as acts to filter damaging light from the eye. You can think of it as a pair of natural sunglasses.

Assuming that we are getting enough lutein thru diet or nutritional supplementation the good news is that it has the ability to build reserves in the eye to assure long term eye heath. Even for people that are not experiencing any eye problems they can benefit from lutein in preserving the good eye health they already have. Think of lutein as doing the same thing for your eyes as sun block and moisturizer does for your skin. If you start using it when you are young you maintain the healthy appearance of your skin as you age. The same analogy can be applied to your eyesight. When you are 60 it would be nice to have the same vision as when you were 30.

We know that we can not change our age, genetics or gender but there are things in our lifestyle that we can change to protect our eyesight. A few of these are to quit smoking, protect your eyes with sunglasses, limit your intake of alcohol and supplement with lutein.

John Bradstreet is an experienced Biochemist with extensive knowledge in nutritional supplementation. He has more than 25 years in his field. To learn more about the benefits of lutein we have included additional links at the bottom of the page to help educate you on the subject. Or you can subscribe to our Vitamin and Supplement blog.

EasyPublish™ this article - publishers click here