Scientists are establishing a strong link between lutein, a carotenoid found in green, leafy vegetables, and reduced occurrence of age-related Macular Degeneration. This dietary link to an eye disease has important implications and a potential to change the entire approach to eye health. While there is no cure for Macular Degeneration, recent studies associate higher consumption of lutein with lower risk for Macular Degeneration. Researchers found that those who consume the most carotenoids had a 43% lower risk for Macular Degeneration that those who ate the least. Of these carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin were most strongly associated with a reduced risk for age-related Macular Degeneration. " Increasing the consumption of foods rich in certain carotenoids, in particular dark green, leafy vegetables, may decrease the risk of developing macular degeneration, " reported Johanna M. Seddon, M.D., of the Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, echoing the results of seven other studies in the past four years. " The association between carotenoid intake and lower risk for ARMD appears to be accounted for primarily by lutein and zeaxanthin rather than carotenoids with provitamin A activity, " concluded Seddon.

Lutein and its isoner zeaxanthin are the only carotenoids found in the macula portion of the eye. A carotenoid is a powerful antioxident responsible for yellow or red pigments in vegetables. Antioxidents are a group of nutrients that neutralize dangerous free radicals - molecules charged with oxygen - that can damage healthy cells and can trigger cancer development. It is theorized that lutein protects by blocking harmful blue light from reaching the back of the eye. Lutein and zeaxanthin may protect the retina from the light's possible photic and oxidative changes. Because the retina is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, it can be adversly affected by oxidation and, in turn, protected by nutrients that block oxidated damage. 

Until recently, the only way to keep the eye supplied with lutein was eating large quantities of green, leafy vegetables. There are now vitamin formulas that contain both lutein and zeaxanthin which can help supplement your diet.
 
 

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