The back of the eye, called the retina, contains light-sensitive tissue that transmits images to the brain via the optic nerve. The macula is the region of the retina that is responsible for detailed central vision. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the United States.
The precise cause of AMD is not yet known, but it’s thought to involve oxidative damage. There are a number of medical interventions that can slow its process, but there is no cure. Research studies have focused on the identification of risk factors, and the possible role of dietary antioxidants to reduce the risk or slow the progression.
AMD risk factors include smoking, obesity and genetic history. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are risk factors, and it’s slightly more common in women than men.
The supplements being looked at include zinc, vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and bilberry. Other studies have looked at lutein and zeaxanthin, relatives of beta-carotene that are often referred to as macular pigments because they are concentrated in the macula. DHA, a long-chain omega-3 fat found in the retina, is also being studied.
It makes sense to pay attention to antioxidant nutrients in general, and to lutein- and zeaxanthin-rich foods.
Good sources, in decreasing concentration, include kale, collard greens, spinach, cress leaf, Swiss chard, chicory leaf, mustard greens, beet greens, red pepper, okra, endive, celery, romaine lettuce, leek, broccoli, leaf lettuce, green peas, pumpkin, iceberg lettuce, brussels sprouts and yellow corn.
There’s always the Pomology Antioxidant Health Formula featuring Lutein as a great way to help support your long term vision health.
