Lutein and zeaxanthin improve the visual performance of healthy people

New findings published in Optometry and Vision Science on February 1st 2008 indicate that lutein and zeaxanthin play a wider role than was previously thought in improving human eyesight. Lutein and zeaxanthin are two dietary carotenoids which accumulate in the ‘yellow spot’ or macula lutea of the retina. Until recently, higher levels of these carotenoids in the retina were associated exclusively with a decreased risk of age-related macular degeneration. The new findings suggest that they can also improve the vision of people with healthy eyes.

New findings published in Optometry and Vision Science on February 1st 2008 indicate that lutein and zeaxanthin play a wider role than was previously thought in improving human eyesight. Lutein and zeaxanthin are two dietary carotenoids which accumulate in the ‘yellow spot’ or macula lutea of the retina. Until recently, higher levels of these carotenoids in the retina were associated exclusively with a decreased risk of age-related macular degeneration. The new findings suggest that they can also improve the vision of people with healthy eyes. The new link is specifically with the effects of glare on the normal eye. The investigators – JM Stringham and BR Hammond of the Vision Science Laboratory, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia – demonstrated that six months of supplementation with FloraGLO® lutein and OPTISHARP® zeaxanthin significantly reduced the deleterious effects of glare on a test group of people with normal eyesight. These two carotenoids are formulated using special Actilease® technology to help improve the bioavailability. Many situations in ordinary life expose people to glare – and not only outdoors on bright, sunny days. Lengthy periods looking at computer monitors can place a great strain on the eyes. Night driving exposes people to the intense beam of oncoming headlights. Exposure to glare can, indeed, cause temporary blindness. Supplementation with FloraGLO® Lutein and OPTISHARP® Zeaxanthin may therefore have an important role to play in supporting the safety and well-being of people with healthy eyes as well as those with age-related macular degeneration.