Lutein and eye health

HOW DOES VISION WORK?

Vision is a complex and fascinating natural phenomenon. Light entering our eyes is detected by light-sensitive receptors (photoreceptors) on the retina. The receptor cells contain a protein called retinal, whose role is to absorb light. These receptors are located at the end of the optic nerves. The electricity generated by the light we preceive travels through the optic nerves to the brain, where the image is then formed in our consciousness.

The yellow spot, or macula, is located in the center of the retina. The function of the macula is to allow for sharp and focused vision in the human eye. It contains high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin, which belong to the cartenoid group and are responsible for absorbing light. 

HEALTH OF THE EYES

It is also essential to maintain good eye health by eating right and provising the body with vitamins and antioxidants that support eye health. But don't forget the importance of staying hydrated and getting enough sleep and rest. Stress, time in front of screen and exposure to strong sunlight all have a negative impact on the eyes, so it's worth trying to reduce these. If a problem has already developed, or if your lifestyle means you don't have access to all the nutrients you need, it's worth starting to take vision supplements, as a lack of certain vitamins can increase the risk of certain eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and age-related mascular degeneration.

SUPPORTING VISION

We can support our eyesight naturally with nutritious foods and vitamins and herbal ingredients. Vitamin A, C and E, zinc, and various antioxidant compounds all play a major role in maintaining eye health.

Vitamin A and carotenoids

Vitamin A plays a very important role in healthy vision. As mentioned above, the receptor cells of the eye contain a protein called retinal, which is responsible for the absorption of light. Retinal is a form of vitamin A, produced from beta-carotene. Vitamin A often enters the body as a provitamin. A-provitamins are collectively known as carotenoids. Carotenoids are plant pigments, antioxidant compounds with many positive effects. They are also found in high concentrations in the yellow spot of the retina, where they play a role in absorbing high-energy UV rays. Studies have shown that if it is present in sufficient amounts, age-related visual impairment is reduced. A lack of vitamin A reduces levels of a pigment called rhodopsin, which is essential for low-light and night vision, so it's important to make sure you get enough of it.

Lutein and zeaxanthin

Lutein is one of the carotenoids that make up the retina and macula, and its counterpart is the carotenoid zeaxanthin. They are similar in structure and properties. Both have antioxidant properties and are essential for healthy and sharp vision. They help protect against excess light. Our eyes are exposed to strong light during the day and we spend more and more time in front of our smart devices. These effects can increase the formation of free radicals, which have harmful effects on the body. Lutein and zeaxanthin protect against the negative effects of free radicals through their antioxidant properties, and not only play a role in supporting vision, but also benefit cardiovascular and nervous system health. Research shows that taking lutein as a dietary supplement helps to protect the eyes against excessive light, thus naturally improving vision. You may also want to start supplementing with lutein if you already have a problem, as researchers believe that although it does not cure corneal disease, it does slow down the deterioration of the eye.

Since fats improve the absorption of lutein and zeaxanthin, if you start taking them in supplement form, it is advisable to take them with meals. But it's a good idea to add a little olive oil to a carotenoid-rich green salad, for example, or a little coconut oil to steamed vegetables.

If you often sit in front of a screen (e.g. office work, television, etc.), are often exposed to poor vision conditions (e.g. driving at night), or just want to maintain healthy eyesight in the long term, you may want to start taking a supplement to support eye health and normal vision.