Lutein and Zeaxanthin Benefits
AMD is Common
Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly population. The macula is the part of the retina responsible for high-resolution and color vision in good light. The macula is yellow in color due to high concentrations of antioxidant carotenoids. The carotenoid compounds have the ability to absorb light that could be detrimental to the macula cells. This is part of the reason they are found in leafy vegetables as they work to protect the leaves from the direct sunlight.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin in the Macula
Of the 600 or so carotenoid compounds in nature, only two are found in high quantities in the eye, lutein and zeaxanthin. Without adequate lutein and zeaxanthin, the macula is subject to a higher rate of degeneration from light, especially blue and UV. The amount of lutein and zeaxanthin in the eye are measurable and the result is expressed as MPOD or macular pigment optical density.
So many cases of AMD can probably be prevented or at least delayed with enough dietary lutein and zeaxanthin from green leafy vegetables and also from direct supplementation.I should mention that you can buy formulations that include only lutein and xeazanthin. DaVinci takes a different approach.
DaVinci Labs Healthy Eyes
DaVinci Labs has a lutein and zeaxanthin combination (Healthy Eyes) that also includes some complementary eye supporting compounds like beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, quercetin, alpha lipoic acid and some B vitamins etc. I recommend this particular formula as every two years I go in for my class 3 airman medical exam. I do really well for a 65 year-old guy except that until this year I needed glasses to pass the eye exam section. After taking the DaVinci Healthy Eyes formula (3 per day) for about a year, I was pleasantly surprised to pass the exam for the first time in about a decade without glasses. I have a family history of AMD along with some genetic markers that could predispose me to problems and early signs of AMD were picked up by my ophthalmologist. Taking the Healthy Eyes for a year stopped the degeneration. This year's exam was essentially identical to last year's.
Lutein and zeaxanthin Studied for Decades
Lutein and zeaxanthin are not just beneficial for the macula although that would be enough. Over 500 recent studies talk of lutein and zeaxanthin and the macula. It is interesting to note that these two carotenoids have also been the subject of studies for other chronic conditions as well.
Other Benefits
Studies have also indicated that is can help non-alcoholic, fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD affects something like 30% of the U.S. population. Some positive effects have also been seen in atherosclerosis that contributes to heart disease and strokes, helping with complications of diabetes and also can provide help for people with cataracts. Although the results probably won't be as dramatic as with macular degeneration, it should help to slow the progression.
If you are over 50 and especially if you have a family history of macular degeneration (or have any of these other mentioned conditions), get a good exam that includes an eye exam and retinal photography. If you have even a hint of AMD, it is past time to begin taking Healthy Eyes by DaVinci to get those antioxidant levels up.