Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Good nutrition is important to keep your eyes healthy and functioning their best throughout your lifetime. Two very important eye nutrients that may reduce your risk for macular degeneration and cataracts have names you may not be familiar with: lutein (LOO-teen) and zeaxanthin (zee-ah-ZAN-thin).

Lutein and zeaxanthin are two types of carotenoids (kuh-RAH-teh-noids), which are yellow to red pigments found widely in vegetables and other plants. Though lutein is considered a yellow pigment, in high concentrations it appears orange-red.

It is believed that lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin in the macula block blue light from reaching the underlying structures in the retina, thereby reducing the risk of light-induced oxidative damage that could lead to macular degeneration (AMD).

For more information you can read the original article by Gary Heiting, OD published on allaboutvision.

You can also drop in at 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore in Florida in and meet with an on-site Independent Optometrist with no appointment needed. All we ask is that you come in 15 minutes prior to your desired appointment time to fill out the required paperwork. 

If you have any interesting eye health tips to share? Please feel free to share them in the comment section below. We’d love to hear from you.