Besides the elderly, those with family history that have eye problems, smokers and diabetes sufferer also have higher risk to get eye diseases.
Exposures to sunlight also accelerate aging process of the eyes. Furthermore, less antioxidant recruitment which protects the eyes also makes your risk higher.
There are many theories that support free radical results of excessive sunlight exposure, air pollution and protein oxidation in the eyes can damage the macula at the retina.
Macula is richest part with lutein and zeaxanthin which are antioxidants in their properties.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoid can be acquired naturally from of yellow colored and dark green leaves vegetables.
Nutrient intakes that antioxidant in nature also can prevent and slow down cataract. Furthermore there have been many clinical studies that support this statement.
Research published in Archives of Ophthalmology of January 2008 states that 35,000 volunteers who increased their intake of lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin E have lower risk to experience cataract.
As up to now there are no cure for Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), attention has been focused to supplements which can prevent and delay this degeneration progress.
Progress of macula degeneration also has been proven to be closely related to lack of macula pigments which are consist of lutein and zeaxanthin.
Based on clinical studies, intake of both of these carotenoids can increase the level of lutein and zeaxanthin in macula and also improved ARMD sufferer's sight.
Intake supplement which possess combination of lutein and zeaxanthin with other antioxidants such as beta carotene, vitamin C or E may even help to safeguard the eye's health.
