Friday, April 29, 2016

The Benefits of Lutein and Zeaxanthin in Preventing Eye Disease

Everyone knows that you are supposed to eat your vegetables to promote an overall healthy lifestyle, but few may be aware what an important role vegetables play in preventing common eye diseases. New research has shown that lutein and zeaxanthin, two types of carotenoids that are found in many vegetables, are effective in reducing the risk of advanced macular degeneration. What is Macular Degeneration? Macular degeneration is an eye disease that affects more than 10 million Americans. It is the leading cause of vision loss, exceeding both glaucoma and cataracts. The macula, located in the back, central portion of the eye, is the part of the retina that is responsible for being able to see in very fine detail. As people age, the macula can break down, ultimately causing the loss of central vision.