The Photobiology of Lutein and Zeaxanthin in the Eye
Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants found in the human retina and macula. Recent clinical trials have determined that age- and diet-related loss of lutein and zeaxanthin enhances phototoxic damage to the human eye and that supplementation of these carotenoids has a protective effect against photo...
Saved in:
Main Authors: | , |
---|---|
Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Wiley
2015-01-01
|
Series: | Journal of Ophthalmology |
Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/687173 |
Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
Summary: | Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants found in the human retina and macula. Recent clinical trials have determined that age- and diet-related loss of lutein and zeaxanthin enhances phototoxic damage to the human eye and that supplementation of these carotenoids has a protective effect against photoinduced damage to the lens and the retina. Two of the major mechanisms of protection offered by lutein and zeaxanthin against age-related blue light damage are the quenching of singlet oxygen and other reactive oxygen species and the absorption of blue light. Determining the specific reactive intermediate(s) produced by a particular phototoxic ocular chromophore not only defines the mechanism of toxicity but can also later be used as a tool to prevent damage. |
---|---|
ISSN: | 2090-004X 2090-0058 |