Lutein for Eyes

by Vorst Canada June 13, 2022

DISCLAIMER: This article has been written for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

The benefits of lutein for the eyes are so well known that the ingredient is widely known as the “eye vitamin”. It possesses tremendous antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that provide a range of eye health benefits ranging from improving visionary functions to preventing and managing various eye conditions.

In this article, we’ll discuss what exactly lutein is, what kinds of benefits it offers for the eyes, and how to use this nutrient for improving eye health along with precautions and possible side effects. So, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the effects of lutein on the eyes.

What is lutein?
Benefits of lutein for eyes
Lutein on eye diseases
Cataracts
Diabetic retinopathy
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
How to use lutein supplements
Precautions and side effects
Final words

What is lutein?

Lutein is an organic pigment that belongs to the carotenoid family, related to vitamin A and beta carotene. Carotenoids are plant chemicals or phytonutrients that give various vegetables and fruits their vibrant colors such as orange, yellow, and bright red.

Lutein has significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is one of the most abundant dietary nutrients found in human eyes, especially in the macula and retina. It is concentrated in the macula region, the back of the eyes, and acts as a filter of lights which is why it is essential for good vision.

Benefits of lutein for eyes

With its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, lutein can help human eyes in various ways. There are multiple scientific studies that support several benefits of lutein for the eyes.

Lutein may help in:

Protecting eyes from oxidative stress and free radicals
Protecting eye cells from UV rays and sun damage
Preventing and reversing eye inflammation
Increasing the sharpness of the vision
Lowering tissue damage from eye diseases
Decreasing glare impairments
Improving the visual contrast sensitivity
Protecting the eyes from high-energetic blue light

Apart from these huge benefits for eye health, lutein also plays a significant role in the prevention and treatment of various eye diseases such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. A considerable number of scientific studies have substantiated the effectiveness of lutein in various eye conditions.

Let’s take a look at how lutein can help with preventing and managing various eye diseases and their associated symptoms.

Lutein on eye diseases

Since there are two major carotenoids abundantly found in the human eyes - one is lutein and the other one is zeaxanthin. Lutein may work well in both, alone as well as in combination with zeaxanthin, to fight against eye diseases. Evidence suggests lutein may hugely help in preventing and treating the following eye diseases:

Cataracts

Cataracts are conditions of the eye lens in which cloudy patches are developed in the clear lens gradually over a long period of time, leading to several visionary issues such as blurred vision, difficulty seeing in dim light, and sometimes even vision loss. Low levels of lutein and zeaxanthin may increase the risk of developing cataracts.

A 2006 study published in the Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science concluded that dietary lutein and zeaxanthin intake is inversely associated with the prevalence of nuclear cataracts.

Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes that is mainly caused by damage to blood vessels in the tissues of the retina. Around one-third of people with diabetes experience this critical eye condition. It shows various issues like blurriness, floaters, inability to perceive colors, and If not managed earlier, blindness may occur. Lutein and its antioxidant properties can help reduce local oxidative stress that can contribute to developing diabetic retinopathy.

A 2010 study published in Diabetologia showed that lutein supplementation can prevent oxidative stress that can influence the development of neurodegenerative disease in the diabetic retina and thus could be a potential therapeutic approach to restrain a healthy visual function in diabetes.

Age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration or AMD is a prime cause of permanent visual impairment and blindness, especially in developed countries such as Canada and USA. lutein along with zeaxanthin can reduce the risk of developing AMD.

A 2012 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Nutrition showed that lutein and zeaxanthin may show protective actions against late AMD.

How to use lutein supplements

Though lutein is naturally found in many foods like egg yolks, spinach, and kale, many people choose oral supplements for easy consumption and better absorption. It is most often taken by mouth in doses of 10 to 20 mg per day.

Precautions and side effects

Lutein is likely safe and well-tolerable in a dose of up to 20 mg per day as a part of a diet or supplement. Lutein is also considered safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women when taken by mouth in the amounts found in foods.

Still, it’s always a best practice to consult with a qualified nutritionist or natural medicine professional prior to starting lutein supplements especially if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or taking medications for any underlying health condition so that he or she can determine your safety and best dose for your specific condition.

Final words

Lutein has been found to produce diverse eye health benefits ranging from improving vision functions to protecting the eyes from many different serious eye diseases. The benefits of lutein for the eyes have been peer-reviewed and substantiated by multiple scientific studies.

Research suggests lutein may hugely help in the treatment and prevention of various eye diseases such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which is a leading cause of permanent visual impairment and blindness.

Here you can see Vorst’s pure and natural Lutein 18 mg with Zeaxanthin Capsules.

Also here you see Vorst’s special eye formula Eye Care Complex Vegan Capsules that contain considerable amounts of Lutein and Zeaxanthin.

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