Lutein & Zeaxanthin Are A Powerhouse Against Age-related Macular Degeneration

A recent report, where scientists analyzed ten years of age-related eye disease studies data found that the combination of lutein and zeaxanthin improved age-related eye disease without the potential side effects like those related to the use of beta carotene. This study led by Dr. Emily Y. Chew, also found that the combination of lutein and zeaxanthin was more effective at reducing the risk of AMD progression, compared to the original formula containing beta carotene.

"This 10-year data confirms that not only is the new formula safer, but it’s also actually better at slowing AMD progression." Dr. Chew. 

What is Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?

Age-related macular degeneration is an eye disease that can progressively blur your vision making it increasingly difficult to see. This occurs when aging causes damage to the part of the eye that controls sharp, straight-ahead vision called the macula. The macula is a part of the rental and sits at the back of the eye. It's responsible for detecting light and turning that light into electrical signals and communicating with the brain to produce vision.

Currently, there is no cure for AMD which can lead to blindness, though treatment can help to slow or reverse vision loss. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), please follow the advice and guidance of your doctor.

This is great news for those that are at an increased risk of developing lung cancer, such as current smokers. After two studies revealed that people who smoked and took a beta-carotene supplement had a significantly higher risk of lung cancer than would be expected. Dr. Emily Y. Chew, Director of the Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Application at the National Eye Institute (NEI) explained, "Because beta-carotene increased the risk of lung cancer for current smokers in two NIH-supported studies, our goal with AREDS2 was to create an equally effective supplement formula that could be used by anyone, whether or not they smoke.

Reference: “Long-term Outcomes of Adding Lutein/Zeaxanthin and ω-3 Fatty Acids to the AREDS Supplements on Age-Related Macular Degeneration Progression: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/article-abstract/2792855