Cartenoids and vitamin A play a very important role in eye health.
What is the Role of Vitamin A in Eye Health?
Vitamin A is required to make rhodopsin, a component which enables us to see at night. Vitamin A also helps maintain health of the outer layer of the eye which means it may be of benefit in the treatment of many eye conditions. A deficiency of vitamin A may result in night blindness.
The Role of Cartenoids and the Macular Region
This macular layer protects the eye from damage by absorbing high frequency light and protecting from free radical damage. Three cartotenoids - lutein, zeaxanthin and mesozeaxanthin - are required in large amounts in the macular region of the eye.
What is Macular Degeneration?
Age related macular degeneration refers to the process whereby this layer thins as we grow older and is a leading cause of blindness in the developed world.