Lutein is a pigment often found with another nutrient called zeaxanthin. Your body does not make lutein, so proper nutrition is vital. The macula, an area on the back inner lining of the eye, contains a significant amount of lutein, which leads researchers to conduct numerous studies on the potential benefits of this nutrient. Studies indicate that lutein may help prevent certain eye conditions, but you should also know the ways lutein may affect your vision.
Vision
Lutein may help slow down the progression of eye diseases, but cannot treat or cure eye disease. This nutrient will not restore vision lost to eye disease, nor will lutein improve vision. Even if you have poor vision unrelated to eye disease, lutein cannot change your visual acuity. The benefit of lutein comes from the protection it provides against eye disease.
Eye Disease
The antioxidant properties of lutein may help prevent the growth of cataracts. This condition results with the natural lens inside your eye turns cloudy and thick, and lutein may prevent or slow down these changes. Lutein may also help prevent damage from macular degeneration, a vision-threatening condition that damages an area on the back of your eye, resulting in the loss of your straight-ahead vision.
Sources
Many foods contain lutein, such as dark green, leafy vegetables like kale and spinach. Other foods rich in lutein include collard greens, turnip greens, corn, green peas and broccoli. If your doctor determines that you should maintain an adequate daily intake of lutein, she may recommend a supplement. Many supplements will also provide other nutrients important to the health of your eye.
Considerations
If you experience vision changes, you should contact your doctor immediately. Do not start using lutein or other supplements as a way to treat vision loss, unless directed by your doctor. Your doctor can help you determine the amount of lutein you need each day, either through nutritional intake or supplements. Discuss all the medications and supplements you take, as well as your health conditions with your doctor. She will make sure that her daily lutein recommendations will not interfere or interact with any of your medications or health conditions.
