The retina is a light-sensitive tissue that covers the inside of the back section of your eye. One area of the retina, the macula, is partially responsible for the straight-ahead vision you use for tasks such as reading. Macular degeneration occurs when macular cells break down, often resulting in loss of vision. Certain nutrients, such as lutein, may prevent macular degeneration. Your doctor will help you determine whether increasing your lutein intake is appropriate for you.
Lutein
Lutein is a naturally occurring pigment often found with an additional pigment called zeaxanthin. Your macula holds these antioxidant nutrients, which filter harmful light rays that enter your eye, explains the American Optometric Association. The antioxidant components and light-filtering abilities of lutein lead many doctors to believe that lutein could play an important role in preventing the breakdown of macular cells, a factor that may lead to macular degeneration.
Dosage
A Harvard Study in 1994, conducted by Dr. Johanna M. Seddon, showed that 6 milligrams of lutein may reduce your risk for developing macular degeneration. As of 2011, the National Eye Institute continues to research the effects of lutein on macular degeneration and other age-related eye diseases. This study, called the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2, also known as AREDS2, is specifically evaluating the benefits of taking 10 mg of lutein each day for macular degeneration prevention. Researchers expect the study to conclude in December 2012.
Sources
Many foods contain lutein, and dark green, leafy vegetables typically contain the most lutein. This list of vegetables includes turnip greens, collard greens, chard, kale and spinach. You may also select other fruits and vegetables such as yellow corn, broccoli, green beans, oranges, tangerines and papayas. In addition, your doctor may recommend a daily supplement that will provide you with a specific amount of lutein each day.
Considerations
Do not increase your lutein intake without consulting with your doctor. Your doctor can also help you determine the amount of lutein you need each day and help you weigh the benefits of a supplement against a healthful diet that help you reach the necessary amount of lutein each day.
