Protecting your delicate eyes
AS we grow older, our eyesight tends to worsen — one of the annoying signs of ageing. But there are steps you can take that could have a surprising impact on how well you see. It is now thought that consuming the right foods and a dietary supplement can help to protect our eyesight, and even reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in the UK. The macula is the most delicate part of the retina and is particularly vulnerable to damage from sunlight. This usually first affects people in their 50s and 60s and the initial symptom is often a blurred or distorted area of vision. And while it doesn’t cause total blindness, it can damage the middle part of the sight, making everyday activities such as reading, watching TV and recognising faces difficult. The exact cause is unknown. It’s been linked to smoking, high blood pressure, being overweight and having a family history of AMD. Nutrients known as macular carotenoids are believed to support eye health, preventing damage to cells in the eyes by providing nourishment to the macula pigment at the back of the eye. As we age it becomes thinner. A supplement containing the three macular carotenoids — lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin — can help to boost this macula pigment to protect the eyesight. Meso-zeaxanthin, found in some types of fish and seafood, is a pigment that filters out harmful blue light. And lutein and zeaxanthin, found in dark green leafy veg and brightly coloured fruits, have powerful antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. The targeted supplement’s core formula is derived from the marigold flower, which combines all three macular carotenoids. Our eyes can be harmed by many things, such as smoking, light exposure, pollution, obesity and ageing. A supplement containing these three powerful antioxidants can, however, offer protection to the sensitive areas at the back of the eyes, to maintain healthy and clear vision.