For bull’s eye vision!

From The NST

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE: For bull’s eye vision!

By : Yam Cher Seng

WORLD Sight Day falls on Oct 13 every year. It’s a day to remember how important our eyes are and how we should keep them clear and healthy. Many cases of blindness are a result of common eye disorders.

Typical causes of blindness are age-related macular degeneration (breakdown of the retina affecting central vision), glaucoma (increase in eye pressure that can hurt the retina), cataract (loss of lens transparency) and diabetic retinopathy (breakdown or blockage of the retinal blood vessels in diabetic patients).

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the leading cause of blindness. It is the most common form of macular disease which affects the central part of the retina. The retina has two parts: the peripheral retina and the macula. If you imagine the retina as a circle with a bull’s eye at the centre, the macula is the bull’s eye: it is very small. The large area of the retina that surrounds the macula and makes up 95 per cent of it is called the peripheral retina.

Age-related macular degeneration usually develops after a person reaches 50 years. It generally involves both eyes, although they may not be affected at the same time, or to the same degree. The condition causes problems reading, seeing small objects and distorted vision. This process can happen quickly or develop over several months. Those with this condition may become very sensitive to light or actually see lights that are not there. There may be some discomfort, although overall the condition is not painful.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids found in highest concentration in the macular region of the eyes, where they are believed to help filter out damaging blue light. They act as an antioxidant, protecting the lens, retina and macula against free radical damage. Therefore, anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors exposed to the sun should consider consuming more of these beneficial carotenoids.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are yellow pigments naturally found in high concentrations in egg yolks, corn and yellow fruits, and dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, broccoli).

Recent diet surveys have indicated that consumption of these foods has dropped more than 20 per cent in the two groups at highest risk for age-related macular degeneration (women and the elderly).

When choosing a supplement, be sure to select one that delivers an effective level of lutein (about four to six mg/day). From studies of age-related macular degeneration rates and dietary intake, it appears that diets providing about 6mg of lutein and about 350µg of zeaxanthin per day can reduce its prevalence by nearly half.

Even normal-sighted people who take lutein and zeaxanthin supplements report reduced glare and sharper vision. This can be helpful for anyone exposed to brilliant sunlight or computer screens on a daily basis. Therefore, maintain healthy eyesight from now, because once lost, many functions of the eye cannot be restored.