Lutein is an oxygen-containing carotenoid with strong antioxidant activity, which is widely found in vegetables, flowers, fruits, eggs and some algae in nature and cannot be synthesized by human beings. The benefits of appropriate lutein supplementation to the eyes are mainly reflected in the following aspects:
(1) Lutein protects eyes: Lutein is the main carotenoid in macula and the only carotenoid in lens. Blue visible light is the most harmful light that can reach the retina, and it is easy to oxidize and damage the optic nerve, but the damage to the optic nerve is irreversible. Therefore, lutein mainly reduces blue light damage and protects eyes by absorbing a lot of blue light and its own antioxidant effect.
(2) Lutein and age-related macular degeneration: Age-related macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration, mostly occurs around 50 years old, and the older the age, the higher the incidence. In the later stage, blurred vision, loss of central vision and distorted vision will occur, which will eventually lead to blindness. However, it is found that people with higher retinal lutein concentration are much less likely to suffer from the disease than those with lower retinal lutein concentration, and lutein supplementation is beneficial to prevent the disease.
(3) Lutein and senile cataract: With the increase of age, the lens will gradually harden and become turbid, resulting in impaired vision. Proper lutein supplementation can slow down this process and reduce the probability of needing surgical treatment.