Antioxidants
Antioxidants are molecules found in fresh foods such as vegetables and fruits, they can guard the body from the damaging effects of free radicals.
Blue Light
Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum and emitted by the sun, televisions, computer screens and car headlights. Blue light is short in wave length and high in energy and can be very damaging to the retina.
Carotenoid
Carotenoids are naturally occurring plant pigments found in nature. Over 700 carotenoids have been identified to date, which include the eye carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin.
Free Radicals
These are unstable and destructive molecules, produced at the eye from blue light and oxygen metabolism. As blue light is required for vision and oxygen use is required for life, free radical damage is the result of normal living, and is therefore unavoidable.
Double blind placebo controlled randomised trial (RCT)
A double blind placebo controlled study is considered to be the gold standard form of research. In these trials (RCT) 50% of participants are given a placebo capsule and the other 50% are given the actual supplement. Participants in the trial are unaware of what they are taking as they appear identical in structure.
Macula
It is the central and most sensitive part of the retina, responsible for central vision and visual performance. Central vision is vital for basic everyday tasks such as reading, writing, watching television, driving and recognising loved ones faces.
This before and after image demonstrates what you may see if your central vision were compromised.
Macular Pigment
The dietary carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin accumulate at the macula where they are collectively known as macular pigment. Macular pigment has generated much interest due to its ability to filter damaging visible (blue) light, and protect against oxidative stress.
Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress refers to free radical damage, which destroys cells at the eye required for vision.
Retina
The retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the inner eye. It acts like the film in a camera; images come through the eyes’ lens and are focused on the retina. The retina then converts these images to electric signals and sends them via the optic nerve to the brain.