Macular Pigment Education

Guardion Health Sciences is a leading specialist for the health of the macular pigment and the overall retina. Please click on the links below to learn more about nutrition and eye health, age-related macular degeneration and macular pigment.

Vision and Nutrition

A number of studies have shown the importance of vision-specific nutrition.  Research demonstrates that a formula that contains all three macular carotenoids and an array of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients is essential to maintain retinal health.

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Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is an eye disease characterized by the deterioration of the macula, the part of the retina that is responsible for central vision, vision sharpness and the ability to perceive color. There are two types of AMD: dry and wet. Approximately 11 million Americans have some form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), making it the leading cause of blindness and vision loss among Americans age 60 and older. This number is expected to double to nearly 22 million by 2050, and jump to 196 million worldwide by 2020. Age is one of the biggest risk factors for AMD. Other risk factors include heredity, lighter eye color, obesity and sedentary lifestyle, high blood pressure and smoking. While there is currently no cure for AMD, research shows vision-specific nutritional supplementation can lower the risk of AMD progression and irreversible vision loss associated with the disease. Lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin are carotenoids that have been shown to improve macular pigment levels and lower the risk of AMD.
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Macular Pigment

Macular pigment is a naturally occurring substance that keeps the macula functioning properly and protects it from ultraviolet light. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the macular pigment work to reduce oxidative stress on the retina by absorbing harmful ultraviolet light (UV) and through significant anti-oxidant activity. By protecting the macula and relieving the oxidative stress, it is believed that macular pigment reduces the risk of vision loss caused by macular degeneration. Macular pigment is made of three carotenoids: lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin. The body processes and absorbs the nutrients from these antioxidants to replenish and maintain a healthy macular pigment. The benefits of carotenoids are well-documented in numerous research studies.
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Contrast Sensitivity

Contrast sensitivity is what allows you to distinguish between slight changes in luminance between an object and its background. People with low contrast sensitivity may have difficulty driving at night and seeing pedestrians crossing poorly lit streets. Because AMD affects the part of the eye responsible for sharp vision, contrast sensitivity can be significantly affected by the disease, often before it is detected with other vision tests. However, studies show that taking dietary supplements with carotenoids can improve vision function as measured by contrast sensitivity.
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Carotenoids

Carotenoids are a group of antioxidants that are crucial for good eye health and are responsible for giving vegetables and fruits their vibrant red, orange and green colors. Hundreds of carotenoids exist but only three form the macular pigment: lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin. The macular pigment is what protects the eye from ultraviolet light and retinal oxidative damage, both of which are widely believed to contribute to the development of AMD and other eye diseases. Because the body cannot naturally produce carotenoids, it is essential to supplement the diet with vision-specific nutritional ingredients.
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Contact Guardion Health Sciences to learn more about restoring macular pigment and boosting eye health with Lumega-Z.