The Role of Lutein in Eye Health

Abstract

Lutein and zeaxanthin are oxycarotenoids that are naturally present in the typical human diet. They are the only two dietary carotenoids selectively deposited in the macula lutea, where they are referred to as the macular pigment (MP), and in the eye lens. The rationale for the protective role of lutein in the eye stems from its ability to filter short wavelengths of visible blue light, function as an antioxidant and stabilise membrane integrity. These functions are believed to play an important role in reducing light-induced oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen intermediates and involved in the pathogenesis of age-related degenerative disease such as age-related macular degeneration and cataract. Recent research is now paying particular attention to the blue-light-filtering properties of lutein and zeaxanthin and to the role of MP in improving visual performance.