You are constantly exposed to blue light, both indoors and outdoors, which can strain and harm your vision over time. As a result, the demand for eye supplements has been steadily increasing. Common sources of blue light include:
How does blue light affect your eyes?
The eyes are not good at blocking blue light. Virtually all visible blue light passes through the cornea and lens, and reaches the retina. With its short and high energy wavelengths, it scatters more easily, and is not easily focused. This leads to reduced visual contrast, contributing to digital eye strain. Symptoms of digital eye strain include dry or irritated eyes, headaches and blurred vision. Prolonged exposure to blue light has also been linked to an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss.
Macular pigment and its contribution to vision
The macula, the most sensitive part of the retina, plays a crucial role in sharp, detailed central vision and color discrimination. It is composed of three xanthophyll carotenoids: lutein (L), zeaxanthin (Z), and meso-zeaxanthin (MZ), collectively referred to as macular pigment (MP). This yellow-colored MP acts as a protective barrier for the delicate photoreceptor cells in the retina, shielding them from potential damage.
Increases the macular pigment optical density (MPOD) for enhanced visual performance, including visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, glare sensitivity and photo-stress recovery.
Serves as internal sunglasses to filter out hazardous blue light, protecting the macula against AMD.
Provides potent antioxidant defense, shielding the eyes from free radicals that contribute to oxidative stress.
What are the sources of L, Z and MZ?
Of the various carotenoids in the body, only lutein (L), zeaxanthin (Z), and meso-zeaxanthin (MZ) are deposited in the macula. L and Z cannot be synthesised by the body body but can be obtained through the diet. Foods rich in L and Z include kale, spinach, turnip greens, green peas, broccoli, corn and eggs.
Unlike L and Z, MZ is not typically found in the diet. It is produced in the retina from L via an isomerisation process. However, this process becomes less efficient with age, making it essential to replenish these carotenoids, especially MZ, through eye supplements.
Why do we need all the three L, Z and MZ?
The distinct absorption spectra of L, Z and MZ work synergistically to provide optimal blue light filtration at the macula, a level of protection that cannot be achieved by any of these carotenoids alone. Studies have also demonstrated that supplements containing MZ lead to a greater increase in MPOD compared to those without this central carotenoid.
MZ constitutes approximately one-third of total MP at the macula. It resides directly over the center of the macula, where light is focused and where the strongest need for blue light protection exists. Among the three carotenoids, MZ has the greatest capability of quenching oxygen radicals. It has the capacity to filter the most energetic and potentially damaging wavelengths of visible light, and to neutralise free radicals produced by oxidative stress.
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Eye supplements with L, Z and MZ
You are never too young to start a proactive measures to protect your vision down the road. As most people not get enough of these carotenoids from diet alone, eye supplements can be a more effective way to increase MPOD. This is especially true for those who spend long hours in front of computers, digital gadgets, or televisions, play sports, or are exposed to bright light while focusing on small objects, or experience distractions from lights during nighttime driving.
Not all macular carotenoid supplements are the same. For optimal efficacy, look for eye supplements containing the new, improved XanMax® formulation, which features double-strength (200mg) marigold extract. It is standardised to deliver the highest amounts of L, Z and MZ compared to regular eye supplements.
