Together, they contribute to macular pigment, which helps filter some high-energy visible light and participates in protecting retinal tissues from oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress occurs when potentially reactive molecules are produced faster than the body's protective systems can manage them.
Because the retina is constantly exposed to light and has substantial metabolic activity, managing oxidative stress is important for normal cellular function.
Lutein and zeaxanthin have attracted attention because of their antioxidant properties and their presence in these sensitive eye structures.
What Does the Research Suggest?
The National Eye Institute's Age-Related Eye Disease Studies, commonly known as AREDS and AREDS2, investigated combinations of nutrients for people with certain stages of age-related macular degeneration.
Evidence suggests that specific supplement formulations can reduce the risk of progression to advanced disease in some higher-risk patients.
However, this does not mean eating avocados prevents macular degeneration or replaces prescribed treatment.
The amounts of nutrients used in clinical supplement studies are different from those normally obtained from individual foods.
