Feed Your Eyes With Antioxidants

The eye is an organ that is relatively more exposed to the environment. The eye is affected by oxidative stress due to its physical and metabolic characteristics. All ocular tissues and fluids are susceptible to damage by oxidative stress.

Nowadays, there are more patients seeking treatment for eye diseases. The main cause of this increase can be attributed to xenobiotics caused by environmental pollution and increasing ultraviolet radiation intensity. 

There is a change in lifestyle with an altered dietary intake with a reduced amount of natural antioxidants due to an increase in fast foods with more fats and carbohydrates, which is made worse by physical inactivity. There are increasing numbers of patients with degenerative diseases such as diabetes, Age-related macular degeneration and cardiovascular (heart) problems.

All the above factors can generate harmful chemicals to eye tissues called oxidant agents or free radicals. To protect against external agents, the eye has several nonspecific defense mechanism, such as eyelids, tear film, cornea and lens. Antioxidants in the body try to come to rescue. It is when these antioxidants are overwhelmed that the disease process begins to accelerate.

Clinical studies have shown that photic (light) injury from the cumulative effect of repeated ultraviolet (sun) rays leading to a gradual loss of photoreceptors (sensitive eye receptors in the retina that receives and transmits viewing image information to the brain for interpretation) is a major cause of Age-related macular degeneration and antioxidants are postulated to help by reducing this damage.

The most essential antioxidant for the eyes are the carotenoids. Carotenoids are the compounds that give fruits, vegetables and flowers their various colors. Many individuals incorporate carotenoids into their diets, which provide them with antioxidants and a source of vitamin A.

Carotenoids of human important are; lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, alpha and beta-carotenes, cryptoxanthin and astaxanthin. The retina and choroids additionally contain lycopene, alpha and beta-carotenes. In the ciliary body, all the carotenoids taken in foodstuff or as dietary supplement get accumulated.

The carotenes are obtained from tuberous vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes and yams while the main source of lycopenes is red tomatoes.

Specifically for the eye, lutein, zeaxanthin and astaxanthin have a very vital role, as these carotenoids are essential for the eye to be protected from developing macular degeneration and cataract. Lycopene is a carotenoid which has a special place in eye defense since it neutralizes singlet oxygen (a reactive oxygen species which causes damage particularly in the eye).

Age-related degenerative diseases including cataract and macular degeneration appear to be the result of oxidative stress. Taking supplements, specifically containing zeaxanthin, lutein and lycopene in adequate doses, is postulated to provide protection to the macular and lens.

Prevention of these eye degenerative diseases and early medical intervention are essential, as the damage they cause is largely irreversible. Once diagnosed, it is important to slow further progression at any stage of development.

Protection of the lens and macular from ultraviolet rays and hazards of smoking with a healthy diet, sunglasses  and lifestyle such as avoiding smoking and inactivity must be emphasized.