RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS | halifax-eye

Lutein / Zeaxanthin

Lutein/Zeaxanthin: Macular degeneration is an eye disease that can affect your central vision. Age is the greatest risk factor, but family history, caucasian race and smoking are additional risk factors.

Many middle-aged children of parents with macular degeneration ask whether there is anything they can do to lessen their risk of being affected by this disease. If you smoke, quit. Additionally, studies have found that supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin may be beneficial.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids, yellow pigments found in foods. We use these pigments in our skin and in our eyes. In the eyes, the yellow pigment helps block blue light that may be damaging to the macula. It is sometimes referred to as “sunscreen” for the macula.

Costco (Trunature) and Sam’s Club (Members Mark) carry a version that is reasonably priced. You will want a formula that is at least 10 mg lutein/ 2 mg zeaxanthin.  The most common available formula is 25 mg lutein/ 5 mg zeaxanthin, which is fine.

Some multivitamins, such as Centrum Silver 50+, contain lutein. If you are taking a multivitamin that contains lutein, I would not change or add additional lutein.