Carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin help prevent cataracts

The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin have been shown to offer protection from age-related macular degeneration, a disease of the eye that can lead to blindness. New research now reveals that these nutrients may also help prevent cataracts.

In a recent study, reported in the December 2004 issue of the Journal of Nutrition, human eye cells were treated with several concentrations of lutein, zeaxanthin or vitamin E, and exposed to ten seconds of ultraviolet-beta radiation (UVB). UVB radiation is a wavelength of sunlight that is believed to be responsible for cataract formation. Pretreatment of the eye cells with lutein and zeaxanthin inhibited markers of UVB damage by 50-60%. Although vitamin E had a protective effect in this study, lutein and zeaxanthin were nearly ten times more powerful.

Along with the many environmental, lifestyle and genetic risk factors associated with cataracts, exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight and oxidative stress appear to be a significant risk factor in cataract development. In addition to protective enzymes and compounds like vitamins C and E, it appears that low concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin in the eye lens may help shield the eye from harmful effects of UVB radiation, reducing the risk of cataract development.