Meaning of Macula Lutea: Macula of the eye also called “Macula lutea” in latin, where “macula” means to spot and “lutea” means yellow.Īmount of lutein and zeaxanthin present in the macular area is measured in terms of Macular Pigment Optical density (MPOD) which is the biomarker for prediction of retinal vision problems. This causes them to appear yellow in color. They absorb wavelengths ranging from 400-500 nanometers (Violet to Green). Lutein and Zeaxanthin function by absorbing the harmful sunlight i.e. Along with keeping the eyes healthy, lutein protects against deposition of fatty molecules in arteries that cause heart diseases. The retina thus transforms the ingested lutein to make this anti-oxidant. Recent studies have shown, another anti-oxidant called meso-zeaxanthin as a vital component of the macula and is not found in food.
Many studies has shown that lutein and zeaxanthin help to reduce the risk of chronic eye diseases like Cataracts, and Age related Macular Degeneration. Lutein and Zeaxanthin in Macular Degeneration
Carotenoids that are lutein (pronounced loo-teen) and zeaxanthin (pronounced zee-uh-zan-thin), are antioxidants that are located in the Lens and macula of both eyes. Nutrition is the best way to prevent or delay the progression of any disease.
