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Article Publish Status: FREE
Abstract Title:

The Photobiology of Lutein and Zeaxanthin in the Eye.

Abstract Source:

J Ophthalmol. 2015 ;2015:687173. Epub 2015 Dec 20. PMID: 26798505

Abstract Author(s):

Joan E Roberts, Jessica Dennison

Article Affiliation:

Joan E Roberts

Abstract:

Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants found in the human retina and macula. Recent clinical trials have determined that age- and diet-related loss of lutein and zeaxanthin enhances phototoxic damage to the human eye and that supplementation of these carotenoids has a protective effect against photoinduced damage to the lens and the retina. Two of the major mechanisms of protection offered by lutein and zeaxanthin against age-related blue light damage are the quenching of singlet oxygen and other reactive oxygen species and the absorption of blue light. Determining the specific reactive intermediate(s) produced by a particular phototoxic ocular chromophore not only defines the mechanism of toxicity but can also later be used as a tool to prevent damage.

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