Cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are the leading causes of visual impairment and acquired blindness in the U.S., and are key quality of life issues among millions of aging Americans.

The carotenoids lutein (pronounced loo-teen) and zeaxanthin (pronounced zee-uhzan-thin), which are antioxidants and the only carotenoids located in the eye, may protect against cataracts and AMD.

Lutein and zeaxanthin intake and its relationship to risk of cataracts have been examined in four recent observational or epidemiological studies:

• The Health Study found that consuming high amounts of lutein+zeaxanthin reduced the need for cataract surgery. Intake among this group was approximately 6 mg per day.
• The Health Professional’s Follow-Up Study also found that high amounts of lutein+zeaxanthin (6.9 mg per day) lowered the need for cataract surgery.
• The five-year follow-up to the Beaver Dam Eye Study showed that people who got the most lutein+zeaxanthin had a much lower risk for developing new cataracts than people had the least amounts.
• Luetin used in conjunction with Life Sources’ Squalamine and OPC-165™ protects the eyes in AMD and “floaters” which can become more than bothersome.