Lutein for eye health

[adamtimothy]

Is lutein is also helpful for dry macular degeneration? I heard that in laser operations lutein is inserted into eyes is it right.

[Doreen Fazio, M.D.]

Lutein is a carotenoid which is helpful is macular degeneration, since it is concentrated in the macula and acts to prevent light damage. It is not inserted into the eye, in any procedure. Best sources of lutein are spinach, broccoli, and kale. If you don't eat enough of these foods, you may obtain a lutein supplement at vitamin stores.

[Doreen Fazio, M.D.]

Check the labels and compare the online supplement with Bausch and Lomb's AREDS formulation.

[adamtimothy]

I have asked about how we can know the vitamins we choose are based on areds study? Can you tell me?

[adamtimothy]

I check on that site they said that these are areds based, but how can we know they are really areds based.

[Doreen Fazio, M.D.]

Sorry about the errors in the artificial tears' names.  The correct names are Refresh and Optive.  If someone has macular degeneration, they should follow the vitamin recommendations from AREDS (Age-Related Eye Disease Study).  These include Vitamins C, E, and A (the latter assuming that the person is not a current smoker); minerals Zinc and Copper; lutein; and fish oil.

[adamtimothy]

DO u konw about these vitamins check this site and tell me.

[Doreen Fazio, M.D.]

Eye pain when reading, watching TV, or working on a computer frequently results from decreased blinking.  Take frequent breaks, and try instilling an artificial tear like Refresf, Optice, Systane, or Blink Tears.  If the problem does not resolve, see an ophthalmologist.  To protect against macular degeneration:  NO smoking, UV protection (sunglasses, hat, visor), healthful diet (fruits and vegetables, nuts and grains, low-fat foods, weight and blood pressure control, do not eat highly processed foods or fast foods).  Anti-oxidant vitamins, lutein, and fish oil are also good, but check with your primary doctor to be sure that these supplements will not interfere with any medicines you are taking.

[adamtimothy]

Also give some tips regarding what can we do to control macular degenration.

[adamtimothy]

Thanks for replying. My friend's father is suffering from macular degeneration, so we are collecting information about it.

For myself i want to know my eyes have pain sometimes when i watch tv, i went for a check up but my vision is good.