|
MACULAR DEGENERATION, MACULAR
PROTECTIVE PIGMENT AND REDUCING YOUR
RISK
Introduction
Macular degeneration is a
condition caused by the breakdown of
the macula, resulting in poor
central vision. The macula is the
center part of the retina, which is
the light sensitive layer of tissue
on the back surface of the eye. The
macula is responsible for color
vision and detailed vision for tasks
such as reading and driving. Every
year 1.2 million people with macular
degeneration loose part of their
central vision and 200,000 suffer
complete loss of central vision in
one or both eyes.
Causes of Macular Degeneration
The specific cause of macular
degeneration is unknown. The risk
for macular degeneration increases
with age. In addition to the major
risk factor of having a low macular
protective pigment (MPP) level,
other risk factors include:
-
family history
-
smoking
-
obesity
-
light pigmentation
-
high cholesterol
-
age
|
-
sun exposure
-
cardiovascular
disease
-
gender -- female
-
light colored eyes
-
fatty diet
-
certain medications
|
What is macular protective
pigment (MPP) and why is it so
important? Macular protective pigment is a
unique accumulation of three yellow
carotenoids that are only found in
the anterior portion of the central
macula. These three carotenoids are
Lutein (L), Meso-zeaxanthin (MZ),
and Zeaxanthin (Z) and are found in
the macula. This yellow layer of
pigment acts like a shield over the
delicate retinal cells of the macula
that give us sight. The MPP filters
out and absorbs cell damaging,
high-energy, blue wavelengths and
ultraviolet wavelengths of light. In
addition L, MZ, and Z are among the
strongest anti-oxidants (MZ being
the strongest) in our bodies, which
protect the central retina from free
radicals that are plentiful in this
highly active tissue. There is a
growing and compelling body of
evidence, which concludes that an
insufficient level of the MPP
substantially increases the risk for
developing macular degeneration by
as much as 40%.
Other benefits of a healthy MPP
may include better visual acuity,
improved contrast sensitivity, and a
decrease in glare recovery time.
Where does MPP come from?
Our bodies do not manufacture
carotenoids. They must be consumed.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin are dietary
carotenoids and they are found in
peppers, corn, green leafy
vegetables and egg yolks. These can
be measured in the blood serum. MZ,
however, the third component of MPP,
is not a part of our diet and can
not be detected in the blood serum.
Yet, MZ makes up over one third of
the MPP.
Why is MZ so special?
MZ is the most potent
antioxidant of the three macular
carotenoids, and is only found in
the center of the macula. Research
has proven that MZ is actually
created in the center of the macula
and is converted from Lutein, most
likely by an enzyme mediated
process. Studies have shown that by
oral supplementation of MZ, it is
taken up and accumulated in the
macula.
What's causes a low level of MPP?
A low MPP level can be
multifactorial. The most common
causes are dietary insufficiency, a
lack of ability to convert Lutein
into Meso-zeaxanthin, and a slow
decline that occurs with aging. It
is also possible that the ability to
absorb Lutein and Zeaxanthin may be
impaired. Regardless of the cause,
an adequate MPP level is a necessity
to maintain healthy maculas.
What can be done to prevent
macular degeneration? Some risk factors can be
modified. People can stop smoking,
wear sunglasses, lose weight and
improve their diets. LMZ3 is the
exclusive triple carotenoid
supplement, containing Lutein,
Meso-zeaxanthin and Zeaxanthin. This
combination of carotenoids has been
clinically proven to increase the
MPP level in the macula in as little
as 6 months. LMZ3 is indicated for
anyone with a low MPP level or other
significant risk factors. In
addition the original Age-related
Eye Disease Study (AREDS), concluded
that patients with any stage of
macular degeneration could benefit
from carotenoid supplementation.
Can MPP levels be measured?
Yes. The Macuscope is a new
instrument that measures MPP levels
years, or even decades, before any
signs or symptoms of macular
degeneration appear. Damage to the
delicate macular tissue is permanent
and cumulative over a lifetime.
Therefore, early detection of an MPP
deficiency, and its correction, can
mean the difference between enjoying
the golden years, or coping with
macular degeneration. |