Diet and vision, part 1: LUTEIN – the mystery of blueberries

Solar UVB radiation passes through the cornea and conjunctiva of the eye and may cause a burning sensation or watery eyes, in some cases persistent for days. The most dangerous is UVA radiation (ultraviolet) because it penetrates the interior of the eyeball. We do not feel the effect of the rays, and the damage caused appears after many years and can take the form of cataracts, macular degeneration and even ocular melanoma.

LUTEIN (natural vegetable dye carotenoids) absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation, acting as a solar filter. It accumulates in the lens of the eye and in the central part of the retina – the macula. The macula allows central vision and adjusts visual acuity. Lutein is a powerful neutraliser of free radicals, thereby protecting the capillaries of the retina and macular photoreceptors from damage. But that’s not all: the correct dose of lutein can lower the risk of developing cataracts by up to 30%!

The best remedy for the eyes – blackberries and blueberries. What precious secret is hidden in these tiny fruits? 

Berries contain 14 types of anthocyanin – compounds that increase the flexibility of capillaries and seal up epithelium. Anthocyanins regenerate the enzymes of the eye, which can be damaged by free radicals.

 

Lutein is also recommended when you have poor eyesight, read a lot, or work with computers. The human body does not produce lutein, so you must provide it in form of food or in a formulation with extracts of fruit and berry leaves. Lutein is highly soluble in fat, and so is best absorbed when taken in products that are sources of lutein (e.g., dietary supplements) along with food containing fat.

 

Remember! Protect your eyes from the harmful effects of the sun: wear sunglasses with a suitable UV filter (e.g. UV400)! Also, enrich your diet with lutein – it shields the eye from harmful UVA and UVB radiation! 

Protect your eyesight to be able to enjoy nature and see the small black berry fruits in the undergrowth of the enchanted forest. 

For a complete eye checkup for adults and children call 022 266 09 95 or e-mail: biuro@zobaczycjutro.org. Our Children’s Eye Center is situated in the heart of Warsaw. For a complete eye checkup for adults and children call 022 266 09 95 or e-mail: biuro@zobaczycjutro.org Vision screening in our officeGallery showing our little heroines and heroes – our brave patients! 

 

The post title: „Diet and vision, Part 1: LUTEIN – the mystery of blueberries”
The keywords: lutein, berries, eyes, diet, vision;

Sources:
1. „Dieta bogata w luteinę poprawi wzrok i wzmocni oczy”; Autor: Anna Jarosz – artykuł pochodzi z miesięcznika „Zdrowie” www.poradnikzdrowie.pl; Konsultant: dr n. med. Piotr Fryczkowski, okulista.
2. „Luteina. Pozwala widzieć siebie!”, SOLGAR (www.solgar.pl);
3. „Luteina”, Leksykon Witamin: witaminy.org.pl;