It’s all too easy to take good vision for granted. However, as we grow older, our eye health can become increasingly vulnerable. In particular, the macula – an oval-shaped pigmented area near the centre of the retina, at the back of the eye – can become damaged, due to a combination of natural ageing, poor diet and repeated exposure to blue light and oxidative stress.
It’s the macula that’s responsible for the clarity of central vision, containing a high concentration of light-sensitive cells. It allows us to see fine detail clearly, and is essential for activities such as reading, writing, driving and even recognising faces.
The importance of pigment
The macula contains three pigments – the carotenoids lutein, meso-zeaxanthin and zeaxanthin. Lutein and zeaxanthin are important nutrients that the body naturally deposits in the eye to create a protective layer known as macular pigment. These powerful antioxidants work like ‘internal sunglasses’ – protecting the macula from the damaging effects of blue light and oxidative stress.
However, our bodies can’t produce its own lutein and zeaxanthin. That means they can become severely depleted over time – particularly in those with a diet lacking the right foods. That’s why it might be helpful for you to use a targeted eye supplement such as Macu-SAVE .
Macular health
One particular concern for our eye health is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The biggest cause of sight loss in the UK, affecting over 600,000 people, this progressive eye disease affects the macula. Sufferers might experience dark spots or gaps in the visual field, and your vision can become blurry or distorted. It doesn’t cause total blindness, but it makes everyday tasks such as reading, watching TV or using computers difficult and, in some cases, impossible.
As we’re all living longer, AMD is affecting more of us. While its exact cause is unknown, research has linked AMD to risk factors including smoking, high blood pressure, poor diet and having a family history of the disease.
The value of supplements
Experts recommend early diagnosis and treatment to help manage AMD, and without treatment, vision may get worse. This can happen gradually over several years (dry AMD), or quickly over weeks or months (wet AMD). There’s no cure for AMD, and while there is medical treatment for wet AMD, there’s currently none for dry AMD, which is more common.
However, many experts recommend taking a supplement to help support your eye health as you age. Macu-SAVE contains all three of the macular carotenoids that are essential for macular health. If you want to help protect your eye health, it might be worth considering.
Why Macu-SAVE?
This easy-to-swallow, one-a-day food supplement provides advanced nutrition for the eyes, and comes in a 30-day or 90-day pack.
The three macular carotenoids in Macu-SAVE are all of the highest-quality grade, harvested from the marigold plant, Tagetes erecta, including FloraGLO Lutein and OPTISHARP Natural Zeaxanthin. FloraGLO Lutein is the gold standard in lutein – the most clinically researched brand worldwide, with over 90 human trials published.
Research shows that its bioavailability is similar to that obtained from foods naturally containing lutein. With proven efficacy, safety and credibility, OPTISHARP Natural Zeaxanthin is a naturally sourced ingredient to support eye health. Macu-SAVE is suitable for diabetics, gluten-free, yeast-free, lactose-free, with no artificial preservatives or sweeteners.
Macu-SAVE is available online at hollandandbarrett.com