title: The Photobiology of Lutein and Zeaxanthin in the Eye.
abstract: Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants found in the human retina and macula. Recent clinical trials have determined that age- and diet-related loss of lutein and zeaxanthin enhances phototoxic damage to the human eye and that supplementation of these carotenoids has a protective effect against photoinduced damage to the lens and the retina. Two of the major mechanisms of protection offered by lutein and zeaxanthin against age-related blue light damage are the quenching of singlet oxygen and other reactive oxygen species and the absorption of blue light. Determining the specific reactive intermediate(s) produced by a particular phototoxic ocular chromophore not only defines the mechanism of toxicity but can also later be used as a tool to prevent damage.
authors.affiliation: Department of Natural Sciences, Fordham University, New York City, NY 10023, USA.
authors.forename: Joan E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.affiliation: Department of Natural Sciences, Fordham University, New York City, NY 10023, USA.
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dennison