Introduction

At the macula, the most sensitive part of the retina at back of the eye, are found three carotenoids.

Lutein (L), Zeaxanthin (Z) and Meso-Zeaxanthin (MZ) are the three macular pigments. L and Z have been known about for quite some time, but MZ has only relatively recently been discovered. However, it is probably the most of important of the three.

As a rule, the human body self regulates to its best advantage. At the macula, MZ is placed centrally with L and Z being peripheral to it. Imagine a dart board - at the bulls-eye (the fovea, the central part of the macula) you will find the macular pigment to be mainly MZ, while the surrounding rings to be composed more of L and Z.

The macular pigments appear to have two main roles: to act as a filter against harmful blue light and as an antioxidant to free radicals.

The article on the mechanism of AMD discusses the actions of free radicals and blue light.

One of the most important facts about AMD is this - AMD begins early in life! It may not manifest until much later, but the manifestation is due to a lifetime of prolonged assault on the macula. The macular pigments play an important part in our defences against AMD causing visual difficulties later in life.

Think of it this way ... We know that UV radiation is damaging to the skin. Excessive exposure will cause the skin to become damaged (more wrinkles, a great risk of melanoma (a form of skin cancer)). If we take care of ourselves by applying UV blocking sunscreen when we are outdoors, we will significantly reduce the risks of UV damage. Think of the macular pigments as being the macula's sunscreen. A high level of macular pigment is like sunscreen with an SPF of 50. Poor macular pigment levels is like wearing no suntan lotion at all!