Oct 17 2008
More Evidence that Antioxidants Help Fight Eye Diseases Such as Cataract
Antioxidants not only help prevent some eye diseases, they may also help limit progression of the diseases
It’s known that taking antioxidants helps delay the onset of some eye diseases associated with aging, such as cataract. Now researchers believe that antioxidants can be effective if damage to retinal tissue has already set in.
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine studied the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced damage to retinal tissue. An increase in ROS levels can result in significant damage to cell structures — a situation known as oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a significant risk factor in the development of many eye diseases associated with aging.
Since the formation of cataract is a well-defined progressive disease, believed to be related to a continued generation of ROS in the aqueous humor, the researchers hypothesized that even a late start with an appropriate antioxidant could halt the process and delay cataract development and vision impairment.
The results? Adding pyruvate – known to be an effective ROS scavenger — to lens cultures after lenses had sustained 50% damage was significantly effective in preventing progress.
Pyruvate can be found in foods such as red apples, and to a lesser extent, in dark beer and some cheeses.
Read more about antioxidants and their importance in maintaining healthy vision
SOURCE: “Oxidative damage to lens in culture: reversibility by pyruvate and ethyl pyruvate”, Varma, et al, Ophthalmologica, 2008; 222 (3):194-198.
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