Where do the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin specifically accumulate in the eye to offer protection against oxidative damage?
Answer
They accumulate in the macula of the eye.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are specialized carotenoids known for their role in vision health. These compounds selectively accumulate in the macula, which is the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed central vision. Once concentrated there, their primary function is protective: they act as internal filters, absorbing and scattering harmful, high-energy blue light. This filtering action prevents the blue light from reaching and causing oxidative damage to the underlying, sensitive photoreceptor cells in the retina over time. This accumulation and filtering mechanism is directly linked to reducing the risk factors for developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.
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