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Ingredient by ingredient, here's how Optim-Eyes™ may help:
FloraGLO® Lutein & Zeaxanthin: Lutein & zeaxanthin are the two carotenoids found in the retina. They are carotenoids of the xanthophyll group (oxygenated carotenoids) and are isomers, but not stereoisomers, meaning they  have different forms. Optim-Eyes uses FloraGLO® Lutein, a superior quality, all-natural lutein extracted from marigold flowers. Lutein and Zeazaxthin levels have been correlated correlated with decreased risk of age-related macular degeneration.28 Increasing dietary intake of lutein increase blood levels of lutein and pigment density in the macula. Carotenoids are tissue-specific antioxidants. For example, beta-carotene tends to accumulate in the liver and kidneys, while lycopene favors blood. Lutein & zeaxanthin concentrate in the macula and retina. A diet high in lutein also appears to reduce ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced tissue swelling in animals. Lutein from dietary supplements at the rate of 10mg/day, the recommend supplementation for eye health, has a demonstrated bioavailability sufficient to roughly double serum lutein levels after 10 days of use. Two capsules of Optim-Eyes provides 10mg of lutein plus 2mg of zeaxanthin for a total of 12mg. Lutein has better absorption when taken with a high-fat meal. Astaxanthin: N-Acetyl-Cysteine:
Supplementation with N-Acetyl-Cysteine (often referred to as "NAC" for short) has been shown to increase glutathione levels16 (glutathione supplementation itself does not seem to boost tissue levels of glutathione), which in turn is found in concentration in the lens of the eye, and plays an important role in the health of the lens (particularly in an antioxidant function). Glutathione levels are depleted in nearly all forms of cataracts.16 Glutathione works in conjunction with ascorbic acid as a free radical scavenger.16 Beta carotene:
Beta carotene is a precursor to vitamin A, which is known to improve night vision. Does "eat your carrots, they're good for your eyes" ring a bell? Vitamin C, as ascorbic acid:
Vitamin C has been shown (when taken as ascorbic acid) to reduce intraocular pressure,19,21,25,29 which may be useful in cases of glaucoma. Though the required amount can vary greatly from person to person, consistent supplementation is a key element to its effectiveness. Vitamin E:
Simply one of the best antioxidants a person can take, vitamin E is important since lack of blood (and consequently oxygen) flow to the macula AND free radical damage to the macula seem to be primary contributors to macular degeneration. Vitamin E helps neutralize free radicals. Optim-Eyes™ contains natural (not synthetic) Vitamin E, as mixed tocopherols. Perhaps the single best source of the blue plant pigments known as anthocyanidins, bilberry seems to target the eye. The anthocyanidins in bilberry decrease vascular permeability.5,7,13,17 How this works is not quite understood yet, but it seems that bilberry anthocyanidins interact with blood vessel collagen in such a way as to slow down enzymatic attack of the blood vessel wall.17 This may prevent leakage of capillaries, decreasing ocular pressure and relieving painful edemas. Truly impressive in its vascular benefits, bilberry seems to work much like horsechestnut and ginkgo in its ability to relieve vascular insufficiency, and like grape seed in its affinity for the capillaries. These microcirculatory improvements have wide ranging health benefits, as one might expect: bilberry improves peripheral circulation and eye health at the same time. You can leam more about bilberry at our bilberry extract page. The positive effects of this botanical on the peripheral arteries is now famous. Ginkgo biloba can halt the loss of vision in people with macular degeneration.20,27,31 Ginkgo Biloba extract standardized to 24% ginkgo flavonglycosides and 6% terpene lactones is used. Zinc: Like vitamin A, zinc deficiencies can contribute to increased Rapid Dark Adaptation Test values. The elderly are particularly susceptible to zinc deficiencies. Copper:
Zinc competes with copper for absorption through the intestines and may precipitate a copper deficiency when supplemented regularly, therefore it is wise to add copper when taking zinc regularly.What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is the progressive loss of vision due to oxidative stress to the macula - the area of the retina where most images are focused. The macula is the area responsible for focused sight or fine vision, and as such, degeneration in this area first manifests itself in the form of blurred or bent lines (otherwise known to be straight and crisp). It is highly prevalent in persons over the age of 55, with as many as 20,000 new cases diagnosed each year. It can, and does, lead to blindness. There are two types of macular degeneration - "wet" and "dry". In the wet form (more rare), the macula experiences excessive growth of new blood vessels - it is easily treated with lasers, but must be treated early. In the "dry"" form, by far the most common form, the macula suffers from an accumulation of lipofuscin, a pigment that builds up as a result of damaged retinal pigmented epithelium cells. These build-ups can be seen upon retinal examination and are known as "drusen". Anyone who is concerned about their eye health should consider this product. According to the National Institutes of Health, based on their Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS): People who should consider taking the combination of antioxidants plus zinc [500 milligrams of vitamin C, 400 IU of vitamin E, Beta-carotene (equivalent to 25,000 International Units of vitamin A)*, 80 milligrams of zinc, 2 milligrams of copper] include those who are at high risk for developing advanced AMD. These people are defined as having either: The AREDS did not study bilberry, lutein, or other antioxidants, so we don't know how they may affect eye disease. Future clinical trials may eventually provide answers about these or other antioxidants. The AREDS only studied age-related macular degeneration. We have no recommendations for younger people with the inherited (juvenile) forms of macular degeneration.
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Dietary Restrictions
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 Vegetarian capsule used and a vegetarian formula.
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Click Here for References
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