As we age, there is a general decline in visual
acuity. One of the most important reasons for the
loss of visual acuity over time is the damage caused by
environmental factors. The eyes are not sequestered
inside the body as the heart or kidneys are. Except
when we are asleep, our eyes are constantly exposed to
environmental factors such as air pollution, dryness, and
oxidative damage from sunlight.
The comprehensive formulation of Visionex® supplement
is designed to support long-term eye health, especially
when combined with preventive measures against exposure
of the eyes to harmful environmental influences.*
natural maintenance
What we actually see with the eye are the patterns of
light that strike the retina, a light-sensitive layer of
cells at the back of the eye. In the center of the retina
is the macula, where the light rays are most highly
focused and visual acuity is highest. The macula is
especially vulnerable to oxidative damage because it has
a high metabolic rate and because the light focused on
it enhances the production of free radicals.
The central portion of the macula contains a yellow
pigment called the macular pigment, which helps
protect the sensitive receptors in the macula particularly
from the potentially harmful effects of short-wavelength
light. Our eyes receive support from the antioxidant
carotenoids that exist in the macular pigment—lutein
and zeaxanthin.*
Lutein
While the roles lutein and zeaxanthin play in the
physiology of the eye are not completely known, the
links between lutein and eye health are so strong that
several national and regional health organizations have
recommended the increase of dietary lutein. Lutein
is believed to function in two ways: first as a filter of
high-energy blue light, and second as an antioxidant
that quenches light-induced free radicals and reactive
oxygen species.1,2*
Zeaxanthin
Zeaxanthin, a yellow carotenoid, is an isomer of lutein.
In the eye, lutein is predominant in the periphery of the
retina while the concentration of zeaxanthin is greatest
in the very center. This is where conditions most favor
the formation of free radicals.
why visionex®?
In addition to lutein and zeaxanthin, the Visionex
formulation contains these three important nutritional
aids to eye health: bilberry extract, vitamin C, and zinc.
The bilberry fruit is rich in antioxidant anthocyanosides
and has been shown to help retain healthy capillaries,
including those in the eye.3*
Vitamin C provides additional antioxidant protection,
especially to the retina, where the concentration of
vitamin C is significantly higher than that found in
the blood.4*
Zinc appears to provide an additive effect to antioxidants
in promoting good visual acuity.5*
References
1. Stahl W. Dev Ophthalmol 2005;38:70-88.
2. Richer S, et al. Optometry 2004;75(4):216-30.
3. Colantuoni A, et al. Arzneimittelforschung 1991;41:905-09. 1991.
4. Vanderhagen, et al. J Am Optometry Assoc 1993;64:871-78.
5. National Eye Institute (NEI) Clinical Advisory. 15 October 2001. (www.nlm.nih.gov/
databases/alerts/amd.html).
Item# 134
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Health Basics

THIS STATEMENT HAS NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE, OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.