Cataract is one of the most important leading causes of
blindness in the world. Extensive research showed that oxidative stress may play an important role in the initiation and progression of a
cataract and other age-related
eye diseases. Extra-generation of reactive
oxygen and
nitrogen species in the eye tissue has been shown as one of the most important risk factors for
cataracts and other age-related
eye diseases. With respect to this, it can be hypothesized that dietary
antioxidants may be useful in the prevention and/or mitigation of
cataract.
Lutein is an important xanthophyll which is widely found in different vegetables such as spinach, kale and carrots as well as some other foods such as eggs.
Lutein is concentrated in the macula and suppresses the oxidative stress in the eye tissues. A plethora of literature has shown that increased
lutein consumption has a close correlation with reduction in the incidence of
cataract. Despite this general information, there is a negligible number of review articles considering the beneficial effects of
lutein on
cataracts and age-related
eye diseases. The present review is aimed at discussing the role of oxidative stress in the initiation and progression of a
cataract and the possible beneficial effects of
lutein in maintaining
retinal health and fighting
cataract. We also provide a perspective on the chemistry, sources, bioavailability and safety of
lutein.