 |
What is oxidative stress? |
| Free radicals initiate local molecular instability
leading to cellular damage. Formation of free
radicals is caused by: metabolism, sunlight
(blue light spectrum), other free radicals, lack
of antioxidants and other factors. |
| * Age, Smoking, Poor diet, Excessive light
exposure, systemic diseases, Hereditary
predisposition |
The retina is particularly vulnerable to
oxidative stress. Contributing factors include1
• high consumption of oxygen
• a diet high in polyunsaturated fatty acids
• cumulative exposure to irradiation |
| 1. Beatty et al. The Role of Oxidative Stress in the Pathogenesis of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Surv Opthalmol 2000; 45:115-34. |
| |
| Nutrients Blocking the Oxidative Stress Cascade |
 |
Replenishing the antioxidant potential of the
retina may effectively1
• decrease oxidant stress
• slow or decrease retinal deterioration |
| 1. Seddon et al. Dietary Carotenoids, Vitamins A. C, and E, and Advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration. JAMA 1994; 272:1413-20. |
| |
| Nutritional Supplementation
and Retinal Oxidative Stress |
| Free radical exposure and retinal disease development
hypothesis1 |
 |
Oxidative stress may increase susceptibility to
disease. Appropriate intervention may2
• delay disease onset
• protect against further damage |
| 1. Adapted from Cai et al. Oxidative Damage and Protection of the RPE. Progress in Retinal and Eye Research 2000; 19(2):
205-21. 2. Seddon et al. Dietary Carotenoids, Vitamins A. C, and E, and Advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration. JAMA 1994;
272:1413-20. |
