Vitamins C (400 mg) and E (100 IU)
Vitamin C is the major water-soluble antioxidant concentrated in ocular tissues. Concentrations in the lens are up to 60 times the level found in blood. Fat-soluble vitamin E is the major chain-breaking antioxidant that protects lipid-rich retinal cell membranes against free radical attack.

A link between vitamin C intake and macular health has been established. Tufts’ Nutrition and Vision Project notes that long-term vitamin C supplementation (360 mg on average), can significantly lower the odds of developing age-related clouding of the central portion of the eye’s lens. OcularEssentials provides vitamin C at levels consistent with these findings.

Some studies also report that higher vitamin E intakes or blood levels may improve one’s chance of prolonging lens and macular health. OcularEssentials provides a basic level of vitamin E that is appropriate for healthy people. Natural source vitamin E (tocopherol) is used, as studies show it is better absorbed and retained. It also delivers broad spectrum vitamin E from alpha to gamma tocopherol, that together play a health-protective role.

FloraGLO^® Lutein (6 mg) and Zeaxanthin (300 mcg)
Lutein and zeaxanthin are two similarly structured carotenoids that compose the pigment of the macula, the area in the center of the retina where the sharpest central vision occurs. Macular pigment filters out blue (visible) light that can cause photo-oxidative damage to the retina. Lutein and zeaxanthin are also the only carotenoids detected in the eye’s lens. Many, though not all, studies link higher intake of these carotenoids with a significantly lower prevalence of lens opacity or likelihood of undergoing cataract surgery.

Population-health studies have examined the relationship between lutein and macular health. In studies where lutein intake was minimal, no apparent association was seen. However in studies where the range of intake was wider, those eating the greatest amount of lutein (6-7mg daily) were more likely to maintain macular health. Macular pigment density is positively associated with macular function. Both elevated serum levels and consumption of the two carotenoids (up to 6.5 mg daily) are related to greater pigment density. OcularEssentials provides levels of lutein and zeaxanthin consistent with these findings.

Zinc (30 mg)
Zinc is an essential mineral selectively concentrated in the eye, and found in the retina and choroid, ciliary body, iris, optic nerve, sclera, cornea and lens. Within these ocular structures, zinc is believed to interact with vitamin A and taurine to modify photoreceptor membranes, regulate the light-rhodopsin reaction, help nerve transmission and to serve as an antioxidant. OcularEsentials provides bioavailable zinc at a level that is appropriate for eye-healthy individuals.

More Eye-Essential, Health-Promoting Ingredients:
Vitamin A is provided both as pre-formed vitamin A (retinyl palmitate) and beta-carotene, which functions as an antioxidant and is converted to vitamin A as required by the body. Vitamin A protects night vision and is vital for the health of the eye’s cornea. It also interacts with zinc and the amino acid taurine within retinal photoreceptors.

Selenium is required for the proper function of glutathione peroxidase, an antioxidant enzyme found in the eye’s lens and localized in photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelial cells. Low selenium levels have been detected in lenses of patients with age-related cataract.

Taurine is an amino acid that is made in the body and selectively concentrated in eye tissues. Taurine helps stabilize cell membranes in the retina and may act as an antioxidant in the lens.

Lycopene is the antioxidant pigment that gives tomatoes their vivid color. Greater intakes have been linked to a better chance of retaining prostate and pancreatic health. This formula provides 600 mcg of lycopene, which makes a good contribution to overall dietary intake.

And More ... Plant compounds with antioxidant activity such as the flavonoids contribute to the health benefits of eating 5 or more fruit and vegetable servings daily. OcularEssentials contains flavonoids from billberry and quercetin. As antioxidants, they support healthy retinal circulation and ocular health.