| Facts About The Eye Lens The
eye contains many specialized protein structures, one of which makes up the lens. This
protein is very unique because the cells are transparent, enabling us to see. When there
is inadequate protein and enzymes, dead cells are ineffectively replaced or, in some
cases, not replaced at all. When this occurs in the eye the dead lens cells can remain and
over time, cause the lens to become cloudy, or oxidize.
Antioxidants are extremely important to eye tissue integrity and two such powerful
antioxidants are Vitamin C and Glutathione. Vitamin C has been shown to play a significant
role in protecting the lens proteins, and is essential for the proper formation of many
protein structures. Glutathione functions to preserve the balance of the proteins within
the eye lens, maintain transport pumps and molecular integrity of the lens tissue
membranes, and extend the protective actions of Vitamin C.
Other important antioxidants include Bioflavonoids (a carotene), and Selenium. In
addition to antioxidants, Zinc and Vitamin B6 are also important nutrients for the eye.
Excerpt from lecture by Dr. Steven Whiting, Director, Institute of
Nutritional Science
Reproduced with permission. |