Carotenoids in the Eye

Figure 5: The Human Eye

The edge of the retina has a high density of rod photoreceptors located peripherally around the edges of the retina. In the center of the retina, an area of visual acuity known as the macula exists. The function of this area is to decipher detailed color and create the images we see. Unlike the rest of the retina it has an abundance of cone photoreceptors. Lutein and zeaxanthin impart the yellow appearance to the macula. The carotenoids in the eye absorb the shorter wavelengths of blue light, that otherwise scatter, to sharpen and detail the image. This absorptive process also protects against blue light retinal damage. Macular degradation is associated with Vitamin A deficiency and eventually leads to blindness (Barker, et.al).

 

Rhodopsin Pathway and Vision in the Eye

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