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Retinal Oxidative Stress

Delaying Progression
The Retinal Oxidative Stress Cascade

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 include
• high consumption of oxygen
• a diet high in polyunsaturated fatty acids
• cumulative exposure to irradiation

Nutrients Blocking the Oxidative Stress Cascade
 
Replenishing the antioxidant potential of the retina may effectively
• decrease oxidant stress
• slow or decrease retinal deterioration

Nutritional Supplementation and Retinal Oxidative Stress
Free radical exposure and retinal disease development hypothesis
 
Oxidative stress may increase susceptibility to disease. Appropriate intervention may
• delay disease onset
• protect against further damage