Bone Richard A. Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, USA ...... potential of a standardised and high-resolution display in the form of the Apple. iPad is underway to optimise the potential of this technology. Disclosure: ...
DOI: 10.5301/EJO.2013.11169
Eur J Ophthalmol 2013; 23 ( 4 ): 604-613
ABSTRACTS - Macular Carotenoids Conference - Cambridge, United Kingdom, July 10-12, 2013
Macular Carotenoids Conference Downing College, University of Cambridge Cambridge, United Kingdom July 10-12, 2013 Lectures LUTEIN AND ZEAXANTHIN: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY Britton G. University of Liverpool, School of Biological Sciences, Crown Street, Liverpool, United Kingdom Nature makes a great diversity of carotenoids; more than 700 different ones have been identified. In an ordinary diet, containing a good variety of fruit and vegetables, we probably ingest about 100, and 20-30 can usually be detected in the blood. And yet the macula specifically accumulates just two carotenoids, the dihydroxy xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin. Why and how are these two carotenoids so special? Every carotenoid has a unique structure and this determines its chemical and physical properties. Any biological function or action depends on these properties and on interactions of the carotenoid with its environment. This talk will introduce lutein and zeaxanthin (including mesozeaxanthin) and explore what their structures tell us about factors such as their shape, solubility, reactivity and stability, and interactions with light. The biological behaviour and functioning of lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin must be compatible with these properties, which may be modified by the physical or molecular environment. Knowledge of these properties is therefore an essential foundation for understanding the biological significance of these particular xanthophylls, including their presence and role in the macula. We obtain lutein and zeaxanthin from natural or manufactured food, or from health supplements. The form or physical state in which the carotenoids are present in these sources is an important factor in determining bioavailability and how efficiently they may be taken up into the body and tissues. LUTEIN AND INFLAMMATION Berendschot T. University Eye Clinic Maastricht, The Netherlands Lutein selectively accumulates in the primate retina and as a major component of the macular pigment it plays an important role as a filter to prevent harmful effects of blue light (Landrum, 1997). It also protects the retina from oxidative damage by quenching free oxygen radicals (Khachik, 1997). Lutein also has anti-inflammatory properties that may be important in the prevention of Agerelated Macular Degeneration (Kijlstra, 2012). They will be discussed as well as recent studies on the role of lutein in the inflammatory pathway of the innate immune system. EFFECTS OF THE MACULAR CAROTENOIDS FROM EYE TO BRAIN, FROM INFANCY TO OLD AGE Hammond Billy R. Behavioral and Brain Sciences Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA The macular carotenoids influence many aspects of central nervous system function. These effects extend from optical filtering within the eye to physiological activity of neurons within the brain. With respect to the latter, the macular carotenoids appear to enhance chromatic contrast, increase visual range, decrease photostress recovery times, glare disability, and discomfort. Post-receptorally, they have been linked to faster visual processing speeds as assessed by numerous tasks: e.g., macular pigment optical density (MPOD) is significantly (p
