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Macular pigment (MP) is a yellow, oily substance located in the fibres of Henlé and the outer segment membranes of photoreceptors in the macular region of the human retina.
Although the presence of MP has been known for many years, its precise composition was identified relatively recently by Bone et al as the carotenoids lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z).1 MP has some remarkable characteristics it is uniquely located to protect the photoreceptors from damaging short wave light, it aids visual resolution by reducing chromatic aberrations and, like many carotenoids, acts as a powerful anti-oxidant. This combination of properties has led to speculation that it may help protect the eye from macular disease. While the idea has its detractors, there is a substantial body of evidence supporting the notion.1-3
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