Low antioxidant status and high sunlight exposure = Retinal Degeneration

I don't know if the below is a true statement because I have never heard it before but it does highlight why even blue light is damaging to vision. Lesson: obtain sunnies with blue light filtering capacity. Take it as high risk that by the time you reach 70 there is a distinct possibility you have some degree of cataract formation and retinal degeneration. The key is to contain the progress of these conditions as much as possible. That can be done but even with the best of care some of us are going to need cataract surgery and may develop AMD. Genes! In particular, a diet specifically addressing the oxidative balance in your blood is very important.

Most importantly control cholesterol, I have seen enough research to indicate that high cholesterol, particularly the small LDL variant (vLDL), readily penetrates the Retinal Pigment Epithelium and thus sets off unwanted cascades of nasties.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081013171431.htm

... The eye is particularly vulnerable to the damaging effects of sunlight. Ultraviolet radiation is absorbed by the lens, but visible or “blue” light penetrates to the retina so allowing us to see. Protection against the harmful effects of blue light is provided by the antioxidant vitamins C and E, the carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin) which filter blue light, and zinc. --------

The Dark Side of Statins(cholesterol lowering drugs)

Cholesterol-lowering drugs and the effect on muscle repair and regeneration

Statin drugs are life savers and a principal component in allowing many people with high cholesterol to avoid heart attacks and strokes. Many statins exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and there have been trials for statins in dementia treatment. The results have not been that promising.

Many patients have reported problems with statin drugs and the research is now starting to bear this out. While statin drugs are life savers as with nearly all drugs there can be untoward effects. If you are taking statins and experience any of the symptoms mentioned in this article speak to your doctor. Take the article with you so they know you are not just dreaming up the symptoms.

If you are taking a statin drug it is strongly advisable to also take a co-q10 supplement with the statins because statin drugs typically inhibit HMG-CoA, a rate limiting enzyme for co-q10 production in the body. It is very important to maintain co-q10 levels because it is a strong antioxidant that plays a pivotal role in the electron transport chain, the "powerhouse" in our cells.