Enhanced Vision is an advanced eye health formula providing Nature’s most potent antioxidants to help maintain optimal ocular function and to help reduce the risk of Age Related Macular Degeneration of the eyes (AMD). Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of irreversible blindness among people age 65 and older. For reasons scientists have yet to pinpoint, parts of the retina and the macula become diseased. As AMD progresses, tiny, fragile blood vessels begin to develop in the retina. These vessels often leak blood and fluid that damages the retina even further.

• Blurred vision may be the first symptom.
• Straight lines begin to appear crooked.
• Dark or empty spaces may block central vision.

The macula is in the center of the retina, directly behind the lens. It’s a tiny area made up of millions of cells that help produce sharp vision needed to read and see objects clearly. Scientists believe that the macular pigment protects the retina. The density of macular pigment has been used to measure the health of the eye.

Studies show that lutein and zeaxanthin are the predominant antioxidants found in the macula. . Lutein is an abundant carotenoid found in many fruits and vegetables and, in nature, protects cells against light-induced damage. Spinach and kale contain the highest levels of lutein, but it is also present in such foods as corn and egg yolks.

• Dietary intake of lutein increases pigment density.
• Smoking and alcohol consumption decrease macular pigment density.
• Lifetime sun exposure decreases density.
• The macula receives the most light, making it susceptible to blue light damage.
• Blue light damage may contribute to age-related macular degeneration.
• Lutein filters out blue light that causes free radical damage in the eyes.

Lutein 6mg (30mg - 20% ester free extract from marigold)

**Enhanced Vision** contains an optimum level of lutein (LOO-teen), a carotenoid found in vegetables and fruits. "Lutein works as an antioxidant in the eye and has a great deal of scientific corroboration regarding its effectiveness in healthy vision. Scientific studies are proving that optimum levels of the essential vitamins and minerals - and lutein - benefit people at risk for macular degeneration," said Dr. Abel, chairman of the Lutein Information Bureau Advisory Board. "As a matter of fact, there is demonstrable evidence in healthy and donor eyes, that lutein plays a more important role than beta-carotene in retinal health." **Enhanced Vision** uses a special ester-free lutein extract which provides up to 4 times the concentration of pure lutein as most typical formulas. This concentrated form of lutein provides maximum bio-availability Lutein acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells against the damaging effects of free radicals.

• Lutein is not made in the body.
• Lutein must be obtained from food or nutritional supplements.
• Lutein is found in large amounts in green, leafy vegetables such as spinach.

Currently, there is no cure and only limited treatment options for age-related macular degeneration. Preliminary research, however, is showing that lutein may help reverse the symptoms of dry AMD. The best cure for AMD remains prevention. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, including adequate amounts of lutein, is the best hope for reducing the incidence of AMD in our aging population. A dietary supplement such as **Enhanced Vision**, which includes lutein, is a good option if food intake is not sufficient.

Enhanced Vision also contains:

Bilberry extract 50 mg (25% anthocyanidins)

Bilberry is a perennial, ornamental shrub that is commonly found in various climates in damp woodlands and moorlands. In the United States and Canada they are known as huckleberries, and there are over 100 species with similar names and fruit throughout the Europe, Asia and North America . Bilberry has been used as a medicinal herb since the 16 th century.

Bilberry is also used in connection with vascular and blood disorders and shows positive effects when treating varicose veins, thrombosis and angina. Bilberry's fruit contains flavonoids and anthocyanin, which serve to prevent capillary fragility, thin the blood, and stimulate the release of vasodilators. Anthocyanin, a natural antioxidant, also lowers blood pressure, reduces clotting and improves blood supply to the nervous system. Bilberry also contains glucoquinine, which has the ability to lower blood sugar.

Bilberry also contains vitamins A and C, providing additional antioxidant protection that can help prevent free radical damage to the eyes. Vitamin A is required for sharp vision, while vitamin C helps form collagen and is needed for growth and repair of tissue cells and blood vessels. Anthocyanosides support and protect collagen structures in the blood vessels of the eyes, assuring strong, healthy capillaries that carry vital nutrients to eye muscles and nerves.

Bilberry has long been a remedy for poor vision and "night blindness." Clinical tests confirm that given orally it improves visual accuracy in healthy people, and can help those with eye diseases such as pigmentosa, retinitis, glaucoma, and myopia. During World War II, British Royal Air Force pilots ate Bilberry preserves before night missions as an aid to night vision. Bilberry works by improving the microcirculation and regeneration of retinal purple, a substance required for good eyesight.

Grape Seed Extract 50 mg (95% proanthocyanidins)

Proanthocyanidins and catechins extracted from grape seeds have been shown in numerous studies to have beneficial effects, including: inhibition of enzymes that can damage the integrity and elasticity of capillaries, skin and other tissues. In inhibiting the harmful enzymes, the active ingredients in grape seed extract can help to keep the important collagen and elastin in various tissues from degrading. In particular, the capillaries are allowed to retain their flexibility (to let red blood cells through tight places) and integrity (so that blood does not inappropriately leak through the capillary wall).

Grape seed extract has been used for: poor distribution of microcirculatory blood flow in the brain, heart and eyes, poor capillary elasticity and integrity and excessive platelet aggregation. It is also an effective cardiovascular protector and a formidable collagen cross-linking regulator because of its unique affinity with both elastin and collagen proteins.

Vitamin C 350 mg

Vitamin C is involved in virtually every biochemical and biological reaction in the body. It is required for the synthesis of connective tissues such as chondroitin sulphate and collagen. It stimulates lymphocytes, heightening their ability to resist and overcome disease. It is necessary for wound healing, and it aids in the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin C is required to convert cholesterol to bile acids and it helps regulate blood fats. It helps with calcium absorption and it enhances the absorption of dietary iron by up to 400%. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the B vitamins and vitamin E from oxidation. Vitamin C enhances immune function, and it protects all tissues in the body including the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves from damage by free radicals and toxins.

Together, these four powerful nutraceuticals provide maximum benefit in helping prevent or to mitigate the inevitable progression of age related macular degeneration. It is highly recommended that an optimum daily vitamin/mineral/enzyme formula, such as Enerex’s SONA, also be taken on a daily basis to help maintain overall good health.