What is the eye-brain axis?
When the retina detects an image, it sends a signal to the brain via the optic nerve, which serves as the main ‘connectors’ between the retina and the brain. These optic nerves carry information to the thalamus, which is responsible for transmitting sensory and motor information to and from the cortex. One part of the thalamus includes a specialized visual structure: the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN). When the optic nerves reach the LGN, they switch off, and finally the LGN sends the message to the occipital lobe of the brain, which controls most visual functions.
The occipital lobe is the center of vision. The parietal lobe plays an important role in visuo-spatial perception, our ability to recognize and adapt to the physical space around us. This includes abilities such as depth perception, navigation and locomotion. The temporal lobe controls memory; It gives meaning to the images we see. The frontal lobe may also play a role in vision and is credited with the brain’s ability to focus.1
The role of eye-brain axis on visual & cognitive health
There is an interaction between the eye and the brain. Injuries or diseases that affect an area of the brain can cause varying degrees of visual impairment or even blindness. Research has linked age-related vision loss to cognitive decline from diseases such as inflammation, diabetes and high blood pressure that affect blood vessels in the brain and eyes, leading to cognitive decline and vision loss. This means that the same health conditions that impair vision can also affect perception in the same person.2,3
A study published in the medical journal Neurology® shows that people with mild vascular disease that damages the retina are more likely to have problems with thinking and memory because they may also have vascular disease in the brain. American Academy of Neurology.4
The brain-eye axis plays an important role in ocular as well as mental performances. Solutions that not only protect the eyes but also support cognition are ideal for supporting the brain-eye axis.
Lute-gen® is one such ingredient. It is clinically-proven to significantly increase Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD) levels in healthy adults. Increased MPOD levels may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and alleviate the damage caused due to oxidative stress & blue-light. It is also shown to significantly improve episodic memory, visual memory & visual learning. The effects of Lutein & Zeaxanthin on visual memory and performance may have important implications for the prevention of cognitive decline as a relationship between visual memory and cognitive decline has been identified.
Reach us at sales@bio-gen.in, to support a healthy eye-brain axis.
#biogenextracts #choosegoodhealth #nutraceuticals #lutein #lutegen #carotenoids #telomere #healthyageing #healthyaging #eyehealth #cognitivehealth #eyebrainaxis
REFERENCES
1. What Part of the Brain Controls Vision? | allabourvision.com
2. Ref: Our eyes and brain. Relationship status: It’s complicated |neuroscience.stanford.edu
3. A Neurologist Explains How Eye Health Impacts Your Brain | eye-brain-connection – Well+Good
4. Eye health is related to brain health- Science Daily
Choose Good Health™ 