Cataracts and Glycation

                         Image via WikipCataracts form in the lens of the eye - a biconvex structure that is essentially made up of water and proteins. These proteins are arranged in a very specific way that enables the lens to be kept clear and light to pass through it. However, if the proteins become damaged a cataract may start to form. And it is a process known as glycation that is a major culprit when it comes to protein damage.

Glycation is the reaction that occurs when simple sugar molecules such as fructose and glucose become attached (bind) to proteins (or lipid fats) without the controlling action of an enzyme. This process, also called non-enzymatic glycosylation, results in the formation of rogue molecules known as advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs). These AGEs interact with adjacent proteins (cross link) which results in impaired function, free radical formation and accelerated aging. AGEs are therefore linked to many age-related diseases and conditions including the development of senile cataracts.

Glycation is of particular concern to diabetics who already suffer from the effects of poor glucose control. Certainly, being diabetic increases your chances of developing cataracts due to increased glycation occurring.

It stands to reason then that if you can prevent and reverse glycation you are well on the way to helping to prevent and reverse cataracts. Fortunately, a chemical compound known as carnosine is capable of doing just that. Carnosine is a di-peptide made up from a combination of the amino-acids beta-alanine and l-histadine and has proven to be a very effective inhibitor of glycation. It works by competing with proteins for binding sites on sugar molecules. It is also thought to bind already produced AGEs so they get removed. In this way carnosine is capable of effectively preventing and reversing the development and growth of cataracts.

The trick has been to get carnosine to where it is needed most. And this where Can-C Eyedrops come in to play. The carnosine found in Can-C Eyedrops´ unique formula is specifically in the form of N-acetylcarnosine. N-acetylcarnosine acts as a "carrier" of carnosine which means that it can be delivered directly into the aqueous humor of the eye (the fluid surrounding the lens). N-acetylcarnosine is also highly resistant to the enzyme carnosinase - the natural enemy of carnosine because its action is to break down carnosine.

And the scientific evidence is clear. Clinical trials showed that after 6 months use of cataract eye drops 90% of patients had improved vision as the carnosine drops gently and effectively melted away their cataracts. 

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