Herbal molecules in eye diseases

The eyes are exposed to oxidative stress due to light absorption and the high metabolism rate of their tissue cells. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many major eye diseases, including ocular inflammation, neovascularization, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts. Herbal molecules, such as lutein, zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, and vitamin E, have been tried as ocular aliments. Although there are many positive outcomes for preventive or even therapeutic uses for ocular diseases, the efficacy remains controversial. Nevertheless, traditional Chinese medicine remains the best choice of herbal molecules mining for ocular remedies.