When light from the sun or from bright LED lights enters the eye, damage can occur on the retina. Over time, this damage can lead to an increased risk of macular degeneration and premature blindness. Carotenoids in the eye, and particularly in the macula, protect the light sensors in the retina. Maintaining the levels of carotenoids in the diet can help keep eyes healthy. 

Macular Degeneration is a chronic disease of the retina. The macule is the part of the retina that collects light at the back of the eye and transfers that information to the optic nerve. It is most responsible for the vision in the center of the visual field. Someone with macular degeneration has progressive deterioration of the macule causing gradual central visual field loss. Lutein and zeaxanthin are two carotenoids found in the retina. These two chemicals can slow the progression of this disease by helping to protect the retinas from light damage to their cells.

• Lem, D. W., Davey, P. G., Gierhart, D. L., & Rosen, R. B. (2021). A systematic review of carotenoids in the management of age-related macular degeneration. Antioxidants, 10(8), 1255.
• Sabour‐Pickett, S., Nolan, J. M., Loughman, J., & Beatty, S. (2012). A review of the evidence germane to the putative protective role of the macular carotenoids for age‐related macular degeneration. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 56(2), 270-286.
• Wu, J., Cho, E., Willett, W. C., Sastry, S. M., & Schaumberg, D. A. (2015). Intakes of lutein, zeaxanthin, and other carotenoids and age-related macular degeneration during 2 decades of prospective follow-up. JAMA Ophthalmology, 133(12), 1415-1424.