AMD is an acronym for “Age Related Macular Degeneration”.  It is a disease where the retina degenerates, destroying central vision, leaving only peripheral vision. It is the leading cause of blindness in people over 55 years of age, affecting between 25 and 30 million people worldwide.

In the journal Ophthalmology (February 2008, Volume 115, Issue 2, Pages 324-333) found that antioxidants may do more than merely prevent AMD. The 27 subjects were given either a placebo or antioxidant nutrients (vitamins A, E and zinc), and bioflavonoids  (plant antioxidants, including lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin). Although it was a small study, the researchers noted improvements in the vision of the group given the supplements.