Low blood levels of vitamin C increases risk of macular degeneration by about 2 to 3 times. In rats, supplementation of vitamin C reduced retinal damage from excessive light exposure.
People who eat foods containing carotenoids get protective health benefits as well. Two carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, found in high levels in collard greens and spinach, appear to reduce risk of macular degeneration according to researchers at Harvard Medical School.
Vision can improve when omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil are included in the diet. A dosage of 1500 to 2000 mg/day for 2 weeks followed by a maintenance level of 1,000 mg/day of omega-3 fatty acids is suggested.
A low fat diet may reduce the risk of macular degeneration. Beneficial sources of Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) include Efacom, Evening Primrose Oil (EPO), EPA, DHA, Borage, Flax, Hemp seed (organic) and Black currant oils.