Cysteine is important for retinal health maintenance. Glutathione is one of the most important antioxidants in the eye.

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.