A recent study has shown that higher levels of antioxidants in our sytem may extend the life of photoreceptors and other retinal cells. These are cells that, once damaged, are unable to be repaired. In experiments using visual cells from humans, rats and cows researchers at Brigham Young University and Weill Medical College of Cornell University showed that antioxidants prevented damage linked to a lack of healthy nutrients in the retinal cells. .

Lots more processed sugar in our modern diet leads to elevated blood glucose levels and that is directly associated with the development of Macular Degeneration. Cakes and cookies, white bread, sodas, even certain vitamin enhanced waters sweetened with sugar or corn syrup are to blame. Complex carbohydrates found in brown rice, whole grains and fresh don't cause over-elevated glucose levels and thus do not contribute to the disease. While the exact mechanism is unknown, researchers suggest that high blood glucose levels are harmful to the retina and foods high in processed sugars may cause oxidative stress and increase harmful inflammation.

So help your eyes! Consume more of the SuperFoods; foods that contain high levels of antioxidants, especially those containing the nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin. These key nutrients have been shown to be particularly effective in combating macular degeneration. Orange bell peppers, pumpkin, yams, carrots and winter squash are contain high amounts of zeaxanthin. Lutein can be found in dark green veggies such as spinach, kale and broccoli.