February is Low Vision Awareness Month, a campaign to raise awareness for vision problems.

Macular degeneration (most often referred to as age-related macular degeneration, or AMD), is a leading cause of vision loss affecting two million Americans over the age of 50. For the vast majority of those with AMD there is no known cure, but research has shown that a diet rich in the compounds lutein and zeaxanthin protect the macula and may prevent AMD or slow the progression of AMD in certain patients.

According to research, lutein and zeaxanthin comprise a component of the central region of the retina. Consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in lutein and zeaxanthin increase the concentration of these compounds in the eye and may prevent the devastating vision loss caused by AMD.