The retina
The retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the inner eye. It acts like the film in a camera; images come through the eyes’ lens and are focused on the retina. The retina then converts these images to electric signals and sends them via the optic nerve to the brain.
The macula
The macula is part of the retina – an area at the back of your eye that is responsible for our central vision. The macula gives us sharp and detailed vision at the centre of your eye-line, which is essential for activities like reading and driving.
Macular carotenoids
The macula is the most sensitive part of the retina, and has a very high concentration of light-sensitive cells which help to give us this detailed central vision. The body naturally deposits the macular carotenoids at the macula.
Macular pigment
Nutrition for your macula
Macular carotenoids are found in high concentrations at the back of the eye, in the macula. Learn more about nutrition for your macula in this short video.
Sources of macular carotenoids
The body can’t make macular carotenoids, so we have to consume them in our diet. An average western diet contains approximately 1.3-3mg of these carotenoids each day.

Lutein
Lutein is found in dark green leafy vegetables – like spinach and kale – as well as in corn and eggs.

Meso-zeaxanthin
Meso-zeaxanthin is found mainly in fish products, specifically the skin of salmon, sardine, and trout.

Zeaxanthin
Zeaxanthin, like lutein, is found in dark green leafy vegetables, as well as in sweetcorn and eggs.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Nutrients to support eye health
Certain nutrients help to maintain normal vision and support eye health.
As well as getting the right nutrition, there are several things you can do to look after your eye health.

Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) helps support the maintenance of normal vision.

Zinc
Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.

Vitamin E and C
Vitamin E contributes to the protections of cells from oxidative stress.
Nutrients to support eye health
Certain nutrients help to maintain normal vision and support eye health.
As well as getting the right nutrition, there are several things you can do to look after your eye health.

Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) helps support the maintenance of normal vision.

Zinc
Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.

Vitamin E and C
Vitamin E contributes to the protections of cells from oxidative stress.
*MacuShield Original+, Chewable and Original+ Vegetarian contain vitamin B2, which helps to maintain normal vision. MacuShield Gold contains Zinc, which helps to maintain normal vision.