Beta carotene is a provitamin A carotenoid, or a nutrient that the body readily converts into vitamin A. Research has found that eating a carotenoid-rich diet, including beta carotene, supports eye health and prevents eye diseases. Studies have shown that people with high blood levels of carotenoids may reduce their risk of macular degeneration by up to 35 percent. One Korean study found a strong link between beta carotene intake and reduced risk of macular degeneration in smokers. http://www.sldcarotene.com/natural-carotene/