HONOLULU -- Western medicine has discovered that an ancient Chinese herbal remedy can help prevent macular degeneration. Berries that are popular in China can protect your eyes, according to one Hawaii doctor.

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in in the United States. About half of people over 80 will experience some form of the disease.

Honolulu ophthalmologist Dr. Malcolm Ing is one of a growing number of mainstream western doctors who are now promoting an ancient Chinese herbal remedy as a way to prevent macular degeneration.

Chinese goji berries contain concentrated amounts of a caratenoid that protects your eyes.

"The primary one we're talking about is zeaxanthin. Zeaxanthin is concentrated in your macula. Researchers have found now that's the primary caratenoid that protects the macula," Ing said.

Chinese goji berries are the No. 1 source of zeaxanthin in the world.

You can find the berries in Chinatown. KITV's Dick Allgire visited Viet Hoa, a Chinese herbal medicine shop. The store sells premium goji berries by the pound.

The Chinese have used goji berries for about 3,000 years. Now, western medicine has clinical studies that show goji berries do protect the eye from light damage.

"If you want to eat everything possible to improve your chances of delaying or preventing macular degeneration, then you should include goji berries," Ing said.

Ing advises his patients to soak a tablespoon or two of the berries in water or put some in a smoothie or even in soup. There is no evidence the berries will cure macular degeneration, but the studies indicate goji berries, along with leafy green vegetables and no smoking can help prevent it.