Finding the right eye supplements for you might be hard if you don’t have the full picture.
We are here to help!
We have prepared an insightful guide with all the information you need to choose the best possible supplement for you.
What Can the Best Eye Vitamins and Supplements Do for You?
From nutritionists to the American Optometric Association, various experts recommend eye vitamins as one of the best ways to protect your vision and eye health as you get older.
Apart from reducing the risk of age-related vision degeneration, eye vitamins can also:
- Increase blood flow to your eyes
- Nourish and protect the macula
- Help eyes recover from blue light exposure
- Improve eyesight in adults, seniors, and children
Studies and Research on the Effects of Vitamins for Eyes
Eye vitamins are one of the supplements that have been extensively studied and researched.
Major clinical studies have been carried out on various vitamin formulations, some of which have proven to successfully reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a severe condition that causes vision loss among older adults.
Two clinical trials, in particular, are deemed significant.
The first one—AREDS (the Age-Related Eye Disease Study), involved 3,640 participants between the ages of 55 and 80. The study concluded that the AREDS eye health vitamins formula reduced the risk of advanced AMD regression by around 25% and showed a 19% reduction in visual acuity loss among some participants.
The follow-up study, AREDS2, included 4,000 subjects at high-risk of AMD. It also made some changes to the original formula, the biggest one of which was to replace beta-carotene with lutein and zeaxanthin.
Research showed that beta-carotene, although useful in improving eye health, increases the risk of lung cancer in smokers. Unlike beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin were reported to have no drawbacks of that nature.
How to Choose the Best Supplements for Your Eyesight?
Here are the most important factors to consider when buying vitamins to boost eye health and vision.
Ingredients
An effective formula for eye vitamins should have the following ingredients:
- Lutein and zeaxanthin. These two compounds are carotenoids, i.e., pigments found in the plants and in your eyes’ macula and retina. Lutein and zeaxanthin supplements can help absorb blue and ultraviolet light, protecting your eyes from damage. What’s more, several studies indicate that these compounds are the best eye health vitamins to prevent the formation of cataracts and slow down or stop the progress of AMD.
- Vitamin C. A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C protects the eyes from harmful free radicals. When taken in combination with vitamin E and other supplements, vitamin C can also reduce the risk of certain types of cataracts or slow down their progression by helping collagen production.
- Vitamin E. Studies on the best eye care vitamins reveal that a diet rich in vitamin E can help maintain eye health, as well as stop free radicals from breaking down healthy tissue. Studies also seem to suggest that vitamin E can prevent the appearance of age-related cataracts, although more research is needed to support these claims.
- Zinc. This potent antioxidant, found naturally in the eyes, can protect against cell damage, enhance your vision, and help your body absorb vitamin A.
Other vitamins and minerals for good eye health, which aren’t included in the AREDS/AREDS2 formulation, include:
- Vitamin B1 (thiamine). Probably best known as the “anti-stress” vitamin, B1 has also proven helpful in reducing inflammation, particularly in treating uveitis—an inflammatory condition that could lead to blindness. Studies also indicate that consuming vitamin B1, in combination with protein, vitamin A, and niacin, could reduce the risk of cataracts.
- Vitamin A. This vitamin is also connected to a reduced risk of cataracts and AMD. It’s recommended as one of the best eye vitamins for astigmatism as well, but its main benefits lie in treating xerophthalmia, a progressive condition that could eventually lead to blindness.
- Vitamins B6, B9, and B12. This blend of vitamins is said to lower homocysteine levels in the body—a protein causing inflammation and increasing the risk of ADM.
- Omega-3 fatty acids. DHA and EPA, the most common omega-3 fatty acids, have powerful anti-inflammatory effects, and help cell formation in the eyes. Consumption of omega-3s is also said to reduce the risk of ADM and play a role in the prevention of DR (diabetic retinopathy). DHA, in particular, is one of the best eye vitamins for kids, known to boost vision development from an early age. Moreover, it helps cells regenerate after damage from light exposure and age. Finally, omega-3 acids can treat dry eye syndrome by regenerating damaged corneal nerves.
Cost
Eye vitamins typically range between $25.00 and $40.00. Even though they are not overly expensive, you should still take advantage of existing deals and offers.
Most manufacturers of the best eye health supplements take 10%–15% off your first order, as well as offer considerable discounts when you sign up for a monthly or a three-month subscription.
To get the most bang for your buck, look for brands that offer other buying perks, like free shipping, support programs, and generous return policies.
The Manufacturer’s Reputation
Always try to buy supplements from reputable and transparent manufacturers to ensure safety, quality, and efficacy.
Here are some of the indicators that you’re dealing with a reliable supplier of eye health supplements:
- All the ingredients are clearly listed on the site and the product label (dosage included).
- Product reviews include both positive and negative customer accounts and experiences.
- All supplements are third-party tested for safety.
- Supplements are made at an FDA-registered and GMP-compliant facility.
Some Final Tips
- Always try to choose organic vision supplements.
- Avoid fillers like wheat, corn, and dairy, which can cause allergies and food intolerances.
- If you start to feel any unwanted effects, stop using the supplements.
- Consult a healthcare professional before you decide to take any kind of supplement.