Among dozens of well-known eye health supplements, there are more than few that can contribute to eye health and vision improvement in one way or another. Each of these supplements has different functions, so first we will categorize the supplements themselves.
The first group of supplements will be those for general prevention. This includes well-known vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin E, vitamin C, and zinc.
In this group, we can also put the omega-3 fatty acids and some powerful antioxidants from the carotenoids group, such as lutein, astaxanthin, and zeaxanthin.
The second group is the group with nutritional vision supplements that are clinically proven or have strong potential in the treatment of certain eye problems or overall vision.
These eye health supplements might serve both for prevention and for the treatment of the symptoms of certain disease conditions.
1) Supplements for General Prevention and Specialized Vision Supplements
The use of key vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and antioxidants can help improve the vision and this is used in cases of pain, fatigue and eye irritation, and ocular health deterioration.
The National Eye Institute of the United States has determined the selection and doses of certain supplements in eye disease, associated with aging, study (AREDS).
The results suggest that a daily intake of 500 mg of vitamin C, 400 IU of vitamin E, 25 000 IU of beta-carotene and 8 mg of zinc are needed for the reduction of the risk of vision loss and reduction of the macular degeneration with aging.
Taking these supplements for vision help most individuals in the early and advanced stages of macular degeneration, but could theoretically help for the general prevention with or without the presence of disease.
Subsequent studies have shown that the addition of the omega-3 fatty acids and the antioxidants zeaxanthin and lutein enhances the prevention and treatment of macular degeneration.
- Astaxanthin has a general antioxidant effect at a DNA level and it gets accumulated in the eye tissues. The high doses of astaxanthin have a powerful protective effect on the ocular tissues. Astaxanthin improves the blood flow without affecting the intraocular pressure.
- Lutein is also an ocular pigment, which concentrates in the ocular tissues. The intake of lutein increases the concentration of pigment in the eye and helps improve the condition of macular degeneration in elderly people. With the absence of a pathological condition, lutein supports the overall eye health and often improves fatigue or eye pain, regardless of age.
- A deficiency of certain antioxidants may lead to chronic dry eye syndrome. That is why the regular use of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin, are recommended.
- Melatonin is another supplement that can be used for general health and prevention of disease conditions. Melatonin promotes directly the prevention of macular degeneration, controls the eye pigmentation, and protects the ocular epithelial cells from oxidative stress.
Recommended Vision Health Products:
- Astaxanthin – Now Foods Astaxanthin 4 mg
- Lutein – Doctor’s Best Lutein with OptiLut 10 mg
- Omega-3 Fish Oil – Madre Labs Omega-3 Premium Fish Oil
- Melatonin – Natrol Melatonin TR Time Release 3 mg
2) Additives for Treatment of Certain Disease Conditions
2.1) Intraocular Pressure and Glaucoma
Intraocular pressure is a strong pressure caused by fluids in the eye and can lead to glaucoma, which is expressed in optic nerve damage and vision loss.
- CDP-Choline is a source of bioactive acetylcholine, which helps the brain function. Taking CDP-Choline in cases of intraocular pressure improves the vision and eye health, but does not help for the treatment of the disease. A similar effect can be applied to the intake of Alpha-GPC, which is another form of acetylcholine.
- Forskolin (Coleus forskolii) is a herb that significantly helps for intraocular pressure. It not only reduces the symptoms but also the pressure in the eye. Studies have concluded that aqueous solution drops of forskolin and oral intake of 200 mg daily are beneficial. Most oral tests, however, are made in combination with other dietary supplements; therefore further studies on forskolin administered alone are needed.
- Melatonin also regulates the intraocular pressure through the melatonin receptor by inhibiting the action of the adrenaline effect. Three milligrams of melatonin for 6 months lead to a stabilization or slight improvement of the condition in most patients.
- Astaxanthin is an antioxidant that has the ability to protect the ocular tissues from damage in cases of high intraocular pressure.
- Ginkgo biloba is another powerful antioxidant that affects glaucoma. The intake of 80 mg 2 times a day dramatically improves the blood flow in patients suffering from glaucoma, without adversely affecting the intraocular pressure. The end result is improved deviations in eyesight.
Recommended Vision Health Products:
- CDP-Choline – Jarrow Formulas Citicoline CDP Choline
- Forskolin – Cardiovascular Research Ltd. Forskolin
- Astaxanthin – Now Foods Astaxanthin 4 mg
- Melatonin – Natrol Melatonin TR Time Release 3 mg
- Ginkgo Biloba – Doctor’s Best Extra Strength Ginkgo
2.2) Choroidal Neovascularization
Choroidal neovascularization is characterized by the construction of new blood vessels in the choroidal space of the eye. This is often the reason for the development of degenerative maculopathy.
The intake of astaxanthin indicates a positive impact on the disease when the disease is age-related. The positive effect is due to its antioxidant protective properties and anti-inflammatory effect.
2.3) Allergic Conjunctivitis
The intake of Ginkgo Biloba as an ophthalmic solution dramatically improves the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, also known as “pink eye.”
2.4) Sjögren’s Syndrome
Sjögren’s syndrome is known as “dry eye” and is characterized by irritation and itchy eyes. The intake of n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) inhibits the symptoms of the syndrome and successfully counteracts the irritation in the eyes.
Recommended Products:
- Astaxanthin – Now Foods Astaxanthin 4 mg
- Ginkgo Biloba – Doctor’s Best Extra Strength Ginkgo
- NAC (N Acetyl Cysteine) – Doctor’s Best Best NAC Detox Regulators
3) Where Can We Find the Right Supplements
You can find a number of famous companies for dietary supplements that offer a full range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants on the market. One of the leaders in the market is the US company NOW Foods.
The company NOW Foods is characterized by high quality and potent forms of nutritional supplements. In their catalog, you can find:
- Vitamin C-500
- Natural beta-carotene 25 000 IU
- Vitamin E from mixed tocopherols
- Bioactive zinc glycine or L-Optizinc (zinc monometionine as the best form of zinc)
- Potent fish oil Ultra Omega-3
- Powerful antioxidants Lutein and Astaxanthin
One of the products of the company is the complex formula Ocu Support, which includes the full range of key vitamins (A, E, C, B-2), minerals (zinc, selenium) and antioxidants (blueberry, lutein, green tea, n-acetylcysteine, and zeaxanthin).
Conclusion
It is appropriate to emphasize that nutritional supplements are used for general health and general prevention. We cannot give you the assurance that even under a strict food and supplements plan you will not reach the condition of deterioration of vision or the occurrence of any disease conditions.
The use of certain dietary supplements has a preventive effect and reduces the risk, without eliminating it completely. The use of other food supplements contributes to the treatment of certain pathological conditions.
However, they are not considered medicinal products. You cannot rely on these supplements for the overall treatment of eye diseases. Which supplements do you use for vision health and eyes-related diseases?
