Best Eye Supplements to Boost Your Vision Health

There are thousands upon thousands of eye supplements on the market. A simple Google search will bring up an extensive list.

But how do you know which ones are best for you? How many nutrients do your eyes need?

Chances are, you’re unsure of where to start to improve your eye health. Ensuring you get the right nutrients in the right doses is a great place to start. You’re likely getting some of these nutrients from the food you eat, but not all of them.

So, let’s talk about what the best eye supplements are for vision health and where you can find them.

Different Types of Supplements for Eye Health

In a two-part Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS and AREDS2), researchers looked at the effectiveness of eye supplements. The first, AREDS, looked at multivitamins and their ability to ward off cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Over 3600 people participated in the 10-year study, taking a daily multivitamin. Many of the participants had early to intermediate stages of eye diseases. The results? The multivitamin’s antioxidants reduced the risk of AMD progression by 25 percent. It reduced the risk of vision loss due to AMD by 19 percent. Participants who didn’t take the multivitamin saw no benefits in their AMD progression or cataract progression.

In AREDS2, the multivitamin used was updated. Scientists removed the beta-carotene because at the time it was linked to an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers. They also added the carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, which were known to benefit the eyes specifically. The results of this study? The participants who took the new eye supplements had a reduced risk of developing AMD by 25 percent. The participants who didn’t take it saw no reduction in their risk.

The eye health supplements researched in AREDS and AREDS2 have the most evidence for preventing AMD. But they also have tons of other benefits for the eyes.

The Best Eye Supplements

Here’s an extensive list of all the best eye supplements you need to be getting. If you don’t get these nutrients from your diet, consider taking them in multivitamin form. Eye supplements and multivitamins are super convenient and effective ways to take care of your eyes.

1. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is one of the nutrients included in the second age-related eye disease study above. It’s proven to help prevent AMD as well as cataracts. Essentially, vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects the cells from free radicals. When the cells in your eyes get attacked by free radicals, they can be damaged. Thus, allowing AMD and other diseases to develop. By protecting the cells, they stay strong and effective in the eyes. You can get vitamin E from your diet through leafy greens, tropical fruits, and oils.

2. Vitamin C

Vitamin C, another AREDS nutrient, is hugely beneficial for eye health. It’s one of the best eye supplements for reducing the risk of cataracts. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that the blood vessels in your eyes depend on. Capillaries and connective tissues rely on vitamin C to keep the cells strong and healthy. Since the body doesn’t naturally produce this nutrient, we must get it from food or eye supplements. We can find vitamin C in citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and limes.

3. Beta Carotene and Vitamin A

Beta carotene is a form of vitamin A called a provitamin. It’s sourced from fruits and vegetables and gets converted into retinol inside the body. Vitamin A and beta carotene are vital to protecting the cornea. Since the cornea is on the surface of the eye, it’s vulnerable to many risks. It’s susceptible to bacteria and viruses that cause eye infections. By getting enough vitamin A, you protect the cornea’s cells from infections. It can also aid in the treatment of dry eyes and decrease the risk of AMD.

4. Zinc

Zinc is a mineral our eyes depend on for producing pigment. It brings vitamin A from the liver to the eyes to create melanin. Zinc is one of the best eye supplements for treating poor vision. If you struggle to see at night and in low lighting, check your zinc levels. You can find it in red meat, tofu, beans, and seafood. However, ensure you don’t go over the daily recommended dose of zinc. Too much can cause an upset stomach.

5. Alpha-Lipoic Acid

ALA is a powerhouse of an antioxidant because it lives in every cell in the body. It’s responsible for keeping the mitochondria healthy and helps the cell to produce energy. Even though our bodies produce it naturally, the amount it produces declines as we age. If you’re starting to notice the signs of aging in your skin and eyes, you might need more ALA. Luckily, the human body isn’t the only place it’s produced. You can find ALA in red meats, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and peas.

6. Eyebright

Of all the eye supplements, this one isn’t the most well-known. However, it’s one of the best for treating inflammation in the eyes. When the membranes around the eyes swell with inflammation, they aren’t as effective. They don’t deliver as much vitamin A or C to the eyes. Eyebright is a natural herb that tightens the membranes and improves circulation. Not only that, but it’s also an effective antioxidant and anti-astringent.

7. Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba, another natural herb for the eyes, is an amazing supplement. It targets your body’s circulatory system and promotes healthy blood flow. In fact, boosting the blood flow to your retinas can help prevent retinal damage. Thus, it also improves visual acuity. People suffering from diabetes often endure retinal damage. Ginkgo biloba is one of the best eye supplements for them.

Eye supplements, like the Ocu-Plus Formula, are crucial to the health and function of your eyes. You don’t necessarily have to get them from a multivitamin, like in the ARED studies. If you can get them from your daily diet, great! However, for those who can’t, these are some of the best eye supplements to take daily. Ensure your eyes get all the nutrients they need to maintain health for years to come.