Top 3 Best Eye Vitamins for Macular Degeneration

eye vitamins for macular degeneration

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Understanding macular degeneration

This article looked at the widely researched Eye Vitamins for macular degeneration and other eye-related disorders. One of the age-related degenerative illnesses, AMD damages the macula, which is located in the center of the retina and is important for high-acuity daytime vision. 

Aging, increased oxidative stress, genetic susceptibility, and other factors all have a role in the development of AMD. Numerous research conducted to date point to a link between dietary micronutrients and slowing the progression of eye diseases like Macular Degeneration

These findings have raised interest in the use of micronutrients with antioxidant properties to stop the oxidative damage associated with the onset of degenerative eye disorders. Micronutrients, such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, are therefore appealing as prospective techniques for early intervention.

The importance of nutrition for eye health

Proper nutrition is an important component of maintaining healthy eyes. Eating a diet high in things like vitamins C, E, A, and nutrients such as zeaxanthin, lutein, and omega-3 fatty acids, is vital in maintaining one’s eye health. These nutrients enhance the function of the eye, more specifically the most sensitive areas — the  lens, the macula, and the retina. As a result, these nutritional elements prevent the us from acquiring the age-related visual health problems that many people start to experience around their late 50s.  They also protect the eyes against other chronic eye diseases like dry eyes, macular degeneration, and cataracts. Besides, other sources of antioxidant nutrients obtained from fruits and vegetables contain polyphenol, which helps protect the eye from oxidative exposure, the main factor for the eyes being damaged. It’s also important to maintain a healthy body weight and proper management of a disease that may have adverse effects on one’s eye health, such as diabetes. Staying on top of these things will help ensure healthy eyes with clear vision into our senior years.

Vitamin for the eyes with macular degeneration

These vitamins and minerals are selenium, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and -carotene, as well as anthocyanins, carotenoids, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The most effective antioxidants for preventing or lowering the risk of Macular Degeneration and other eye-related disorders are lutein and zeaxanthin. These xanthophylls have been demonstrated to improve eye health and lower the risk of a number of eye-related problems. The best vitamins for lowering the risk of macular degeneration are vitamins A, C, and E. However, while vitamins C and E are known to function as antioxidants, only vitamin A plays a crucial role in the human (RPE) retinal pigment epithelium cells. In addition to these vitamins, minerals like zinc and selenium have also been related to eye disorders. For eye protection, selenium is a potent antioxidant as well.

AREDS Vitamins are the best vitamins for AMD

A relatively sizable research study was AREDS 2 (Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2). It examined regular vitamin and mineral supplementation for AMD. This study discovered that some patients with a lot of drusen may benefit from using specific nutritional supplements. These supplements may help reduce the risk of converting to wet AMD and vision loss in those who have already lost some vision in one eye due to Macular Degeneration. These persons may reduce their chance of developing late-stage or wet AMD by taking the daily dietary supplements listed below:

  1. 500 mg of vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
  2. 400 international units of vitamin E (IU)
  3. Lutein 10 mg, 
  4. Zeaxanthin 2 mg, 
  5. 80 mg of zinc oxide, and 2 mg of cupric oxide  (Copper)

It’s crucial to keep in mind that nutritional supplements cannot treat AMD, although they might be able to halt the progression of the condition in some cases. If you think you might benefit from these supplements, your ophthalmologist can examine your eyes.

AREDS2 study vitamins, are they safe?

Beta-carotene was omitted from an improved version of the AREDS2 formula in favor of lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids, which may be safer for smokers. People who smoke have an increased chance of developing lung cancer when consuming beta-carotene.

What does each of these AMD vitamins do?

Zeaxanthin and Lutein

Because lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids like beta-carotene, they make the best replacements in the AREDS formula. There have been about 600 carotenoids discovered in all; just two, lutein and zeaxanthin, are detected in the retina. Of these, 50 are present in the typical human diet. 

It is also believed that these two carotenoids function as blue light filters in the retina.

Zeaxanthin (3 mg) and lutein (10 mg) make up the AREDS2 dosage.

Vitamin C

Strong antioxidant vitamin C works to stave off harm from free radicals. Collagen, the connective tissue that forms the body, is also aided by it. Vitamin C  promotes immunological function by keeping blood vessels robust and open, which aids in circulation throughout the body and in the eyes.

500 mg of vitamin C is the recommended AREDS dose.

Vitamin E

Alpha-tocopherol, the most widely used type of vitamin E and the form employed in the AREDS trial,

The health of the circulatory system, which is healthy for the retinas, is supported by vitamin E. This vitamin aids in blood thinning and lowers the chance of blood clots.

Vitamin E is given in AREDS at 400 IU per day.

Zinc

The metabolic processes within the retina and the retinal vascular system depend heavily on zinc. Early research on eye health discovered that zinc by itself helped AMD patients keep their vision. 

The AREDS dosage of zinc is 80 mg, although studies have shown that supplementing with 80 mg has no advantages over supplementing with a lower dose. The zinc dosage in the AREDS 2 research was actually cut to 25 mg for the participants, and the results showed no adverse effects; yet, the official AREDS 2 formula still calls for 80 mg of zinc. 

The higher amount of this mineral in the AREDS recipe shows the little effect and is essentially over-mineralizing, hence some Macular Formulas only contain 40 mg.

Copper

Copper is depleted by zinc, and as the AREDS formulation also contains zinc, copper is depleted as well.

The copper dose for AREDS is 2 mg.

Other Beneficial Vitamins and nutrients for AMD

There are other vitamins that are advantageous for maintaining eye health and decreasing the advancement of macular degeneration in addition to those in the AREDS2 formula. AREDS2 solutions do not contain these nutrients, but vitamin supplements like EyeScience’s Macular Health Formulation do contain them to assist treat AMD.

Tips for choosing the right eye vitamins

AREDS2 formulations is always a good choice. Pay attention to the dosages of each of the nutrients in the supplement. Read review for the quality of the brands. Look for brands that undergo third party testing for purity and potency. take into account other supplements or medications and possible interactions.

So, what are the best eye vitamins for macular degeneration?

We have updated this post for 2023 and added a bonus AREDS formulation that has taken the top spot for the most complete AMD Supplement.

MaxiVision’s Ocular Formula

Your eyes are intricate. Although studies have indicated that some foods can help prevent age-related macular degeneration, there are numerous other eye structures with different nutritional requirements. The Ocular Formula Capsules from MaxiVision are a doctor-formulated, exclusive blend of components selected from leading studies including the AREDS 2 trial. • 15 nutrients for eye health of the highest caliber, including vitamins, minerals, herbs, and antioxidants. • Has twice as much of numerous ingredients as the typical quantity, such as the hard-to-find antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, to ensure large doses. • Contains all of the compounds from the AREDS 2 research, including FloraGLO® lutein. Even though many of the elements in our MaxiVision’s Ocular Formula Capsules are challenging to get in a standard diet, they can be essential to the proper operation of your eyes. They can provide your eyes with thorough care and disease resistance that your diet just cannot provide!

Ocular Formula

 

EyeScience’s Macular Health Formulation 

This is a great vitamin with all of the main nutrients that have been shown to reduce the risk of dry macular degeneration converting to the wet form. Its a bit more expensive than some but has much more than just the basic AREDS2 formula. 

Bilberry

Bilberry has long been used as a treatment for eye issues, helping pilots see clearly and enhancing night vision. The anthocyanidin component of the berries is thought to be responsible for the benefits to vision. 

Bilberry has been shown in studies to fortify the capillary walls. A German study with 31 AMD patients found that taking bilberry improved the strength of their faulty capillaries. 

Additionally, bilberry improves circulation in the retinas by

  • Vascular dilation
  • lower cholesterol
  • enhancing red blood cell performance

The daily dose of 150 mg of bilberry, which contains 25% anthocyanidins, is advised for supporting the vision.

Extract from grape seeds (GSE)

Bioflavonoids and the plant compound resveratrol, which is good for your health, are found in grape seeds and skins. Grape seed extract, a potent antioxidant, is more effective than vitamin E at neutralizing free radicals and blocking the molecules that cause inflammation.

Blood clots are prevented and blood flow is improved with grape seed extract. This helps to avoid macular degeneration, which is especially advantageous for the retinas. Additionally, the ability of grape seed extract to strengthen blood vessels is crucial since the conversion of dry AMD to wet AMD is linked to blood vessels. 

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Diabetes patients are advised to take this antioxidant because elevated blood sugar levels might hasten oxidation. Alpha lipoic acid slows the progression of diseases brought on by excessive oxidative stress, including diabetic neuropathy, while also defending the kidneys and retinas. Therefore, if this antioxidant may help diabetics decrease the advancement of retinal abnormalities, it can also help macular degeneration patients. 

The daily dosage for alpha lipoic acid is 20 mg.

(Vitamin B6 and Folate) Folic Acid

The inner blood vessel walls are harmed by the amino acid homocysteine. In order to break down homocysteine so that it doesn’t damage blood vessels, vitamin B6 and folate are both required. Unfortunately, homocysteine levels rise along with the risk of blood vessel damage when adequate amounts of essential nutrients are not consumed through food, such as leafy greens and whole grains. 

The suggested dosage is 400 mcg of folate and 50 mg of vitamin B6. Verify that the levels in your multivitamin are in line with the advised dosage. 

Vitamin Supplementation for the Management of Macular Degeneration

The development of age-related macular degeneration can be significantly impacted by vitamins and dietary supplements. There are a number of products available that contain the nutrients mentioned in the AREDS and AREDS2 studies, but as the information above shows, there are other nutrients that are advantageous for people with macular degeneration.

Selenium

With vitamin E, selenium improves antioxidant activity and produces glutathione peroxidase, which aids in preventing damage from free radicals. A supplement is suggested because most people do not consume enough selenium from food sources. 

A daily intake of 50 mcg of selenium is advised for Eye Vitamins for macular degeneration.

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MacuHealth Triple Carotenoid Formula

The only nutritional vision supplement that contains all three macular carotenoids—lutein, meso-zeaxanthin, and zeaxanthin—in the same 10:10:2 ratio as a macular pigment is MacuHealth’s triple carotenoid advanced formula.

LUTEIN, MESO-ZEAXANTHIN, & ZEAXANTHIN

Lutein, Meso-Zeaxanthin, and Zeaxanthin are beneficial for treating AMD and dry eye. Additionally, it functions as an antioxidant that shields the eyes from blue light, prolonged computer and phone use, and other hazards.

ADVANCED VISUAL PERFORMANCE AND ASSISTS IN THE TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF AGING-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION

This extreme eye care is precisely formulated and scientifically proven to repair and enhance macular pigment over a lifetime.

ULTIMATE EYE CARE & SUPPORT

When it comes to nutritional vision supplements for eye health, MacuHealth is at the forefront. It lowers the chance of developing blindness later in life by increasing macular pigment formation, lowering glare, and improving contrast sensitivity.

DOCTOR RECOMMENDED

MacuHealth embraces research to establish a new benchmark for dietary supplements for vision in the eye care sector and seeks to restore your macular pigment to safeguard your good vision and improve visual function.

For those with a lot of oxidative stress, this formulation is great due to the triple dosage of the carotenoids.

The only nutritional vision supplement that contains all three macular carotenoids—lutein, meso-zeaxanthin, and zeaxanthin—in the same 10:10:2 ratio as a macular pigment is MacuHealth’s triple carotenoid advanced formula.

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Macutene Protect

  • This is a slightly less expensive option and has all the good stuff in it including Quercetin.
  • Which is a powerful antioxidant and has been shown to help reduce the risk of infection of covid 19.
  • Glass bottles are completely recyclable and, unlike plastic bottles, which allow for some dietary supplements to deteriorate over time, completely block all oxygen and water.
  • Many less expensive products lack essential components for eye health, such as antioxidants, which prevent free radical damage to the macula and support night vision.
  • Macutene is NSF Certified, Certified Vegan, Certified Gluten-Free, and non-GMO.
  • Without the NSF Certification, products might not truly contain the components they say they do or may not have them in the proportions they say they do. They also might include dangerous pollutants.
  • For people who find swallowing a capsule difficult or unpleasant, our capsules can be opened and the powder mixed with food or drink.

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Other lifestyle changes to support eye health

Quiting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your eye health and your overall health as a whole. The toxins and oxidative stress created from smoking greatly contributes to AMD. Getting regular exercise, practicing relaxation techniques and reducing consumption of processed foods and vegetable and seed oils is also very helpful in slowing and preventing Macular Degeneration.

Consultation with an eye care professional

We offer a free consultation with Dr. Larsen about our MaculaRevive program. We do very specific genetic, food, and biomarker testing to give you the road map to know what foods and supplements you should and shouldn’t be consuming specific to your personal needs. Fill out the form at the top of this post to be contacted.

faqs for Eye Vitamins for Macular Degeneration

FAQs for Eye Vitamins for Macular Degeneration

Can eye vitamins reverse macular degeneration?

Some supplement manufacturers claim that their eye vitamins for dry AMD can reduce and improve vision. Such as Macuhealth which helps repair the retinal pigment epithelium.

What foods should be avoided with macular degeneration?

Food high in saturated fats and cholesterol. Also, foods that are highly processed.

How can I improve my macular degeneration naturally?

Take a good supplement like one of the vitamins recommended above and eat a healthy diet with lots of green leafy vegetables. 

What is the best eye vitamin to prevent macular degeneration? 

The 3 above are all great eye vitamins for macular degeneration. An omega 3 supplement should also be taken.

Is coffee good for Eye Vitamins for macular degeneration?

It’s been discovered that caffeine may be able to slow the development of inflammatory retinal illnesses such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

About the Author:
Dr Shaun Larsen

Dr Shaun Larsen

Dr. Shaun Larsen is an optometrist who specializes in low vision services and enhancing vision with contact lenses. He has a passion for making people's lives better by helping them see well enough to read, write, or drive again. He always keeps up with the latest technology so he can help people regain their independence.

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