Vitamin E deficiency is rare among Americans, and symptoms of deficiency are uncommon. However, since vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, people with fat-malabsorption disorders are at higher risk of deficiency. This supplement is affordable and third-party tested.

This supplement is gluten-free; however, it contains gelatin so those following a strict vegan diet may not want to take this supplement.

Key Specs: Form: dl-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate Type: Softgel Dose: One softgel Servings Per Container: Third-Party Certified: Yes. Omega-3s are a type of polyunsaturated fat widely touted for their anti-inflammatory benefits. There is mixed evidence that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may reduce symptoms of dry eye disease and computer vision syndrome— eye strain from computer use.

Dunham explains that DHA—an omega-3 fatty acid—is abundant in the retina of your eyes, and Shapiro says that consuming more omega-3s may help prevent inflammation and lubricate the eyes. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in foods like flaxseed oil, canola oil, chia seeds, walnuts, and fatty fish.

There are recommendations for the omega-3 fatty acid ALA, which most Americans get enough of, but no recommendations for adequate intakes of EPA or DHA.

Shapiro recommends this brand because of their well-sourced omega-3 supplements. Their fish oil is from sustainably sourced, wild-caught sardines and anchovies, which are low-mercury fish.

One teaspoon contains milligrams of omega-3s from EPA and DHA, but you can easily take more or less as needed. You can also rest assured that this supplement is third-party tested for purity and potency, including heavy metal testing. It comes in lemon flavor, which helps offset the fish oil taste.

Key Specs: Form: EPA, DHA Type: Liquid Dose: One teaspoon Servings Per Container: 96 Third-Party Certified: Yes. Shapiro likes it specifically because its antioxidant profile is tailored to promote eye health.

It contains vitamins C and E, plus lutein and zeaxanthin. Antioxidants can be obtained through a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This supplement also has citrus bioflavonoids, quercetin , rutin , bilberry fruit extract, and l-glutathione —additional antioxidants that can help prevent oxidative stress.

Besides antioxidants, it also has vitamin A, a nutrient known to prevent night blindness, and vitamin D. A systematic review found links between vitamin D and myopia, AMD, diabetic retinopathy, and dry eye syndrome. Vitamin D deficiency is relatively common compared to other nutrients; a systematic review found that globally, Supplementation can help correct low vitamin D levels.

Key Specs: Form: Vitamins A, C, D, and E, riboflavin, zinc, selenium, chromium, citrus bioflavonoids complex, taurine, quercetin dihydrate, rutin, lutein, bilberry fruit extract, l-glutathione, zeaxanthin isomers Type: Capsule Dose: Two capsules Servings Per Container: 30 Third-Party Certified: No.

As far as supplements for eye health go, AREDS2 supplements have some of the strongest research behind them for preventing the progression of AMD.

Both Dr. Rapaport and Dr. DeBroff recommend these supplements because of their strong research backing. AREDS supplements include milligrams of vitamin C, IUs of vitamin E, 15 milligrams of beta-carotene, 2 milligrams of copper, and 80 milligrams of zinc.

The AREDS2 trial found that adding 10 milligrams of lutein and 2 milligrams of zeaxanthin and removing the beta-carotene reduced the risk of advanced AMD even more than the AREDS formulation.

Note that the softgels are made with gelatin , so those following a strict vegan diet may want to avoid this supplement. Key Specs: Form: Vitamins C, E, zinc, copper, lutein, zeaxanthin Type: Softgel Dose: One softgel Servings Per Container: Third-Party Certified: Yes.

If you have an eye disease, then it may be helpful to add supplements to your diet to promote eye health, particularly if you struggle to eat a well-rounded diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

Other groups that may also benefit from adding a supplement for eye health include:. Although eye health supplements are mostly considered safe, they may be unnecessary for certain populations. These include:. Our team works hard to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements; you can read more about our dietary supplement methodology here.

We support supplements that are evidence-based and rooted in science. We value certain product attributes that we find to be associated with the highest quality products.

We prioritize products that are third-party tested and certified by one of three independent, third-party certifiers: USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab. It's important to note that the FDA does not review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they go to market.

Our team of experts has created a detailed, science-backed methodology to choose the supplements we recommend. We interviewed the following experts to determine the best supplements for eye health:. Supplements that are third-party tested are sent to a lab where they are tested to ensure they contain what they say they contain and are not contaminated with specific high-risk, common contaminants.

You can find supplements for eye health in a variety of forms, including pills, liquids, and gummies. Pills are usually the easiest to find and convenient, liquid makes it easy to adjust the dose, and gummies are easy to take if you struggle with swallowing pills. However, you can typically find single-nutrient supplements with key vitamins and nutrients for eye health—omega-3s, lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamins A, C, and E.

It is essential to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included relative to the recommended daily value of that ingredient. Please bring the supplement label to a healthcare provider to review the different ingredients contained in the supplement and any potential interactions between these ingredients and other supplements and medications you are taking.

There are some specific ingredients to be mindful of when it comes to supplements for eye health. If you are following a vegan diet, then check the label on pills and gummy supplements because they often contain gelatin.

Some eye health supplements have added herbal ingredients that may interact with certain medications or cause allergic reactions in some people. These herbal additives may not be backed by research.

Certain medications can interact with nutrients important for eye health, so if you are taking a prescription medication, supplementation should not be started until consulting with your healthcare provider.

Namely, Vitamin E affects blood clotting, so taking a vitamin E supplement can be dangerous if you are also taking an anticoagulant drug like Warfarin. Taking a vitamin A supplement while also taking a prescription drug with synthetic retinoids like acitretin or bexarotene can cause vitamin A toxicity.

The recommended dietary allowances RDAs or daily adequate intakes AIs for key nutrients for eye health for adults are below. Each nutrient for eye health has a different tolerable upper intake level UL. Unless a healthcare professional recommends you take a higher dose than the UL to treat a nutrient deficiency, you are at increased risk for adverse effects or toxicity if you exceed this amount.

Here are the ULs for key nutrients for eye health:. Using supplements to bridge dietary gaps in nutrition may help promote your eye health. In fact, ensuring you meet your baseline nutrient needs is not only important for eye health but overall health as well. Taking an AREDS2 supplement, in particular for macular degeneration, can help preserve your vision, says Dr.

One great way to improve your eye health is by eating a varied diet rich in fruits and veggies. This will help ensure you get in key nutrients for eye health through food like antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E.

Furthermore, Dr. Key vitamins for eye health are vitamins A, C, and E. Eye health supplements often also contain the minerals zinc, selenium, and chromium.

Besides these, omega-3 fatty acids and the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin are also important for good eye health. Isabel Vasquez RD, LDN is a registered dietitian, freelance health and nutrition writer, and the founder of Nourishing Narratives LLC. In her work as a dietitian, she prioritizes recommending high-quality supplements backed by research and not taking a one-size-fits-all approach to health.

National Eye Institute. Pellegrini M, Senni C, Bernabei F, et al. The Role of Nutrition and Nutritional Supplements in Ocular Surface Diseases. Published Mar Eghtedari Y, Oh LJ, Girolamo ND, Watson SL. The role of topical N-acetylcysteine in ocular therapeutics.

Surv Ophthalmol. Green tea. National Institutes of Health. Vitamin A and Carotenoids. Vitamin C fact sheet for health professionals.

Tanito M. Reported evidence of vitamin E protection against cataract and glaucoma. Free Radic Biol Med. Vitamin E fact sheet for health professionals. Downie LE, Ng SM, Lindsley KB, Akpek EK. Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids for dry eye disease.

Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Antioxidant Supplements: What You Need To Know. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Chan HN, Zhang XJ, Ling XT, et al. Vitamin D and Ocular Diseases: A Systematic Review.

Int J Mol Sci. Cui A, Zhang T, Xiao P, Fan Z, Wang H, Zhuang Y. Global and regional prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in population-based studies from to A pooled analysis of 7. Front Nutr. National Eye Institutes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vision loss, blindness, and smoking.

Zhao ZC, Zhou Y, Tan G, Li J. Research progress about the effect and prevention of blue light on eyes. Int J Ophthalmol. Vitamin A and carotenoids fact sheet for health professionals. Nutrient recommendations and databases. Mrowicka M, Mrowicki J, Kucharska E, Majsterek I. Lutein and Zeaxanthin and Their Roles in Age-Related Macular Degeneration-Neurodegenerative Disease.

Omega-3 fatty acids fact sheet for health professionals. Tolerable upper intake. Ranard KM, Jeon S, Mohn ES, Griffiths JC, Johnson EJ, Erdman JW Jr. Dietary guidance for lutein: consideration for intake recommendations is scientifically supported. Eur J Nutr.

Omega-3 fact sheet for health professionals. Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising. Use profiles to select personalised advertising. Create profiles to personalise content. Use profiles to select personalised content.

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Develop and improve services. Use limited data to select content. List of Partners vendors. By Isabel Vasquez RD LDN. Medically reviewed by Kristie Reed, PharmD. Fact checked by Rich Scherr. Our Top Picks. Best Overall:. Best Vegetarian:. Best Vitamin A:. Vitamin E is an essential antioxidant that protects your cells.

Some research suggests this vitamin can help reduce the risk of age-related eye diseases. Zinc helps protect against damage to your cells. Some research suggests zinc can protect against macular degeneration as you get older.

Additionally, you can look into zinc supplements, but speak with your doctor first. Eye nutrition can help lower your risk of eye-related problems. Working with your eye doctor to change your diet can benefit your health in the long run.

You may not thank yourself now, but try again in a few years. Laurie Capogna is a doctor of optometry and the founder of Eye Wellness. Her mission is to educate and inspire her patients, the public, and the eye care community about the power of nutrition and lifestyle in ocular health.

She regularly presents educational lectures and articles on eye health and nutrition, and has co-authored two best-selling books on these subjects; Eyefoods: A Food Plan for Healthy Eyes and Eyefoods for Kids: A Tasty Guide to Nutrition and Eye Health.

When it comes to understanding your eyeglass prescription, the process can sometimes feel overwhelming. With a multitude of numbers and abbreviations, deciphering the information written on your prescription may seem like a daunting task.

In this blog post, we will break down the components of an eyeglass prescription and guide you through the reading process. Read More…. A comprehensive eye exam can reveal meaningful insights about your eye health and overall well-being.

By prioritizing regular eye exams, you can maintain healthy vision for years to come. As an Ontario resident, you may wonder if you are eligible for a free eye exam through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan OHIP.

OHIP does cover […]. You may wonder what the solution is when you wake up with dry eyes. The truth is—the dry eye treatment for you depends on your unique needs.

Warm compresses, eyelid washing, lifestyle changes, limiting screen time, and visiting your eye doctor are some ways you can help prevent dry eyes in the morning. Why Are […]. We are located at the corner of Portage Rd.

and Colborne St. Niagara Falls, ON Skip to content. The Top 6 Vitamins and Supplements for Eye Health Request Appointment. How Can Your Diet Affect Your Eyes? Can Vitamin Deficiency Cause Eye Problems?

Someone is at risk of vitamin A deficiency if they have: Intestinal inflammation Liver or pancreas disease Weight control surgery Malnutrition Measles Diarrheal conditions How You Can Improve Your Eye Nutrition You can improve your eye nutrition by changing your diet. Foods in this diet include: Almonds, cashews, and walnuts Seafood Healthy fats like olive oil Moderate amounts of dairy and eggs Green leafy vegetables Lower salt intake Colourful fruits Whole-grain bread and pasta For people with diabetes , a low-glycemic diet can be beneficial.

A low-glycemic diet includes: Brown rice Wheat pasta Oatmeal Sweet potatoes Nuts Whole-grain bread Focus on getting enough vitamins and nutrients to improve your eye nutrition—from dietary changes or supplements. Consider eating more of these lutein and zeaxanthin-rich foods: Cooked spinach Collard greens Kale Omega-3 Fatty Acids Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, making them beneficial for your eyes.

Vitamin C Most people know of the benefits of vitamin C , thanks to oranges and other fruits. You can get more vitamin A in your body by eating: Sweet potatoes Leafy green vegetables Pumpkin Bell peppers Vitamin E Vitamin E is an essential antioxidant that protects your cells.

Invest in Your Eye Health Eye nutrition can help lower your risk of eye-related problems. How to Manage Dry Eyes in Winter Can Dry Eyes Cause Blurriness?

Categories: Categories Contact Lenses Dry Eye Eye Conditions Eye Exams Eye Health Eye Nutrition Eyeglasses Lenses Promotions Updates. Share This Article:. Written by Laurie Capogna Dr. More Articles by Laurie Capogna. Our Blogs. How to Read Your Eyeglass Prescription Eyeglasses.

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Another powerful antioxidant, vitamin E is vital to all our cells and cell functions. It helps to protect our bodies from cancer-causing free radicals and plays an important role in vision.

Studies have shown that vitamin E can help protect the retinas from free radicals that can cause eye disease. However, vitamin C, another antioxidant, has more properties that help regeneration.

Vitamin E can only help to protect the cells already there. Vitamin E can also slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration. The American Optometric Association recommends IU a day. Zinc is found in almost all multivitamins because it is such an essential nutrient to the body.

It is used to boost the immune system and help the body heal from wounds quickly. Zinc also aids in eye health. Zinc helps vitamin A create melanin a pigment that protects the eyes and may shield the eyes from age-related macular degeneration. The American Optometric Association recommends 40 to 80 mg a day to slow the progression.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are known for being important for our eyes. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids and found in red and yellowish fruits and vegetables, as these compounds give the produce their vibrant colors. Carotenoids , also powerful antioxidants, are vital to eye health. They protect the eyes from free radicals that can cause damage.

Lutein and zeaxanthin, specifically, have been found to prevent damage to retinas. These carotenoids can also slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration. The American Optometric Association recommends a daily amount of 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin. While you can find lutein and zeaxanthin in supplement form, one bottle is on the pricier side.

You may find it better, easier and more affordable to just eat more fruits and vegetables. Most vitamins and supplements are generally considered safe for people to take, as they're nutrients that your body naturally requires.

However, you should always talk to your doctor before starting any supplements. Some vitamins and supplements can interact with various medications. Especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a medical provider first. Your doctor should be able to guide you safely to the best supplements and dosages.

Vitamins for your eyes are especially helpful when you are vitamin deficient in any of the essential vitamins for vision. These include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, omega-3s, zinc, and lutein and zeaxanthin.

Studies have found that these vitamins and nutrients can help protect your eyes and even slow the process of age-related eye diseases. While these supplements are not a cure, they support eye health. You can take vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, omega-3s, zinc and lutein and zeaxanthin. While all are available in supplement form at various prices, you can naturally obtain these vitamins and nutrients in a balanced diet.

However, there are many natural ways to protect your eyes and even improve your eye health. These include limiting sun exposure, wearing UV sunglasses and a hat, getting all the essential vitamins and minerals through your diet or supplements, taking breaks from staring at a screen , getting enough sleep and practicing eye exercises.

Eye Care. Dental Care. Mental Health. Other Personal Care. Why You Can Trust CNET. Wellness Personal Care. Caroline Igo Editor. She received her bachelor's degree in creative writing from Miami University and continues to further her craft in her free time. Before joining CNET, Caroline wrote for past CNN anchor, Daryn Kagan.

Hepburn Award for Best Nonfiction Essay Miami University, See full bio. A number of studies indicate that people who consume more of two omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid EPA , were less likely to have AMD.

Low levels of omega-3 fatty acids are associated with dry eye syndrome and retinopathy, a disease that causes progressive damage to the retina. Research has also shown that infants whose formula contains DHA develop better vision than infants not given DHA.

Several large studies show that vitamin C reduces the risk of getting some types of cataracts. Two of these studies also found that a combination of vitamins C and E supplements reduced risk for cataracts and slowed the progression of cataracts.

Diet should always be your primary source of vitamins and minerals. In addition to diet and supplements, there are some other things you can do at home to promote eye health:. Consult your ophthalmologist before taking AREDS2.

An ophthalmologist is a doctor who specializes in eye health. Your doctor will be able to determine if the supplements will be effective, given the status of your eye health. Your eyes and vision are affected by many factors, including genetics and age.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and eating a balanced diet that contains antioxidant-rich foods can contribute significantly to the health of your eyes. Learn more: The symptoms of vitamin B deficiency ». Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Due to its antioxidant properties, lutein may help reduce inflammation in your eyes, fight off free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and improve…. Can eye exercises help improve your vision? Here are techniques you can try. Getting regular eye checkups is just one of many ways you can get better eyesight.

Keep reading to learn other ways you can improve your vision. A well-balanced diet can help keep your eyes healthy. Learn the seven best foods to eat for eye health. MindBodyGreen provides third-party-tested supplements made with high quality ingredients.

Our testers and dietitians discuss whether MindBodyGreen…. Vitamins are for athletes to stay healthy. You may get all you need from the food you eat. Some athletes may benefits from vitamin supplements. Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is a type of omega-3 fat that may improve many aspects of your health, from your brain to your heart.

Here are 12…. Vitamins are what your body needs to function and stay healthy. It's possible to get all the vitamins you need from the food you eat, but supplements….

A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Can Supplements Improve Eye Health and Vision?

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. What science has to say. vitamin C mg vitamin E IU lutein 10 mg zeaxanthin 2 mg zinc 80 mg copper 2 mg taken to prevent copper deficiency caused by zinc. What supplements may help my eye health? Do you need supplements?

When should you see your doctor? Can I use supplements to improve my eye health? Tips for eye health. How we reviewed this article: Sources.

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Apr 10, Written By Susan York Morris.

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