Supplements for healthy eyes

Eye health is a key aspect of our overall health and comfort. Proper nutrition and eye care can go a long way in maintaining good vision and preventing eye problems. Dietary supplements designed to support eye health can be a useful tool for those who want to ensure that their eyes remain in optimal condition.

Who Should Take Eye Health Supplements?

The eyes are the window to the world, so it's no surprise that eye health is a priority for many people. In particular, eye health supplements may benefit the following individuals:

• Those who want to maintain their eye health as they age.
• Those who want to prioritize eye comfort and vision health due to work that places high demands on the eyes and vision.
• Those who work on computers and are exposed to blue light during most of the day.
• Those who spend more than a few hours a day on their phones or in front of the TV, devices that also emit blue light.
• Those who occasionally suffer from discomfort in the eye area.
• Those who want to protect their eyes from oxidative stress and free radicals.

Even the healthiest eaters among us have days when their diet falls behind. In fact, it's hard to get optimal amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids every day without supplements. Eye supplements in particular are often loaded with lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as carotenoids that you probably don't get tons of from food.

A nutrient-dense diet for eye health would likely include daily servings of dark green leafy greens, carrots, saffron, pistachios and egg yolks – nutrient-dense foods that are high in the vitamins and antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin.

10 Best Supplements for Eye Health

Lutein and Zeaxanthin

• These carotenoids are antioxidants occurring in nature as color pigments in fruits and vegetables. As well as lycopene and beta carotene - a precursor to vitamin A - lutein and zeaxanthin help protect the eyes from oxidative stress. The human macula and retina are rich in lutein, zeaxanthin and another carotenoid, meso-zeaxanthin, which help filter blue light and help maintain eye health. Lutein and zeaxanthin have also been studied for brain health.

Astaxanthin

• This nutrient is included in eye health supplements because it supports eye health. Studies suggest that astaxanthin may help support visual acuity and help fight eye fatigue. Astaxanthin also supports heart and mitochondrial health, supports a healthy inflammatory response, and more.

Saffron

• Saffron extract has been extensively studied for its ability to support eye health. At least nine clinical studies have shown that saffron supports visual function and visual acuity (the ability to see clearly) and helps support macular health.

Blueberries

• Several studies show that blueberries help combat eye strain associated with visual tasks.

French maritime pine bark extract

• French Maritime Pine Bark Extract is a nutrient known for its ability to promote healthy circulation throughout your body – including your eyes. Vision supplements that combine French maritime pine bark extract with blueberry can help maintain healthy eye pressure.

Vitamin C

• Antioxidants are known to be important for maintaining healthy eyes and vitamin C may be the best known antioxidant nutrient. The American Optometric Association recommends a diet rich in vitamin-packed foods, including vitamin C, for healthy eyes.

Vitamin E

• As "another" known antioxidant vitamin, Vitamin E has also been recognized and studied for its role in maintaining healthy vision. Vitamin E is the perfect complement to two other eye-friendly nutrients, vitamin C and fish oil.

Fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids including DHA

• The fish oil you take to support heart and joint health can also support your eye health. In a survey of Australian and New Zealand optometrists, almost 80% said they recommended consuming omega-3 fatty acids to support eye health, and more than 60% recommended omega-3 supplementation. Omega-3s continue to be studied for their role in healthy eyes.

Zinc

• Another antioxidant powerhouse, zinc, has been studied for decades for eye health, thanks to its role in delivering vitamin A to the retina. Zinc also supports immune, cardiovascular and neurological health and helps maintain healthy vision as you age, making it a good mineral supplement to add to your routine.

Standardized extract of maqui berries

• Maqui berries, also known as Chilean wine, are full of anthocyanins called delphinidins. These beneficial compounds support the eye's natural defenses and promote eye comfort and healthy tear production. It also protects healthy eyes from oxidative stress.