Is Your Vision Supplement Effective?

In 2001, the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) conducted by the National Institutes of Health found that certain combinations of nutrients could slow the progression of macular degeneration. In 2011, AREDS2 updated that specific combination – replacing beta-carotene with lutein and zeaxanthin to reduce risks related with certain forms of vitamin A in smokers.

A recent study, conducted in part by Yale University, has found that a majority of the top selling vision supplements claim to reduce risks for macular degeneration and help protect vision, but do not meet the nutrient combinations used for AREDS and AREDS2. In fact, only four of the 11 top selling products have nutrient densities equivalent to those used in these studies.

It is important to remember that, while certain combinations of nutrients have been shown to help slow the progression of age-related vision disorders, not all vision problems can be treated or prevented with supplements. What’s more, because not all supplements contain the comprehensive spectrum of nutrients used in the AREDS studies, choosing the right one for you can prove very difficult. The best way to learn which, if any, supplement is right for you is by working with an experienced ophthalmologist.

To learn more about nutrition and visual health, please use our contact form to be put in touch with an experienced ophthalmologist in your area today.