Best Vitamins and Supplements for Eye Health (2024)

Want to boost your eye health? You may already be eating some of thebest foods for healthy eyes, including carrots, broccoli and salmon. It's an absolute priority if you plan onprotecting your eye health. However, sticking to a balanced diet with the essential vitamins and nutrients your eyes need can be challenging. That's why you may ask yourself: What supplements and vitamins are good for the eyes?

To help cover whatever you're missing in your diet while working to strengthen your vision and stave off eye disease, opt for vitamins and supplements that benefit eye health. Below are some of the best vitamins and supplements for eye health, but of course, you should always consult a doctor before making any changes to your health routine and to find what will work best for you.

The best vitamins and supplements for eye health

Best Vitamins and Supplements for Eye Health (1)

In addition to a balanced diet, here are the best vitamins and supplements for your eyes. Luckily, you can get most of these added supplements for less than $10.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A supports your vision,immune system, heart, lungs and overall growth and development. Specifically, vitamin A helps you see a full spectrum of light, as the vitamin produces pigments in the retina. It can also keep your eyes from drying out. You can find vitamin A in foods such as salmon, broccoli, fortified breakfast cereals, eggs and carrots.

You have probably heard of the magic of carrots. Yes, it's true: Carrots are great for your eyes. Carrots (and other vividly colored fruits and vegetables) are high in beta-carotene, which is a compound that your body uses to make vitamin A. Beta-carotene is also available in a supplement form, although it isn't as common as vitamin A and is often more expensive.

Foods with vitamin A

- Salmon
- Broccoli
- Fortified breakfast cereals
- Eggs
- Carrots

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is like sunscreen for your eyes: It helps protect them from UV damage. The more time you spend outside and under the sun, the greater the risk for damage. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, too long in the sun can cause irreversible damage. Vitamin C can also lower your risk of cataracts, a disease that causes the lens of your eyes to become cloudy.

While a recent study found that vitamin C supplementation was effective in patients who were already vitamin C deficient, more studies are needed to truly understand the relationship between vitamin C and a lower risk of cataracts. In addition to getting enough vitamin C, avoid tanning beds, and if you are outside, wear sunglasses and a hat to protect your eyes.

Foods with vitamin C

- Kale
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Oranges
- Lemons
- Strawberries

Omega-3s

Optometrists regularly recommend their patients consumeomega-3s, and if a patient isn't getting enough of these fatty acids in their diet, try a supplement. Omega-3s are mainly found in fatty fish such as tuna, salmon, mackerel or herring and some nuts and seeds.

The American Optometric Association points to omega-3s as a nutrient that can slow the progress of age-related macular degeneration. Studies have also found that they can help prevent dry eye disease. These nutrients are great for both conditions due to their anti-inflammatory effects.

Foods with omega-3s

- Tuna
- Salmon
- Mackerel
- Herring
- Chia seeds
- Flaxseed
- Walnuts

Read more: Best Multivitamins

Vitamin E

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.

Vitamin C, another antioxidant, has more properties that help regeneration. Vitamin E can only help to protect the cells already there. But vitamin E can slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration. The American Optometric Association recommends 400 IU of vitamin E a day.

Foods with vitamin E

- Sunflower seeds
- Almonds
- Peanuts
- Collared greens
- Red bell peppers
- Mangoes
- Avocados

Zinc

Zinc is found in almost all multivitaminsbecause 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.

Foods with zinc

- Meat
- Shellfish
- Chickpeas
- Lentils
- Pumpkin seeds
- Cashews
- Almonds
- Eggs
- Cheese
- Milk

Read more: Best Zinc Supplements

Lutein and zeaxanthin

Lutein and zeaxanthin are known to be important to our eyes. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids 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.

Foods with lutein and zeaxanthin

- Kale
- Spinach
- Peas
- Broccoli
- Orange juice
- Red peppers
- Honeydew melons
- Grapes

Vitamins and supplements found in foods

Vitamin/Supplement Foods
Vitamin A salmon, broccoli, fortified breakfast cereals, eggs and carrots
Vitamin C kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, oranges, lemons and strawberries
Omega-3s tuna, salmon, mackerel, herring, chia seeds, flaxseed and walnuts
Vitamin E sunflower seeds, almonds, peanuts, collared greens, red bell peppers, mangoes and avocados
Zinc meat, shellfish, chickpeas, lentils, pumpkin seeds, cashews, almonds, eggs, cheese and milk
Lutein and zeaxanthin kale, spinach, peas, broccoli, orange juice, red peppers, honeydew melons and grapes

What to consider

Most vitamins and supplements are generally considered safe for people to take, as they're nutrients your body naturally requires. You should always talk to your doctor before starting any supplements. Some vitamins and supplements can interact with various medications. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new vitamins or supplements in conjunction with certain medications. Especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a medical provider first. Your doctor should be able to safely guide you to the best vitamins and supplements for eye health, as well as proper dosages.

Eye health tips

In addition to the best vitamins and supplements for eye health, there are other ways you can protect your eyes and preserve your vision health:

  • Wear sunglasses:Sunglasses block harmful UV light, decreasing your risk of cataracts, eye cancer and sunburn.
  • Screen breaks: The American Optometric Association recommends the 20-20-20 rule, which states that every 20 minutes, you look away from your screen at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
  • Physical activity: The American Academy of Ophthalmology reported on a study that found a correlation between exercise and eye damage prevention, though more studies are needed.
  • Avoid smoking: Smoking cigarettes can lead to eye diseases that result in vision loss and blindness, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
  • Get regular eye exams: Even if you have perfect vision, it is important to regularly get an eye exam to catch potential issues early. How often you should get an eye exam depends on your age. For instance, people ages 20 to 39 should get an eye exam every 5 years, while those ages 65 and up should get an eye exam every 1 to 2 years.
  • Remove your makeup: Before bed, always remove your makeup to prevent eye irritation and inflammation.

Best vitamins for eyes FAQs

What is the best vitamin for the eyes?

Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, omega-3s, zinc and lutein and zeaxanthin are all important vitamins for the eyes. If you are curious as to which vitamins you need more of, consult your doctor.

What vitamin is lacking for your eyes?

This can vary from person to person, but the best way to find out what vitamin is lacking for your eyes is to consult your doctor. Your doctor can schedule tests to help determine whether you are lacking a certain vitamin that could be beneficial for your eye health.

Does vitamin B12 improve eyesight?

According to Eye MD Monterey, vitamins B12 and B6 can improve eye health, support the optic nerve, reduce your chances of having blind spots and reduce the chances of having age-related macular degeneration, which causes blurred vision.

Do vitamins for the eyes really work?

Vitamins for your eyes are especially helpful when you are deficient in any 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.

What supplements can I take to improve my eyesight?

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.

Best Vitamins and Supplements for Eye Health (2024)

FAQs

What is the best vitamin to improve eyesight? ›

Vitamin A is absolutely essential for vision, Johnson says. A deficiency can cause night blindness, particularly among older individuals, and if it progresses, permanent blindness can result. Beta carotene is thought to be important because it's a precursor of vitamin A.

Which vitamin is most beneficial for human eye? ›

1. Vitamin A. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in vision by maintaining a clear cornea, which is the outside covering of your eye. This vitamin is also a component of rhodopsin, a protein in your eyes that allows you to see in low light conditions ( 1 ).

What is the number one eye supplement? ›

Rankings: Eye Vitamins
RankBrandSample Product
#1 Score: 100Bausch + Lomb OcuviteBuy on CVS.com
#2 Score: 27TheraTearsBuy on Amazon
#3 Score: 26Nature MadeBuy on Amazon
#4 Score: 17Nature's BountyBuy on CVS.com
1 more row

Which medicine is best for eye vision improvement? ›

Hiral Health's Viz-9 Tablets: Advanced Eye Vitamin with Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Astaxanthin – Improve Vision, Protect from Blue Light and UV Rays – Antioxidant-rich Eye Care Supplement (60 Tabs)

Can I improve my eyesight with supplements? ›

Vitamin C helps protect against age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant and preliminary research shows it could help protect your vision. Vitamin D can improve tear function while reducing your risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.

What vitamin is required for mainly good eyesight? ›

Vitamin A is essential for good eyesight.

Are eye supplements worth it? ›

Other studies have found thatginkgo biloba may improve blood flow to the optic nerve and help ease symptoms. But the National Institutes of Health say that these nutritional supplements aren't actively recommended for eye health, and say early detection and treatment can help protect against serious vision loss.

Which fruit is best for eye vision? ›

5 Best Fruits For Eyes
  1. Citrus Fruits. Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons and grapefruit are high in vitamin C. ...
  2. Berries. Strawberries, cranberries, blackberries and blueberries are great superfoods for healthy functioning eyes. ...
  3. Bananas. ...
  4. Mango and Papaya. ...
  5. Apricots.
Feb 24, 2023

What vitamin deficiency causes blurry vision? ›

Vitamin B Deficiencies

Vitamin B1 deficiency will cause toxic optic neuropathy and can cause blurred vision. Vitamin B2, B3 and B6 deficiencies will lead to eye infections and dry eyes. Vitamin B12 deficiency may cause retinal bleeding and nerve tissue damage and can lead to permanent vision loss.

Which is better, ocuvite or areds2? ›

Ocuvite has an average rating of 5.3 out of 10 from a total of 4 ratings on Drugs.com. 50% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 50% reported a negative effect. PreserVision AREDS 2 has an average rating of 2.4 out of 10 from a total of 109 ratings on Drugs.com.

What vitamins are good for the eyes to prevent macular degeneration? ›

Vitamins C and E — Both vitamins are powerful antioxidants that can protect eyes from cellular damage. AREDs recommends 500 milligrams daily of vitamin C and 400 international units (IU) of vitamin E, which can also be found in abundance in salmon, avocado, nuts, seeds, many leafy vegetables and cooking oils.

What vitamins are good for eye floaters? ›

Although there are many ways to prevent the onset of eye floaters, emerging research suggests a diet rich in micronutrients – most notably, zinc, l-lysine, and vitamin C – may improve vision by reducing eye floaters in individuals who already struggle with them.

What is the best supplement for eye health? ›

Vitamins A, C, and E are essential for maintaining good eye health. B vitamins and other nutrients can also be good for the eyes. Deficiencies in particular vitamins can increase the risk of some eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.

How to restore 20/20 vision naturally? ›

Natural Ways to Help Improve Vision and Eye Health
  1. Don't smoke.
  2. Eat a healthy, balanced diet with dark, leafy greens and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids.
  3. Exercise regularly.
  4. Use protective eyewear during activities that may be dangerous to your eyes, such as yard work, sports or home repairs.
Jul 13, 2022

What actually improves eyesight? ›

Unfortunately, eyesight cannot be improved naturally and there's no way to change a refractive error, such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, or presbyopia. These visual conditions can be treated with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.

Can I improve my eyesight naturally? ›

Superior eye health stems from a healthy diet. Make sure you're getting plenty of nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, lutein, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Reach for green, leafy vegetables such as kale or spinach and try to incorporate salmon, tuna, or other types of oily fish into your diet.

Do eye vitamins really work? ›

Mostly, no. “It is not unreasonable to believe vitamins and supplements can impact eye disease, however there is very limited research in this area to give us solid evidence,” says Memphis-based optometrist Mollie Veteto, O.D. The best way to improve eye health is to fine-tune your grocery list.

Does vitamin B12 improve eyesight? ›

It ensures that the retina works well, and that's why it helps with night vision. Vitamin B – B6 and B12 improve eye health and reduce the chances of AMD, which causes blurred vision.

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