Supplements for Eyes
There's very little evidence that eye health focussed supplements (or increasing consumption of suitable foods) improves or maintains eye health, slows or stops age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or improves night vision, if you don't have a deficiency. Those who eat a varied, wholefood diet that includes dairy, fruit and vegetables are unlikely to benefit from taking supplements. Most multivitamins will contain an appropriate amount of vitamin a, the range of vitamin bs, vitamin e and zinc.
There is some evidence lutein and zeaxanthin may decrease the risk of developing nuclear cataract.
Vegetarian athletes and vegans need to be careful. Why?
| Supplement | Benefit(s) | Soluble in | Synergies/Antagonists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astaxanthin | Antioxidant | Fat - yes | Do not supplement if you eat vitamin A rich foods |
| Bilberry | Retinol & others | Fat | Do not supplement if you eat vitamin A rich foods |
| Blueberry | Retinol & others | Fat | Do not supplement if you eat vitamin A rich foods |
| Lutein | Retinol & others | Fat | Do not supplement if you eat vitamin A rich foods |
| Omega 3 Fatty Acids | Retinol & others | Fat | Do not supplement if you eat vitamin A rich foods |
| - Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) | Retinol & others | Fat | Do not supplement if you eat vitamin A rich foods |
| - Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) | Retinol & others | Fat | Do not supplement if you eat vitamin A rich foods |
| Vitamin A | Retinol & others | Fat | Do not supplement if you eat vitamin A rich foods |
| Vitamin B2 - Riboflavin | Retinol & others | Water - yes | Do not supplement if you eat vitamin A rich foods |
| Vitamin B12 | Retinol & others | Water - yes | Do not supplement if you eat vitamin A rich foods |
| Vitamin E | Retinol & others | Fat - yes | Do not supplement if you eat vitamin A rich foods |
| Zinc | Retinol & others | Fat | Do not supplement if you eat vitamin A rich foods |
| Zeaxanthin | Retinol & others | Fat | Do not supplement if you eat vitamin A rich foods |
Astaxanthin
For more information see the astaxanthin page.
Bilberry
For more information see the bilberry page.
Blueberry
For more information see the blueberry page.
Lutein
For more information see the lutein page.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Often found in cod liver oil.
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)
Helps maintain the health of your brain, central nervous system, and retinas. Your body doesn’t make these fatty acids — you can only get them from your diet.
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
Helps maintain the health of your brain, central nervous system, and retinas. Your body doesn’t make these fatty acids — you can only get them from your diet.
Vitamin A
For more information see the vitamin A page.
Vitamin B2 - Riboflavin
A prolonged deficiency can lead to cataracts.
Vitamin B12
For more information see the vitamin B page.
Usually in combination with vitamins b6 and b9.
Vitamin E
For more information see the vitamin e page.
Zinc
For more information see the zinc page.
Zeaxanthin
For more information see the zeaxanthin page.
Metadata
Created:
Last Updated: 2026-01-14