


Looking for eye health supplements and vitamins for eye problems? We’re here to help. Scroll down for guidance from our experts.
Vitamins can’t fix common vision issues like short-sightedness or long-sightedness, as those are caused by the shape of your eye and usually need glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. But certain vitamins and nutrients can help protect your eyes as you get older. In particular, a large research project in the USA by the National Eye Institute called the AREDS studies found that specific high-dose supplements can slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in people with moderate to advanced forms of the condition. So while vitamins won’t give you 20/20 vision, they can play a role in keeping your eyes healthier for longer if you’re at risk of certain eye diseases.
A combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin has been found helpful. This particular mix has been shown to slow the progression of moderate to advanced macular degeneration. Beta-carotene is also helpful, though not recommended for smokers. For people without AMD, nutrients like lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3s are thought to support the retina and overall eye health.
They can, but it depends on the situation. The best evidence is for people with age-related macular degeneration. For other eye concerns like cataracts or general prevention, the benefits of supplements are less clear. Most eye doctors recommend focusing on a diet full of colourful fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens. Supplements can be helpful, but they’re not a replacement for regular eye checks or professional medical treatment.
Blurry vision can happen for all kinds of reasons, from needing a new glasses prescription to conditions like dry eye, diabetes, or cataracts. If it’s linked to dryness or eye strain, some nutrients may help. Vitamin A, for example, is crucial for eye health and night vision, while lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids may support the retina and tear production. That said, vitamins won’t clear up blurry vision unless they’re addressing the root cause, so it’s essential to get checked by an eye specialist first to find out what’s really going on.
There’s no magic food for perfect vision, but certain foods do support long-term eye health. Leafy greens like spinach and kale are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which help protect the retina. Bright orange foods like carrots and sweet potatoes provide beta-carotene, a source of vitamin A that’s important for good vision, especially in low light. Oily fish like salmon and sardines are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which help keep the retina healthy and may reduce dry eyes. Overall, a diet similar to the Mediterranean diet, with plenty of vegetables, fruit, fish, and healthy fats, is a great way to support your eyes.
There isn’t one specific fruit that can directly lower eye pressure, but fruits that are high in antioxidants and vitamin C may help support overall eye health. Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits are a good source of vitamin C, which has been looked at for its possible protective effects on the eyes. Berries and grapes also contain flavonoids, which may support blood flow to the optic nerve, though the evidence is still limited. If you have high eye pressure or glaucoma, the most important thing is to follow your treatment plan and see your eye specialist regularly. Diet can support your eye health, but it’s not a replacement for medical care.