Dagny Zhu, MD
Medical Director, NVISION Eye Centers, Rowland Heights, California
Dr. Zhu is a board-certified ophthalmologist and leading cornea and cataract specialist with expertise in advanced vision correction and science-backed eye health solutions.
Ivy-League Eye Surgeon’s Top 5 Eye Supplements in 2025
If You’re Over 40, Your Eyes May Be Missing These Critical Nutrients
Medically Reviewed
Fact Checked
Patient-Focused
Written by
Dagny Zhu, MD
Harvard-educated Ophthalmic Surgeon and Vision Correction Specialist, Proud Partner of 1MD Nutrition®
11 Jan 2025 • 5 min read
Modern technology has made eye health issues skyrocket. Today, more than 40 million adults—both young and old—struggle with vision problems each year. As you age, everyday eye strain causes your eyes to weaken and become more sensitive.
Fortunately, a high-quality eye supplement can help support long-term eye health and maintain vision strength. But with so many supplements on the market, it's important to be cautious. Some formulas simply don’t work.
That’s why I—as a Harvard-trained ophthalmic surgeon and vision correction specialist—am revealing my top 5 supplements for eye health. Based on decades of clinical research, I break down exactly what to look for in a vision supplement—and what to avoid.
How Can a Eye Health Supplement Help?
Supports Long-Term Vision Strength
Defends Against Glare & Blue Light
Enhances Fine Detail Vision
Helps Prevent Oxidative Damage
The Truth About Eye Floaters
If you often see small, floating specks or blotchy lights, you may be experiencing early signs of eye strain that can worsen over time. But the right vision supplement can help reduce floaters and support long-term eye health.
Healthy Eyes = A Healthy Immune System?
Surprisingly, your eye health can be an early indicator of your immune system’s strength. That’s because both rely on the same essential nutrients. The right vision supplement delivers key nutrients to support both vision and immune function.
What’s Causing Your Vision to Weaken?
As you age, your eyes’ sensitive tissue becomes more vulnerable to everyday stressors. With so many working parts, even minor issues can lead to major vision problems.
Digital screens emit blue light, which can damage the macula—the part of your eye responsible for sharp central vision. Too much exposure can strain your eyes and accelerate age-related vision concerns.
Vitamin A & Dry Eye Prevention
Vitamin A is critical for eye hydration and helps improve tear quality. Research shows that supplementing with the right form of Vitamin A can help reduce discomfort and dryness.
Eye Strain Affects Everyone—Even Young Adults
Shockingly, young adults experience the same vision problems as those caused by aging. Why? Excessive screen time is “aging” their eyes faster than ever before.
Common symptoms include:
But there’s good news—breakthroughs in vision science can help protect your eyesight and even strengthen your vision.
Protecting the Macula—Why It’s So Important
The macula is one of the most sensitive parts of the eye, responsible for sharp, central vision and color differentiation. Over time, everyday strain can damage it, making it harder to see clearly.
Studies show that certain key nutrients can help support macular health and reduce the risk of long-term vision concerns.
New Developments in Eye Health
Recent advancements in vision science have been driven by two groundbreaking clinical studies: CARMIS and AREDS 2. These long-term studies reshaped our understanding of eye health by identifying key nutrients essential for maintaining vision and supporting macular function.
The research highlighted the powerful benefits of antioxidants like lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin, which help filter harmful blue light, combat oxidative stress, and promote long-term eye health. In fact, participants in these studies saw a 25% reduction in macular concerns, reinforcing the importance of these clinically studied ingredients.
The Problem with Most Eye Supplements
Many vision supplements use generic, low-quality ingredients that are not clinically tested for effectiveness.
An investigation by the New York Attorney General found that up to 80% of supplements do not contain their advertised ingredients.
To get the best results, make sure your supplement contains clinically studied ingredients that are third-party tested for potency and purity.
Ingredients You Need in an Eye Health Supplement
These three powerful antioxidants naturally accumulate in the macula, the area of the eye responsible for sharp, detailed vision. They provide targeted protection against blue light exposure, helping to maintain the health and function of vision cells most vulnerable to damage.
Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant that has been clinically shown to support healthy circulation to the eyes, ensuring they receive the oxygen and nutrients they need. This improved blood flow can help enhance near-vision focus, which tends to weaken with age, leading to increased difficulty seeing up close.
Lycopene is a vital antioxidant that plays a key role in maintaining eye health. It helps shield eye cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, supporting long-term visual function and helping to slow vision decline.
Carotenes serve as essential precursors to Vitamin A, a crucial nutrient for eye health. These natural compounds help safeguard vision by supporting low-light vision and providing protection against harmful light exposure, including sunlight.
Because antioxidants are highly sensitive and can degrade before reaching the eyes, Vitamin E plays a critical role in stabilizing and preserving them. By protecting these essential compounds, Vitamin E helps ensure they remain effective in supporting overall eye health.
What to Avoid: Synthetic Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential for eye health, supporting low-light vision and protecting eye cells from light damage. Getting the right form of Vitamin A is key to maintaining visual clarity.
Many supplements don’t disclose their Vitamin A source, which is often a synthetic compound called trans beta-carotene. This lab-created version can accumulate in fat cells, leading to toxicity and potential health risks.
Studies have also linked trans beta-carotene to lung health issues, increasing the risk of respiratory complications. To avoid this, choose a supplement with natural "pro-vitamin" Vitamin A, such as cis beta-carotene or mixed carotenes, which are safer and better absorbed.
Top 5 Eye Supplements of 2025
Now that you know the most effective ingredients for vision health—and what to avoid—I have curated a list of the top eye health supplements that meet these strict standards for quality, purity, and effectiveness.
Given my strict criteria and exhaustive research, finding a vision supplement that meets modern scientific standards was a challenge. That’s why I chose to partner with 1MD Nutrition® to back a clinically effective solution that goes beyond the limitations of traditional AREDS2 formulas. This product is called VisionMD and the results speak for themselves.
73% Reported Clearer Vision1
60% Experienced Reduced Eye Strain2
Over Half a Million Bottles Sold
Designed from clinical research and trusted by medical doctors and doctors of optometry, VisionMD® is a solution I confidently recommend to my patients and anyone seeking measurable improvements in their eye health.
Disclaimer: The author of this advertisement is a proud partner of 1MD Nutrition®. The following content is based on the featured product’s website claims, current as of January 2025.
My Top 5 Eye Supplement Picks for 2025
Below are my final rankings from years working in ophthalmology, which I know will help you to make an informed and quality decision:
A+
OVERALL GRADE
Pros
-
Formulated by leading doctors with clinically effective dosages.
-
Contains XanMax® lutein and zeaxanthin for macular protection.
-
Features Lycopene, Tocopherols, and Astaxanthin for robust antioxidant support.
-
Zero artificial fillers or synthetic dyes.
-
3rd Party Tested for Potency & Purity.
-
Transparent ingredient list.
-
90-day money-back guarantee
-
Get 10% off with code 'First10'
Cons
-
Only available online.
Only available online.
The Bottom Line
Backed by clinical research and trusted by health professionals, VisionMD® stands out in a crowded market. Over 73% of users report clearer vision, 60% experience reduced eye strain, and 44% noticed improved night vision, among other proven benefits. Recognized with awards like the 2024 Eye Health Innovation Award and the 2023 Delicious Living Supplement Award, it remains the trusted choice by MDs and ODs for comprehensive vision care.
With almost half a million bottles sold and a 90-day money-back guarantee, VisionMD® offers a trusted, results-driven solution for those seeking lasting improvements in eye health and overall visual performance. This isn’t just another supplement—it’s the only one designed to meet the highest clinical standards and deliver real, measurable results.
Key benefits:
- 73% Report Clearer Vision*
- 60% Experienced Reduced Eye Strain*
Why Choose VisionMD®?
- Ivy-league ophthalmologist-recommended with clinically proven ingredients.
- Supports macular health, blue light defense, and antioxidant protection.
- Free of fillers like synthetic dyes and titanium dioxide.
- Recognized with prestigious health awards.
A
OVERALL GRADE
Pros
-
Contains XanMax® lutein and zeaxanthin for eye health
-
Includes Astaxanthin and Vitamin E for antioxidant support
-
Vegan-friendly and free from artificial fillers
-
Comes with a generous 365-day money-back guarantee
Cons
-
Lacks Lycopene and Mixed Carotenes, key ingredients for comprehensive vision care
The Bottom Line
OptiWell provides a straightforward formula designed to support macular and overall eye health. With clinically studied ingredients like XanMax® lutein and zeaxanthin, along with Astaxanthin and Vitamin E, it offers foundational support for vision. These nutrients are known for their antioxidant properties and their ability to protect against oxidative stress and blue light exposure.
However, the formula lacks key nutrients such as Lycopene and Mixed Carotenes, which are vital for comprehensive eye health. These omissions mean it may not provide the complete spectrum of support that some consumers might seek, especially those aiming for more robust macular protection and overall visual performance. While its formulation is clean and free from synthetic fillers, the limited range of active ingredients may not address all aspects of long-term eye health.
For those seeking a more all-encompassing approach to eye health, other options with a broader ingredient profile may be worth considering.
*Can be purchased at Walmart
3. PreserVision Areds 2
B+
OVERALL GRADE
Pros
-
Lutein and zeaxanthin
-
Vitamin E Acetate
Cons
-
Lacks astaxanthin
-
Lacks lycopene
-
Generic ingredients
-
Short return policy
The Bottom Line
PreserVision includes lutein and zeaxanthin, along with the protective effects of tocopherols. It's also placed on the top of our list as customers are relatively happy with results of this product.
However, this product does not contain lycopene, astaxanthin, and mixed carotenes, thus making this formula not fully complete. Their return policy is standard (30 days), but many customers usually need more time to determine if the product is working for them or not.
Still, this product made our top pick for its usage of top ingredients like lutein and zeaxanthin.
*Can be purchased directly from Amazon
4. Focus Select AREDS 2
B
OVERALL GRADE
Pros
-
Includes Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Tocopherols
-
Offers protection against blue light and oxidative damage
Cons
-
Lacks Lycopene, Astaxanthin, and Mixed Carotenes
-
Contains soy and has a short return policy (30 days)
The Bottom Line
Focus Select provides a standard approach to macular support, featuring essential ingredients like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for protecting against blue light and maintaining macular health. For individuals seeking a basic eye health supplement with foundational support, Focus Select may serve as a reasonable entry-level choice.
However, the formula lacks key advancements in eye health science, including the absence of clinically studied ingredients like Astaxanthin and Lycopene, which are known to enhance antioxidant protection and overall visual performance. Additionally, the inclusion of soy in the formulation may not align with the dietary preferences or sensitivities of all users. The 30-day return policy is another limitation, providing a narrow window for users to evaluate its effectiveness.
While Focus Select addresses basic macular health needs, its limited ingredient profile and short guarantee make it less appealing compared to more advanced and comprehensive options on the market, such as VisionMD®. For those seeking cutting-edge eye health support with clinically validated ingredients, alternative products may offer better value and efficacy.
*Can be purchased at Amazon
5. Macular Support Formula
C+
OVERALL GRADE
Pros
-
Includes Lycopene, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin
-
Free from artificial fillers
Cons
-
Lacks Astaxanthin, Mixed Carotenes, and Vitamin E
-
Limited customer reviews and a restrictive return policy (15% restocking fee)
The Bottom Line
Macular Support Formula takes a targeted approach to macular health, including key ingredients like lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene. These components are well-regarded for their role in supporting macular function and providing some protection against oxidative stress, making the formula suitable for those focused solely on foundational macular health.
However, the formula falls short of offering full-spectrum eye protection, omitting critical advancements like Astaxanthin and Mixed Carotenes, which enhance overall visual performance and safeguard against blue light damage. Its ingredient profile is limited to basic macular support and lacks the depth required for comprehensive eye health solutions.
Additionally, the restrictive return policy, which includes a 15% restocking fee and allows returns only within 30 days, adds a layer of inconvenience for customers seeking flexibility and assurance in their purchase. While it may provide minimal macular support, the lack of comprehensive benefits and customer-friendly policies makes it the least favorable option compared to more robust alternatives.
*Can be purchased at Amazon
About 1MD Nutrition®
1MD Nutrition® is a trusted leader in health and wellness, providing clinically-backed, physician-formulated supplements designed to address today’s most pressing health concerns. With a medical advisory board of board-certified specialists in cardiology, gastroenterology, and immunology, every product is crafted with science-driven precision to ensure maximum safety and efficacy.
Recognized with prestigious awards like the Taste for Life Essentials and Delicious Living Supplement Awards, 1MD Nutrition has earned its reputation for quality and results. Our supplements have improved the lives of over 1 million satisfied customers, addressing needs from digestive health to immune support with unmatched reliability.
Beyond products, 1MD Nutrition partners with leading institutions and supports charitable initiatives to promote better health worldwide. This commitment reflects our mission to deliver real, measurable wellness solutions that stand apart from the rest.
Dr. Zhu also serves as a clinical faculty member at the Western University School of Osteopathic Medicine and as Medical Director and Partner at NVISION Eye Centers. She leads FDA clinical research trials focusing on advancements in treatments for cataracts, presbyopia, keratoconus, and ocular surface health.
American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
World College of Refractive Surgery & Visual Sciences
Cedars Aspens Society
American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS)
AECOS (American-European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery)
