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.
Dr. Zhu Ranks 2025's Top 5 Vision Supplements for Healthier Eyes
A Harvard-Trained Eye Surgeon Reveals What to Look For—And What to Avoid
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 caused vision concerns to skyrocket. Over 40 million Americans, young and old, report issues every year. Once you reach adulthood, constant blue light and everyday strain slowly weaken the eye’s sensitive tissue.
As an Ivy-League–educated eye surgeon, I want to help you protect your vision the smart way. A truly effective vision supplement can help maintain healthy eyesight—but not all formulas are created equal.
That’s why I did the work for you. Below you’ll learn which ingredients must be in a vision formula (and in the right doses!), common myths about lutein, and the Top 5 vision supplements I trust most for 2025.
How Can A Vision Health Supplement Help?
Helps Strengthen Vision
Defends Against Glare
Enhances Fine Detail Vision
Helps Prevent Oxidative Damage
Defends Against Blue Light
The Truth About Eye Floaters
If you see sudden clusters of floating spots or flickers of light, don’t ignore them. This often signals eye strain that can worsen with age and overexposure to screens. A quality vision formula — with the right antioxidants — helps protect delicate retinal cells and can reduce the appearance of floaters over time.
Lutein: Benefits, Dosages & Myths
Lutein is the macula’s natural protector, but it doesn’t work alone. Clinical research shows lutein works best when paired with zeaxanthin, both in the correct amounts:
10mg Lutein + 2mg Zeaxanthin: This is the proven sweet spot recommended by top eye specialists and backed by AREDS 2 & CARMIS studies.
Some brands advertise mega-doses like 20–40mg of lutein, but research doesn’t support higher amounts. Stick to what the science shows.
What’s Weakening Your Vision?
As you get older, your eyes struggle more to handle everyday tasks — even tiny cellular damage can affect clarity and color vision.
Phones, tablets, and screens blast your eyes with blue light daily. Over time, this weakens the macula and accelerates strain.
Prevent Dry Eyes with the Right Vitamin A
Dry eyes happen when tear ducts fail to produce enough healthy moisture. Studies show that a safe form of Vitamin A — derived from natural mixed carotenes, not synthetic chemicals — helps improve tear quality and comfort.
Eye Strain Affects Everyone
Surprisingly, young adults who use screens constantly often experience the same vision problems as aging eyes. Why? Blue light exposure accelerates wear and tear.
Common signs include:
New science-backed supplements help protect the macula, reduce eye strain, and maintain crisp vision.
Protecting the Macula—Your Eye’s Most Sensitive Spot
The macula controls your ability to see detail and distinguish colors. Damage here limits sharp vision fast. Two landmark clinical studies—CARMIS and AREDS 2—proved that nutrients like lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin help shield this delicate region, reducing macular issues by up to 25%.
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 Vision Supplements
Many store-bought eye vitamins use generic fillers and untested ingredients. An investigation by the New York Attorney General found up to 80% of tested supplements didn’t contain their promised amounts!
To truly support your eyes, your supplement should:
- Use clinically studied ingredients
- Provide exact proven dosages
- Be third-party tested for purity and potency
Ingredients You Need in an Eye Health Supplement
Your macula’s front-line defender. The gold standard dose — not too much, not too little.
These work with lutein to strengthen macular pigment and block harmful blue light.
This antioxidant improves blood flow and helps your eyes focus up close — especially helpful as you age.
These plant compounds are the natural source of safe Vitamin A — crucial for night vision and tear production.
Protects antioxidants like lutein and keeps them potent until they reach your eyes.
Beware Synthetic Vitamin A
Many supplements hide the source of their Vitamin A—often a lab-made chemical called trans beta-carotene. High doses can build up in your fat cells and even harm lung health.
Better: Look for “mixed carotenes” or “cis beta-carotene.” They are safe, natural forms.
Top 5 Eye Supplements of 2025
You now know what to look for—and what to avoid. Here are the Top 5 formulas I personally recommend to help protect your eyes, ranked by quality and clinical effectiveness:
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
-
Next-gen formula inspired by CARMIS & AREDS 2
-
Patented XanMax® lutein & zeaxanthin blend (clinically dosed)
-
Astaxanthin, Lycomato® lycopene, EVTene™ mixed carotenes
-
Natural tocopherols (Vitamin E)
-
Zero artificial fillers or dyes
-
90-day money-back guarantee
-
Extra 10% off with code "Hello10"
Cons
-
Only available online.
Only available online.
BOTTOM LINE:
VisionMD® delivers everything the research says works — and nothing you don’t need. Users report clearer night vision, less strain, and sharper detail. Backed by eye surgeons (including me!), it’s the #1 choice for modern eye health.
A
OVERALL GRADE
Pros
-
XanMax® lutein & zeaxanthin blend
-
Astaxanthin
-
Natural Vitamin E
-
Zero fillers
-
365-day money-back guarantee
Cons
-
Missing lycopene & mixed carotenes
-
Online only
BOTTOM LINE:
Great lutein & zeaxanthin combo for daily support. Solid budget option but not as comprehensive as VisionMD®.
*Can be purchased at Walmart
3. PreserVision Areds 2
B+
OVERALL GRADE
Pros
-
Lutein & zeaxanthin
-
Vitamin E
Cons
-
Missing astaxanthin & mixed carotenes
-
Generic ingredients
-
30-day return only
BOTTOM LINE:
Classic, trusted formula. Good for basic macular support but lacks modern upgrades.
*Can be purchased directly from Amazon
4. Focus Select AREDS 2
B+
OVERALL GRADE
Pros
-
Lutein & zeaxanthins
-
Vitamin E
Cons
-
Missing astaxanthin & mixed carotenes
-
Contains soy
-
Short return policy
BOTTOM LINE:
Provides proven AREDS 2 basics. No-frills option if on a tight budget.
*Can be purchased at Amazon
5. Macular Support Formula
C+
OVERALL GRADE
Pros
-
Lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene
-
No fillers
Cons
-
Lacks astaxanthin, mixed carotenes, & Vitamin E
-
Short refund window (restocking fee)
BOTTOM LINE:
Minimalist macular formula. Lacks comprehensive antioxidants for full eye protection.
*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)
