Where to Buy Eye Vitamins

[See our Eye Vitamin Recommendations Below]

There are several trusted brands of formulas for macular degeneration. Most are based upon the most recent AREDS2 research published by the United States National Eye Institute. Some are based on the original AREDS research from 2001. Options differ on whether they use these formulas exactly or add additional quantities of the beneficial ingredients, whether they use artificial colors, whether they use natural or synthetic ingredient sources, and whether they the capsules are vegetarian or made from animal gelatin. We only include products from those companies that consistently test accurately by third party laboratories for purity and potency.

For which types of macular degeneration are the eye vitamins helpful?

The National Institutes of Health found that these vitamins were beneficial in cases of intermediate and severe macular degeneration, including both dry and wet forms.

Why is beta-carotene no longer available in most eye vitamins?

Beta-carotene was shown to increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers and formers smokers. It was originally included in eye vitamin formulas for non-smokers, but was found to be less effective than formulas with lutein and zeaxanthin. Thus, most manufacturers removed this from their current formulas.

Which vitamin for do we recommend?

We do not recommend one manufacturer or the other. However, it is our goal to educate consumers about the quality of ingredients and inclusion of proven ingredients that are beneficial in promoting the health of the macula and good vision. Information comparing vitamin and their availability is listed below.

Macular Degeneration Vitamin Comparison Table

NameRatingComments
VisiVite AREDS2 Gold PLUSundefined
VisiVite: $29.95
Amazon: $39.95
50% more lutein and 137% more lutein than AREDS2. Bilberry, Zinc, Grapeseed extract, Alpha Lipoic Acid, L-glutathione, Selenium, Vitamins B6, C and E. Most complete macular degeneration formula on the market. Strikes best balance between AREDS2 and additional antioxidants. Naturally-sourced ingredients, including zeaxanthin from paprika. Vegetarian capsules.
VisiVite AREDS2 Selectundefined
VisiVite: $23.95
Amazon: $25.95
Lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, Vitamins C and E. The AREDS2 formula with 40 mg zinc. Naturally-sourced ingredients, including zeaxanthin from paprika. Vegetarian capsules.
MaxiVision Ocular Formulaundefined
Amazon: $21.95
Lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, Vitamins C and E, additional antioxidants. AREDS2 with 25 mg Zinc. “Proprietary blend” of additional ingredients unclear. Vegetarian capsules. Contains fish and soy.
Pure Encapsulations Eye Protect Basicsundefined
Amazon: $21.50
Lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, Vitamins C and E.The AREDS2 formula with 25 mg zinc and additional fat-soluble Vitamin C. Vegetarian capsules.
Preservision AREDS2undefined
Amazon: $25.17
Lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, Vitamins C and E. The AREDS2 formula with synthetic Vitamin E and artificial colors. Animal gelatin softgels.
EyePromise Restoreundefined
Amazon: $35.95
Only 40% of the lutein but 300% more zeaxanthin when compared to AREDS2. 250 mg of ethyl ester omega 3, alpha lipoic acid, zinc, Vitamins C, D3 and E. Zeaxanthin-rich formula, but with low lutein and zinc that stray too far from AREDS2. Ethyl ester omega 3s not shown to be helpful in AREDS2
MacularProtectundefined
Amazon: $25.95
Lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, folate, Vitamins B6, B12, C and E.The AREDS2 formula with additional Vitamin C. Animal gelatin capsules.
Viteyes AREDS2
Amazon $43.70
Lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, Vitamins C and E. Economical 90-day supply of AREDS2 with 25 mg Zinc. Animal gelatin capsules. Contains fish.
Lipotriad Visionaryundefined
Amazon: $19.95
Lutein, zeaxanthin, 250 mg ethyl ester fish oil, Vitamins C and E. Low-priced, low-zinc modified AREDS2. Ethyl ester omega 3s not shown to be helpful in AREDS2. Animal gelatin capsules. Contains fish and soy. 5:1 ratio of Lutein to Zeaxanthin suggestive of non-dietary form of zeaxanthin.
Pure Encapsulations Macular Supportundefined
Amazon: $44.90
Lutein, zeaxanthin, additional antioxidants. Contains 25,000 IU beta-carotene, shown not to be beneficial in AREDS2 and unsafe for smokers. Vegetarian capsules.
Preserve Mac Forteundefined
Amazon: $49.95
Lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, Vitamins C and E, multiple additional ingredients. Only 15 mg zinc, which original AREDS showed was most important ingredient for success.
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