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Vitamin Supplement For Eye Health

(94 Posts)
Nanato3 Wed 08-Jan-25 07:54:05

I'd like to start taking a supplement to help with eye health and wondered if anyone could recommend
a supplement they have found has improved their eyesight ?
I will ask my optician but I'd like to have some ideas of what does help .
Thanks in advance .

FriedGreenTomatoes2 Wed 08-Jan-25 12:35:21

I did not say ‘you’re delusional’.
I said ‘I think’ (ie my opinion).

I could have said ‘In my opinion’ instead. No hurt was intended (although one or two posters are determined to be offended).

pascal30 Wed 08-Jan-25 12:20:27

DanniRae

FriedGreenTomatoes2

I think you’re delusional.

I think you're RUDE!

Ignorant and unpleasant

Margiknot Wed 08-Jan-25 12:08:51

I take VitEye softgels as I am not good at swallowing large capsules- but they are not cheap. But the evidence for ARED2 supplements in older people with retinal changes is quite good - so I do as advised!

FriedGreenTomatoes2 Wed 08-Jan-25 12:01:42

Apologies everyone. I truly don’t mean to offend.

The fact that I think supplements are not backed by independent science, are quackery at best (but people feel better for ‘doing something’ and trying their best) doesn’t mean I can be rude.
Sincere apologies for my stance.

Margiknot Wed 08-Jan-25 11:56:29

Age related eye disease study. I was advised by my ophthalmologist and optometrist on separate occasions to take a supplement that conformed to ARED 2- the second generation as I have age related macular degeneration.

Sparklefizz Wed 08-Jan-25 11:51:46

FGT Doesn’t mean you’re not an outlier though.

Ooh, have you done a poll? smile

Margiknot Wed 08-Jan-25 11:51:40

Look up AREDnfor the research papers.

FriedGreenTomatoes2 Wed 08-Jan-25 11:49:42

Well that’s great to hear. I’m pleased for you.
Doesn’t mean you’re not an outlier though.
Sorry.

Sparklefizz Wed 08-Jan-25 11:45:10

FriedGreenTomatoes2

I think you’re delusional.

Not "delusional" FGT. We just have different viewpoints to you. I have had excellent personal results from a variety of remedies/therapies that you would probably turn your nose up at.

I don't feel the need to insult you over your opinions and I'll stick with what works for me. I was brought up to be open-minded and it's a blessing that I was because I developed an incurable illness 38 years ago and was bedridden for 2 years. Various alternative therapies and remedies got me up on my feet.

FriedGreenTomatoes2 Wed 08-Jan-25 11:31:05

I’m with you Charleygirl5.
And for those who take supplements what IS the empirical evidence for them?
Perhaps your eye conditions would have plateaued anyway, but there is no way you can know that. It’s dodgy science.

Charleygirl5 Wed 08-Jan-25 11:20:36

I have dry AMD and geographic Atrophy in my L) eye. For the last 5 years, I have had my L) eye injected monthly, participating in a large research programme.

If there had been a supplement to take, I am sure my Ophthalmology consultant would have recommended it.

25Avalon Wed 08-Jan-25 11:15:50

Because supplements etc have not been clinically tested or proven consultants will always be guarded about their responses on them.

Gin Wed 08-Jan-25 11:00:24

I take Luten Gold as I have AMD (wet). The consultants that I see when I have eye injections give very guarded responses when asked if this or other supplements help. They say it may help but it is not proven.

JamesandJon33 Wed 08-Jan-25 10:44:25

Many years ago my DH who has a history of macular degeneration and thus blindness in his family was told by our optician, to drink grape juice and eat dark red fruit. Also to take icaps daily. These are usually available in Boots 3 for2.DH , now nearing 80 has superbly healthy eyes.

GrannyGravy13 Wed 08-Jan-25 10:11:42

My optician told me to take Macushield over three years ago.

He is also the consultant at the eye hospital.

I have AMD as did my mother, I will take and do anything to keep my sight.

Farmor15 Wed 08-Jan-25 10:05:00

There is slight evidence that supplements and a good diet of plenty of vegetables can slow down development of age related macular degeneration. However, no supplements can reverse it or improve eyesight, as far as I know.
A lot of research is funded by companies producing supplements, so is not really independent.

DanniRae Wed 08-Jan-25 09:57:47

FriedGreenTomatoes2

I think you’re delusional.

I think you're RUDE!

GrannySomerset Wed 08-Jan-25 09:47:02

The consultant who operated on my cataracts some thirteen years ago detected the early signs of macular degeneration and recommended Macushield. The degeneration has not advanced so well worth the modest cost of the pills, usually bought three months for the price of two from Amazon.

V3ra Wed 08-Jan-25 09:40:51

Vitamin D is a different matter because it keeps your bones supple - so I go into the sun fairly often and risk melanomas. You can’t win, can you ?

The dermatologist I saw about a suspicion patch on my nose made me promise to use Factor 50 every day from now on.
So no, we can't win 🤷

MayBee70 Wed 08-Jan-25 08:49:42

Oh I take Vit D; my whole family does. But I now add K2 just to be on the safe side.

Nanato3 Wed 08-Jan-25 08:48:42

I'm Vit D deficient but D3 makes me sleep all day . I'd like to try it with K2 but I'm on blood thinners
So can't win !

keepingquiet Wed 08-Jan-25 08:46:49

MayBee70

Too much VitD can cause problems unless taken with Vitamin K. And you can’t take Vitamin K if you’re on blood thinners.

How about taking too much of any supplement? You have to take risks in this life but the only supplement I take is Vit D, double strength in the winter.

It is not only essential for bones but also for the immune system.

Luckily my blood is fine but I don't need to take Vit K.

MayBee70 Wed 08-Jan-25 08:42:08

Sparklefizz

I have got very dry eyes and had the beginnings of cataracts. I saw the Michael Mosely TV programme in which he tested eye supplements, spoke to my optician and started myself on Macushield which has made a huge difference.

The cataracts have never progressed and I have gone from using prescription eye drops approx 10 times a day to relieve soreness, down to twice a day.

A few years ago at my eye check up I was told that I was starting to develop cataracts but at my latest check up the optician said my eyes were fine. Can’t say for certain that it was the supplement that helped but I’m not going to risk not taking it.

nanna8 Wed 08-Jan-25 08:38:35

I’m with FriedGreenTomatoes2 and have heard the same from my GP. Vitamin D is a different matter because it keeps your bones supple - so I go into the sun fairly often and risk melanomas. You can’t win, can you ?

Nanato3 Wed 08-Jan-25 08:38:25

Sparklefizz, That is good to hear . Eyesight is precious.