Should You Be Taking Eye Health Supplements? Here’s What the Science Says

We often think of supplements for heart health, bone strength, or general well-being, but what about your eyes?

Your eyes rely on a steady supply of nutrients to function at their best. And while a balanced diet provides a strong foundation, there are times when targeted eye health supplements can offer extra protection, especially if you’re at risk of certain eye conditions, spend long hours on screens, or already experience dry or tired eyes.

But do they actually work? And how do you know what’s worth taking?

Let’s explore what the research says and how to choose the right supplement for your eyes.

Why Nutrition Matters for Your Vision

Just like the rest of your body, your eyes need specific nutrients to stay healthy and comfortable.

Key nutrients include:

• Lutein & Zeaxanthin – Found in leafy greens and eggs, these help filter harmful blue light and protect the macula (the part of the eye responsible for detailed vision).
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Especially DHA and EPA, which support tear production, reduce inflammation, and help with dry eye symptoms.
• Zinc – Vital for transporting vitamin A to the retina and supporting night vision.
• Vitamin C & E – Antioxidants that protect the eyes from oxidative damage.
• Vitamin A – Essential for good vision, particularly in low light.

While these can be found in foods like salmon, spinach, carrots, and citrus fruits, many people don’t get enough through diet alone, especially if they’re managing age-related eye changes or chronic conditions like dry eye or macular degeneration.

Does Science back Eye Supplements?

Yes, especially when it comes to macular health and dry eye.

1. Macular Degeneration Support

The well-known AREDS and AREDS2 studies (Age-Related Eye Disease Studies) showed that specific antioxidant formulas could reduce the progression of moderate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by up to 25% in some patients.

The key ingredients included:

• Lutein
• Zeaxanthin
• Zinc
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Copper

If you or a family member has AMD, or you’ve been told you’re at risk, supplements following this formula can play an important role in long-term eye health. Please read our article on comparing Macutec and Macu Vision

2. Dry Eye Relief

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, have been shown to:

• Improve tear production
• Reduce inflammation in the tear glands
• Help stabilise the tear film
• Reduce irritation and redness in people with dry eye

Some studies even found improvements in dry eye symptoms after just 6–12 weeks of daily supplementation. Please read our article on Lacritec and DRYEye Forte

Who Should Consider Eye Supplements?

You may benefit from eye health supplements if you:

• Have a family history of macular degeneration
• Are over the age of 50
• Spend long hours on screens or under artificial lighting
• Experience dry, red, or irritated eyes
• Have a poor dietary intake of leafy greens or oily fish
• Are exposed to high UV or blue light exposure
• Have systemic inflammation or autoimmune conditions

If any of these apply to you, adding targeted nutrition support may help reduce symptoms and protect your vision over the long term.

Eye Supplements We Recommend (Available Online)

All supplements in our online store are carefully selected based on research, purity, and formulation quality. Here are a few of our top choices:

1. MDeyes® AREDS2 Formula

Best for: Macular health and AMD risk management

• Based on the updated AREDS2 study
• Contains lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, and vitamins C & E
• Suitable for people at moderate to high risk of macular changes
• Each capsule is individually packaged and labelled by day of use, so you can keep track of when you have taken them.

This is our go-to for patients with macular degeneration or a strong family history. It’s easy to take and well tolerated for long-term use.

2. Macutec Once Daily

Same ingredients as MDeyes, but not individually packaged for freshness, and no tracking of when the capsules were taken.

3. DryEye Forte® Omega-3 Supplement

Best for: Dry eye relief and tear film support

• The most comprehensive and potentially effective product to help the body create better quality oils.
• High in Re-esterified (purer) Omega-3s (EPA/DHA) plus other ingredients to support tear production.
• High Concentration of Omega-6 Oils from Borage Oil
• Vitamin D3 and E supplements.
• Ideal for those with evaporative dry eye or meibomian gland dysfunction
• It may also help alleviate inflammation associated with screen time, air conditioning, or menopause.

Many patients report improvements in dryness and comfort after regularly using DryEye Forte as part of their dry eye care plan.

4. Lacritec® Omega-3 Supplement

Best for: Dry eye relief in people with delicate stomachs

• Half the concentration of Omega-3s (EPA/DHA) relative to Dry Eye Forte, similar concentrations of Borage Oil.
• No Vitamin D3 or E incorporated.
• Less effective at treating dry eye, but also less likely to cause stomach upset due to the lower concentrations of Omega-3 oils.
• A good option for people with delicate stomachs

Should I Talk to My Optometrist First?

Yes, while supplements are available over the counter, it’s always a good idea to check with your optometrist, especially if:

• You take other medications
• You’ve been diagnosed with an eye condition
• You’re unsure which product is right for you
• You’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have dietary allergies

At Eyes by Design, we’re happy to guide you toward the most appropriate options based on your current symptoms and long-term vision goals.

Eye Supplements Aren’t a Quick Fix—But They Work Over Time

Think of eye supplements like supercharged nutrition. They work best when taken consistently and as part of a broader eye care routine, including:

• Regular eye exams
• UV protection
• Dry eye management (where needed)
• A diet rich in leafy greens, colourful vegetables, and omega-rich foods

By supporting your eyes from the inside out, you’re giving them the nutrients they need to stay strong, focused, and comfortable for years to come.

Ready to Support Your Vision Naturally?

Explore our full range of science-backed eye supplements in our online store. Whether you’re managing dry eye, protecting your macula, or want to be proactive, we’ve made it easy to shop for trusted products with expert support.

Still unsure which supplement is right for you? Contact our team, we’re here to help.