7 Eye Health Supplements That Support Healthy Vision

Eyes are the window to the world, so of course, you'll want to keep yours healthy, clear and comfortable, so you can take it all in! You probably know to stay up-to-date with your optometry appointments, and maybe you recall your mother's advice to eat all your carrots. (She was onto something—this and other colorful vegetables are rich in eye-friendly beta-carotene.)

But did you know there are a number of vitamins and supplements that have been well-studied for ocular support? In fact, two consecutive clinical trials sponsored by the United States National Eye Institute, looking at data over a 20-year time period, studied nutrients that were found to support macular health with age. Additionally, research has identified supplements that help with everything from eye lubrication to frequent exposure to computer and smartphone screens.

Let's talk about the best eye health nutrients out there based on your needs—so you can keep seeing clearly for years to come.

If you're old enough to wear readers, you might want to take a look (pun intended) at your supplement routine to make sure you've got vision support in your lineup. Some eye health supplements to consider include the following:

1. Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Your eyes have their own natural defense against blue light thanks to the powerful carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin in the macula of the human eye. These carotenoids are found in dark, leafy greens, some green and yellow vegetables, and certain eye health supplements. However, unlike their beta-carotene counterpart (found in carrots and oranges), they aren't converted into vitamin A.

Instead, lutein and zeaxanthin accumulate in the retina, where they act as natural blue light filters to support overall vision health. They also support short-term memory and focus, placing them among the nutrients that offer a one-two punch for eye and brain health.

What the science says:

In the second U.S. National Eye Institute trial, those who took a daily eye health supplement that included lutein and zeaxanthin, along with other important eye nutrients, were able to maintain optimal vision health compared with those who didn't. Other research has found that six months of daily supplementation supported eye pigment levels, attention and mental processing speed compared with a placebo group.

How to get it:

Fire up some fajitas and make sure Taco Tuesday stays in your weekly rotation, because corn and colorful bell peppers are especially good sources of zeaxanthin. You'll also find zeaxanthin in fruits and veggies like kiwi, grapes, oranges, zucchini and squash. Dark leafy greens contain lutein but not as much zeaxanthin, so incorporating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables (not just the green ones) can help you get a wider range of these important eye-supporting nutrients. If you want concentrated eye health support, choose a supplement with a marigold flower extract. Quality supplements provide standardized amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin for consistent eye health benefits.

2. Astaxanthin

The most vibrantly colored animals, from iconic pink flamingos to richly pigmented salmon, get their hue from a naturally occurring compound called astaxanthin. But astaxanthin does more than create beautiful birds and fish (as well as seaweed and certain algae); it also provides powerful antioxidant support to your eyes. A unique carotenoid, astaxanthin also supports eye health, which comes in especially handy for those who spend too long scrolling on their phones. (No judgment!)

What the science says:

General eye fatigue can creep up on you, especially after staring at a computer screen all day during your 9-to-5 grind. (If you know, you know.) Astaxanthin supports healthy eyesight and eye comfort during prolonged screen use. One clinical study followed adults 40 and older who spent their workdays at a computer and found those who consumed 9 mg of astaxanthin daily reported healthy visual acuity compared with those who didn't. Astaxanthin's powerful antioxidant support can help calm oxidative stress that builds up in the eyes.

How to get it:

If you're a fan of feasting on seafood, adding salmon, trout, Arctic char, and shrimp to your weekly meal rotation can be a great way to get astaxanthin from your diet. That said, it is hard to get enough astaxanthin from diet to see the benefits found in research, even if seafood is your favorite. Supplementation can provide consistent astaxanthin intake, especially if you follow a plant-based diet.

3. Saffron

Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world, and for good reason! It takes roughly 75,000 crocus flowers to produce just one pound and can cost anywhere between $600 to $2,000. This vibrant reddish-orange spice has been treasured since ancient times and can be found in your favorite Spanish, Indian and Persian dishes. But beyond flavoring your seafood paella or spicy curry, saffron has also been studied extensively for eye health, with research pointing to promising benefits for supporting the clarity and sharpness of your vision. Saffron has both antioxidant and healthy inflammation support properties.

What the science says:

Clinical studies have found that people with age-related vision changes who supplemented with saffron reported healthy vision, measured both through technical eye testing and the standard eye chart used in most doctors' offices. One longer-term study following adults over one year found saffron supplementation was associated with healthy retinal function.

How to get it:

Although saffron shows up in many beloved dishes, paella and Persian rice usually aren't in your average weekly meal plan, and the amount used in cooking is just a tiny fraction of what has been used in clinical research. Dietary supplements can help you to get amounts that have been clinically studied for eye health.

4. Bilberry

If blueberries had a bolder, more sophisticated European cousin, it would be the bilberry. Native to Scandinavia and the UK, bilberries have a long history of use for eye health. Bilberry extract is packed with anthocyanins, a type of polyphenol antioxidant known for supporting healthy circulation throughout the body, including the delicate blood vessels in the eye.

Grandpa might have told you stories that WWII fighter pilots ate bilberries to promote healthy vision before flights at night. While it makes for a great story, when researchers actually put that claim to the test, it didn't hold up. However, bilberry remains an eye health powerhouse.

What the science says:

In one clinical trial, adults took a daily supplement combining bilberry extract and fish oil for three months. The bilberry group reported healthy tear volume and eye lubrication compared with placebo. The results were conclusive whether participants were in their 20s or their 50s, suggesting the benefits aren't limited to any one age group.

A separate clinical trial found that a standardized bilberry extract taken daily for a month also helped support healthy tear volume and eye lubrication.

How to get it:

If you don't live in an area where bilberries are commonly available, blueberries might seem like the obvious substitute. But bilberries have their own unique nutritional profile, so you wouldn't get the same benefits from simply grabbing a handful of blueberries.

That doesn't mean you should skip berries altogether. A variety of fresh (or frozen) berries still goes a berry long way to a balanced diet and provides everyday nutritional benefits. Still, you would have to eat a good amount of berries daily to achieve the levels studied in human trials because extracts contain concentrated amounts of those beneficial polyphenols. Keep your eyes fixed on your function and health with the standardized bilberry extract in a quality supplement.

Side note: Your eyes are full of fluid, specifically vitreous fluid. As in a water balloon, the pressure in your eyes is important and can affect the delicate structures in your eye and your vision. Bilberry has also been studied in combination with French maritime pine bark extract to help maintain already-healthy eye pressure and encourage healthy ocular eye flow.

5. Maqui Berry

Healthy tear production is key to eye lubrication and eye comfort, and it also plays a role in healthy vision. Meet maqui berry: a small purple-black fruit from Chile and Argentina with the richest known source of delphinidins, which are responsible for maqui's deep color and its powerful antioxidant properties. This berry has been studied for tear production, eye health and comfort.

What the science says:

In a clinical study, participants took 60 mg of a standardized maqui berry extract daily and reported support for healthy tear production compared with baseline.

But the benefits of maqui berry don't stop at eye health. In one study, participants who took 200 mg of a different standardized maqui berry extract before a meal measured a 15% difference in blood sugar and a 57% difference in insulin compared with a control group.

How to get it:

Maqui berries aren't a grocery store staple in the United States. Black currants (which have a similar look) do carry small amounts of the same delphinidins, but they haven't been studied for these specific benefits and aren't nearly as concentrated as their maqui berry extract counterpart. Bottom line: If you want the research-backed benefits that support eye health, supplementing with a maqui berry extract may be able to help you reach your goal.

6. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an essential vitamin, meaning your body can't make it on its own and you have to get it through diet or supplementation. It's also one of the most important antioxidants in the body; it encourages healthy platelet activity, promotes a healthy retina, helps maintain cognitive function, and supports a well-functioning immune system.

What the science says:

In a clinical trial conducted over 6 years, vitamin E in combination with vitamin C, beta-carotene, and zinc helped support healthy vision. Vitamin E has been well-studied not only for eye health but also for its support of a healthy nervous system, cardiovascular health, cellular health and whole-body health.

How to get it:

You can get vitamin E through your diet, though usually in small amounts. Leafy greens like spinach and broccoli, as well as nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils, are good sources. And while Popeye may have convinced us that spinach was the ultimate superfood, your body will benefit from a variety of nutrient-rich foods to get the recommended amount. Vitamin E is also fat-soluble, so pairing your leafy greens with a healthy fat can help support better absorption.

Vitamin E occurs naturally in eight different isoforms, divided into tocotrienols and tocopherols. Getting both forms, especially when you supplement, is important in order to get the full spectrum of vitamin E benefits.

"Being optimally nourished definitely is good for your eyes. A quality multivitamin can help fill the gaps in your diet and deliver the vitamins and minerals shown to support healthy vision."

7. Zinc

Zinc might not get the spotlight the way vitamin C or other antioxidant superstars do, but don't let its low profile fool you. This powerful mineral supports antioxidant defenses, plays a key role in immune function, and shows up in dozens of bodily processes that keep your cells running smoothly. Like other essential minerals, your body can't make zinc on its own, so the zinc has to come from diet or supplementation.

What the science says:

In clinical research studies, zinc has been paired with other antioxidants such as vitamin E and vitamin C to support eye health. If you plan to incorporate zinc into your wellness routine at higher intakes (more than 50 mg per day), it's generally a good idea to also take 2 mg of copper daily. Zinc and copper work in balance with each other in the body, so taking both helps maintain that balance.

How to get it:

Zinc shows up in plenty of foods you probably already consume, including meat, shellfish, legumes, nuts and seeds. Still, you might not be getting enough. A national U.S. health survey found that about 12% of Americans don't get enough zinc through diet alone, so adding a supplement may help fill the gaps.

What You Need to Know About Eye Health Supplements

Wondering how to add eye health supplements to your routine? Here's what the science says about nutritional supplements, so you can be your healthiest!

Do you need an eye health supplement if you take a daily multivitamin?

A daily multivitamin paired with targeted eye health supplements helps support healthy vision. A multivitamin will help provide essential nutrients that you might be missing, including zinc and vitamin E, while supporting overall health.

"Being optimally nourished definitely is good for your eyes," said Dr. Michael A. Smith, MD. "A quality multivitamin can help fill the gaps in your diet and deliver the vitamins and minerals shown to support healthy vision. Then add an eye health supplement to provide targeted nutritional support for specific concerns."

Can eye health supplements help frequent computer and tablet users?

Yes, the macular carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin can help support eyes during daily screen-related tasks. They help maintain healthy macular pigment density, which filters the blue light emitted by digital devices before it reaches the delicate photoreceptors in the back of your eye. Supplementing with lutein and zeaxanthin also promotes a healthy glare and light stress response, or the time it takes your vision to reset after exposure to bright light. Another carotenoid, astaxanthin, may also support eye health during periods of prolonged screen use.

References

• Broadhead GK, et al. "Saffron therapy for the ongoing treatment of age-related macular degeneration." BMJ Open Ophthalmology. March 2024. https://bmjophth.bmj.com/content/9/1/e001399
• Hidalgo J, et al. "Delphinol® standardized maqui berry extract reduces postprandial blood glucose increase in individuals with impaired glucose regulation by novel mechanism of sodium glucose cotransporter inhibition." Panminerva Med. June 2014. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24861886/
• Hitoe S, et al. "MaquiBright™ standardized maqui berry extract significantly increases tear fluid production and ameliorates dry eye-related symptoms in a clinical pilot trial." Panminerva Med. September 2014. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25208615/
• Lopresti AL, Smith SJ. "Supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin increases macular pigment optical density and cognitive performance in healthy teenagers in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial." Nutr Res. August 2026. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42413424/
• Oninku B, et al. "Astaxanthin: An overview of its sources, extraction methods, encapsulation techniques, characterization, and bioavailability." Journal of Agriculture and Food Research. June 2025. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666154325002406
• Sekikawa T, et al. "Effects of diet containing astaxanthin on visual function in healthy individuals: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study." J Clin Biochem Nutr. January 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36777084/
• Yu WY, et al. "Bilberry-containing supplements on severe dry eye disease in young and middle-aged adults: A 3-month pilot analysis." Front Nutr. January 2023. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9892183/
• "Vitamin A and Carotenoids." National Institutes of Health. March 2025. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Vitamina-HealthProfessional/
• "Vitamin E." National Institutes of Health. March 2021. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-HealthProfessional/