Best Macular Supplements | Frequently Asked Questions

Macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss in adults, affecting more than 10 million people in the United States.

It is a progressive eye disease that damages the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine details.

As macular degeneration progresses, people may lose their ability to read, drive, or perform other activities that require sharp vision.

There is no cure for macular degeneration, but there are treatments available that can help slow its progression.

Some people also find relief by taking nutritional supplements designed to protect and improve vision health.

In this article, we will discuss the nine best supplements for macular degeneration and how they can help you maintain your sight.

Please keep in mind supplements are lightly regulated by the FDA. Their stated claims have no guarantee. They aren’t cures or treatments for any diseases.

Food is your best source of nutrition, and nutrition can play a role in minimizing macular degeneration. Please check with your doctor before starting any supplement program.

Please note we include items that we trust will be useful to our visitors. If you click on one of the links on our site, we may get a commission. 

If you want more helpful info on supplements – including risks and general FDA guidelines – please see our “Supplements and Vitamins – Ultimate Beginner’s Guide”.

Best Supplements for Macular Degeneration

1. Best Overall – Quantum Health
2. Best Clinical Research – Botanic Choice
3. Most Highly Rated (4.9/5) – Life Extension
4. Best Price Per Serving – Nature’s Way
5. Best Vegan Blend – Codeage
6. Best for Omega 3’s – Viva Naturals
7. Highest Concentration of Herbs – Gaia Herbs
8. Best Quality – Nordic Naturals
9. If You Just Want Lutein & Zeaxanthin – Pure Encapsulations

1 – Best Overall – Quantum Health

• Price = $ 29.93
• # of Servings = 30
• Price per Serving = $ 0.99
• Product Reviews = 4.5/5  (727 reviews)
• Serving Size = 2 softgels
• Taste / Absorbability = Easy to swallow
• Labeled Effect = Supports macular health crucial to filter blue light
• Food Allergens = Contains fish oil
• Pros = lots of great high quality ingredients, highly rated, company been around for decades
• Cons = slightly higher pricing than other products

About “Macula 30+”:

Macula 30+ is an eye support supplement for macular health. Contains a high dosage of both lutein and zeaxanthin. 

Lutein and zeaxanthin are two important carotenoid pigments that work to support optimal vision health. 

The eyes require an array of nutrients for optimal functioning, and these two pigments play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the macula – a yellow spot on the retina that is responsible for supporting overall vision. 

Lutein and zeaxanthin also have antioxidant properties, which can help protect the photoreceptor cells in the retina from potentially harmful blue light. 

In addition to lutein and zeaxanthin, Macula 30+ contains certain vitamins and minerals such as zinc, Vitamins C and E, and Omega-3 fatty acids.

Lutein is an antioxidant found in the macula of the eye where it helps to protect against damaging blue light. 

Lutein supports macular health crucial to filter blue light, see in low light, and recover from glare.

Overall, Lutein and zeaxanthin help maintain normal macular density and promote macular health as you age. 

With a bunch of other great ingredients, this is our top choice.

Made By “Quantum Health”:

Founded in 1981 as a family owned company in Oregon. Emphasizes effectiveness. According to ReviewMeta.com, Quantum Health gets a 4.0/5 average adjusted rating from 5, 380 verified reviews.

• Start = 1981
• Revenue = $265 million
• Employees = 1, 200
• Mission = To provide high-quality, science-based products that improve the quality of life for the natural shopper in health, drug, and food stores.
• Third Party Certifications = Natural Products Association 
• Third Party Reviews = 4.0/5 average adjusted rating from 5,380 verified reviews

2 – Best Clinical Research – Botanic Choice

• Price = $ 46.99
• # of Servings = 60
• Price per Serving = $ 0.78
• Product Reviews = 4.3/5  (43 reviews)
• Serving Size = 1 veg capsule
• Taste / Absorbability = Easy to swallow
• Labeled Effect = Clinically proven to increase lutein levels in the eye giving you optimal protection
• Food Allergens = None, very safe
• Pros = Clinical research, a higher amount of lutein than other eye supplements, other vitamins and minerals
• Cons = 

About “Opti Gold Vision & Eye Health”:

Opti Gold is a daily dietary supplement that provides advanced eye, vision and brain health support. 

Most importantly and why we rank this product #2, is the clinical research supporting this product’s effectiveness.

Opti Gold contains FloraGLO, 1 a special patented form of lutein.

Opti Gold also supports healthy eyesight, brain function and overall well-being with a combination of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids.

Made By “Botanic Choice”:

Botanic Choice started in 1910, over 100 years ago. The company is family owned and has millions of customers worldwide. They are one of the oldest supplement companies still around today. According to MetaCritic, Botanic Choice has a 3.8/5 rating with 1,496 reviews.

• Start = 112 years old, founded in 1910
• Revenue = $18 million
• Employees = 107
• Mission = dedicated to making effective natural health solutions available to all
• Third Party Certifications = GMP
• Third Party Reviews = 3.8/5 with 1,496 reviews

3 – Most Highly Rated (4.9/5) – Life Extension

• Price = $ 33.00
• # of Servings = 30
• Price per Serving = $ 0.55
• Product Reviews = 4.9/5  (269 reviews)
• Serving Size = 1 softgel
• Taste / Absorbability = Easy to swallow
• Labeled Effect = Promote macular and retinal health, help fight eye fatigue and support healthy night vision
• Food Allergens = None, very safe
• Pros = high quality ingredients, more herbal ingredients than other brands, competitive price
• Cons = not as many vitamins than other brands

About “MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron & Astaxanthin”:

Ocular Support helps provide the nutrients your eyes need for comprehensive eye health support. 

This product, like many others, contains lutein and zeaxanthin. 

This product differs because it contains more herbal ingredients like saffron and astaxanthin. 

However, MacuGuard does not contain other vitamins like Vitamin E, whereas other products do.

This formula is gluten free and non-GMO. If you are looking for a more herbal supplement for your eyes, this is a good option to try.

Made By “Life Extension”:

Life Extension began in 1980 and is still going 40 years later. In 2021 ConsumerLab.com voted Life Extension as #1 Rated Catalog/Internet Merchant. According to ReviewMeta.com, Life Extension’s average adjusted rating of 4.1/5 from 24,224 verified reviews. 

• Start = 1980
• Revenue = $168 million
• Employees = 500
• Mission = Achieve your goals with the best nutritional products that science can offer
• Third Party Certifications = GMP, Non-GMO

4 – Best Price Per Serving – Nature’s Way

• Price = $ 9.75
• # of Servings = 25
• Price per Serving = $ 0.39
• Product Reviews = 4.5/5  (43 reviews)
• Serving Size = 2 gummies
• Taste / Absorbability = Fruit punch flavor
• Labeled Effect = Help eyes shield and filter blue light
• Food Allergens = None, very safe
• Pros = Great blend of high quality ingredients
• Cons = While women can take this supplement as well, the marketing is more for guys 

About “Alive! Teen Complete Multi For Him”:

Alive! Teen Complete Multi For Him is an option for teenage boys who are looking for a vitamin supplement that will help them protect their eyes from blue light. 

The supplement provides 17 vitamins and minerals, including a full B-vitamin complex. 

It also includes Lutermax 2020 to help filter blue light from sun, LED, and digital devices. 

The supplement is non-GMO, gluten-free, and soy-free, and has a fruit punch flavor.

Made By “Nature’s Way”:

Nature’s Way is one of the most popular supplement companies. It’s been around for decades, and has a 4.2/5 average adjusted rating from 80,981 verified reviews. 

• Start = 1969
• Revenue = $98 million
• Employees = 500
• Mission = help people everywhere live healthy lives
• Third Party Certifications = GMP, NSF, ISO, GMO Free
• Third Party Reviews = 4.2/5 average adjusted rating from 80,981 verified reviews

5 – Best Vegan Blend – Codeage

• Price = $ 37.99
• # of Servings = 60
• Price per Serving = $ 0.63
• Product Reviews = 4.6/5  (50 reviews)
• Serving Size = 2 capsules
• Taste / Absorbability = Easy to absorb
• Labeled Effect = Provides a nutritional approach to ocular wellness
• Food Allergens = This product is manufactured in a facility that processes fish and tree nuts
• Pros = Good mixture of herbs and vitamins, vegan, competitive pricing
• Cons = 

About “Eyes”:

Codeage Eye supplement provides a full suite of nutrients along with carotenoids and flavonoids. 

Codeage Eye supplement is gluten free and non-GMO. The ingredients, most notably lutein and zeaxanthin, in Codeage Eyes are selected for their ability to help with eye health. 

This supplement is a mixture of vitamins and herbs, although it doesn’t contain as many herbs as other products.

If you are looking for a mixture of herbs and vitamins along with proven ingredients for eye health, this is a good option to try.

Made By “Codeage”:

Relatively new to the industry, Codeage was founded in 2018 in Los Angeles. According to ReviewMeta, Codeage has a 4.3/5 average adjusted rating of 2,358 verified reviews. 

• Start = 2018
• Revenue = less than $5 million
• Employees = less than 25
• Mission = achieve a longer, better and healthier life
• Third Party Certifications = cGMP
• Third Party Reviews = 4.3/5 average rating of 2,358 reviews

6 – Best for Omega 3’s – Viva Naturals

• Price = $ 38.95
• # of Servings = 90
• Price per Serving = $ 0.43
• Product Reviews = 4.8/5  (352 reviews)
• Serving Size = 2 softgels
• Taste / Absorbability = No fishy flavor or aftertaste
• Labeled Effect = Supporting brain function, heart health, eye health and beyond
• Food Allergens = Contains fish
• Pros = provides more essential fatty acids than your average omega-3 supplement, more absorbable forms of omega 3’s
• Cons = contains no other vitamins, minerals or herbs

About “Omega-3 Fish Oil”:

Omega-3 Fish Oil softgels provide more essential fatty acids than your average omega-3 supplement, supporting brain function, heart health, eye health and beyond. 

With 1400 mg EPA & 480 mg DHA (per serving), this fish oil helps promote healthy eyes and skin while delivering a more absorbable form of omega-3s with no fishy odor or aftertaste.

EPA and DHA are known as key nutrients to heart health, and the American Heart Association supports daily supplementation of omega 3’s.

If you are a younger person looking for omega 3’s to support your overall health, including vision, this is a good option to try.

Made By “Viva Naturals”:

Began in 2011 and located in New York. Emphasizes ethical, sustainable, and ecologically conscious products. According to ReviewMeta.com, Viva Naturals receives a 4.3/5 average adjusted rating from 16,309 verified reviews.

• Start = 2011
• Revenue = Less than $5 million
• Employees = Less than 25
• Mission = Delivering you the best products, made with thoughtfully sourced ingredients
• Third Party Certifications = Non-GMO
• Third Party Reviews = 4.3/5 average adjusted rating from 16,309 verified reviews.

7 – Highest Concentration of Herbs – Gaia Herbs

• Price = $ 30.99
• # of Servings = 60
• Price per Serving = $ 0.51
• Product Reviews = 5/5  (7 reviews)
• Serving Size = 1 liquid capsule
• Taste / Absorbability = Easy to absorb
• Labeled Effect = 
• Food Allergens = Very safe, none, vegan friendly
• Pros = Each capsule contains 4,300 mg dry herb equivalent (which is a lot of herbs per capsule)
• Cons = Does not contain lutein

About “Healthy Vision”:

Healthy Vision contains a blend of traditional herbs for maintaining eye health. 

The capsules are made from marigold flowers and help promote eye health to help maintain clear vision. 

They are made in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina.

With 4,300 mg equivalent of dry herbs per capsule, this is a high dosage herbal supplement for your eye health.

Made By “Gaia Herbs”:

Founded in 1987 and now located in North Carolina. Certified B Corporation. According to ReviewMeta.com, Gaia Herbs receives a 4.2/5 average adjusted rating from 7,834 verified reviews.

• Start = 1987
• Revenue = $89 million
• Employees = 265
• Mission = connecting people, plants, and planet to create healing
• Third Party Certifications = Certified B Corporation, GMP, Certified Organic from Oregon Tilth
• Third Party Reviews = 4.2/5 average adjusted rating from 7,834 verified reviews

8 – Best Quality – Nordic Naturals

• Price = 42.46
• # of Servings = 30
• Price per Serving = $1.42
• Product Reviews = 23
• Serving Size = 2 softgels
• Taste / Absorbability = Absorbable
• Labeled Effect = Protect your eyes from cataracts and other forms of vision loss‚ such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• Food Allergens = fish oil
• Pros = high quality, variety of ingredients, high dosage of DHA
• Cons = higher pricing than other similar products

About “ProDHA™ Eye (with Lutein & Zeaxanthin)”:

This supplement is formulated to protect eyes from cataracts and other forms of vision loss, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

In addition to DHA, this supplement also contains lutein and zeaxanthin, both fat-soluble carotenoids.

All three nutrients work together to protect the retina’s photoreceptors; this includes the rods that allow you to see in low light conditions, as well as the cones that allow you to see in bright light and overall vision.

The difference between this supplement and other fish oil supplements for vision, is that this supplement contains more DHA. 

In addition this supplement contains a variety of vitamins, minerals and herbs.

The reason we don’t rank this supplement higher is because of the relatively higher price per serving.

Made By “Nordic Naturals”:

Founded in 1995 in California, with an emphasis on sustainable fishing and high quality natural ingredients. According to ReviewMeta.com, Nordic Naturals receives a 4.4/5 average adjusted rating from 12,469 verified reviews.

• Start = 1995
• Revenue = $61 million
• Employees = 327
• Mission = delivering the world’s safest, most effective nutrients essential to health
• Third Party Certifications = Friend of the Sea Certified, 50 published studies, Certificate of Analysis available from third-party labs
• Third Party Reviews = 4.4/5 average adjusted rating from 12,469 verified reviews

9 – If You Just Want Lutein & Zeaxanthin – Pure Encapsulations

• Price = $32.30
• # of Servings = 60
• Price per Serving = $0.54
• Product Reviews = 4.9/5  (29 reviews)
• Serving Size = 1 Soft Gel
• Taste / Absorbability = Easy absorption
• Labeled Effect = Support the density and quality of macular pigment
• Food Allergens = Very safe, none
• Pros = High quality dose of Lutein and Zeaxanthin
• Cons = no other vitamins and minerals

About “Lutein / Zeaxanthin”:

This supplement is for people who want just the basic, most important nutrients for their eye health. 

Generally speaking, lutein and zeaxanthin are the two most basic ingredients for eye health, so this supplement is for those who just want these vitamins without any other ingredients.

Made By “Pure Encapsulations”:

Pure Encapsulations began in 2004. According to ReviewMeta.com, Pure Encapsulations has a 4.5/5 average rating from 12,280 reviews. Pure Encapsulations lists over 50 clinical studies going back to 2006 on their website.

• Start = 2004
• Revenue = $35 million
• Employees = 170
• Mission = it’s what’s inside that counts
• Third Party Certifications = Egg Free, Gluten Free, GMO Free, GMP, Certification Made in the USA, Peanut Free, Wheat Free, Hypoallergenic, NSF
• Third Party Reviews = 4.5/5 average rating from 12,280 reviews

What factors do we use to rank supplements?

1 – Price: What’s the price of the supplement? What’s the cost per serving?

• At Eating Enlightenment we value quality over price. However, all else being equal, then price comes into consideration. 

2 – Reviews: How many reviews for each product? What’s the average rating? How many third party reviews?

• We strongly believe in third party reviews. Many supplement companies list positive reviews on their website, but third party reviews include negative comments. We always go with third party reviews.

3 – Reputation: How reputable is the brand behind the supplement? How long has the brand been around? What’s their mission? 

• We believe that a company’s intention is highly important and should be one of your top purchasing decision factors.

4 – Taste / Absorption = What’s the taste? How quickly does your body absorb the supplement? Do reviews mention any negative side effects like an upset stomach?

5 – Perceived Therapeutic Effect = What beneficial effects or feelings does this supplement promote?

6 – Food Allergens = Does the company provide allergen info?

7 – Science / Certifications: Does the company list transparent scientific studies on their website? Do third party certifications test the company’s supplement for quality control? How many certifications does the company have?

8 – Pros/Cons: What are the pros and cons of each supplement? How is the supplement unique? For what situations is this supplement best?

Who benefits most from supplements for macular degeneration?

Some people may benefit more from supplements for macular degeneration than others. For example, people who have a family history of the condition or who are at a higher risk for developing it may want to consider taking supplements.

Additionally, people who are already showing signs of macular degeneration may find that supplements can help slow the progression of the condition. Even in the worst case scenario it’s still possible to delay advanced AMD.

Ultimately, it is best to speak with a doctor or other medical professional to determine if supplements for macular degeneration are right for you.

Are you at risk for macular degeneration?

Vision loss occurs most frequently in the presence of one or more risk factors. There are several risk factors for age related eye disease, including:

• Age – Macular degeneration is most common in older adults.
• Family history – If you have a family member with macular degeneration, you are more likely to develop the condition.
• Race – Macular degeneration is more common in caucasians than in other racial groups.
• Smoking – Smoking is a leading cause of macular degeneration, and is associated with lung cancer too. Even former smokers show an increased chance of AMD.

If you have any of these risk factors, it is important to see a doctor for a comprehensive eye exam so that you can be diagnosed and treated early if necessary.

While there is no cure for macular degeneration, there are treatments available that can help to improve your vision and help prevent lost vision. By taking steps to protect your vision and seeking early treatment, you can help to preserve your vision for years to come.

Signs of macular degeneration

Some early signs of macular degeneration include:

• Blurry vision
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Trouble reading or doing other close work
• Straight lines appearing wavy
• A dark or empty spot in the center of your vision
• Changes in the color of your eyesight

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see an eye doctor right away so that they can learn if you are in an early stage or  advanced stage of AMD, whether you have dry form or wet form of AMD, and other factors.

Please note some of these effects can also be due to a vitamin deficiency. Read here to learn more about the common symptoms when vitamin deficient.

What is the difference between dry and wet macular degeneration?

The main difference between wet and dry AMD is the presence of fluid in the eye.

Wet AMD is characterized by the leakage of fluid from blood vessels under the retina. This fluid causes vision loss.

Dry AMD, on the other hand, is characterized by the buildup of waste products under the retina. These waste products cause vision loss.

Both wet and dry AMD can lead to significant vision loss. However, wet AMD typically progresses more quickly than dry AMD and is more likely to cause severe vision loss.

If you are experiencing any AMD progression – whether early AMD, intermediate AMD, or advanced AMD – it is important to see a doctor for a dilated eye exam and professional medical advice.

Early detection and treatment of macular degeneration can help to slow the progression of any eye disease and preserve your vision.

When should I take supplements for macular degeneration?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Some people may find that taking supplements once a day is sufficient, while others may need to take them multiple times throughout the day.

Who may not benefit from supplements for macular degeneration?

Generally speaking, healthy adults with no family history of macular degeneration are at lower risk for adverse effects and are unlikely to benefit from taking supplements for the condition.

Risks

As with any medication or supplement, there are risks associated with taking supplements for macular degeneration. These risks include:

• Drug interactions: Supplements for macular degeneration may interact with other medications you are taking. Be sure to speak with a doctor or pharmacist before starting any new supplement to ensure that there will be no drug interactions.
• Side effects: The most common side effect of taking supplements for macular degeneration is gastrointestinal upset. If you experience any other side effects, such as dizziness or headaches, stop taking the supplement and speak with a healthcare professional.

How soon after taking supplements macular degeneration will I feel better?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Sometimes in cases of degeneration you don’t see an improvement, but rather the degeneration slows down.

However, it can be difficult to notice when degeneration slows down.  Therefore, it is best to speak with a doctor about taking supplements, and finding other nutrients to prevent AMD.

Additionally, keep in mind that it may take several weeks or months of taking supplements before you see any results.

Can you reverse macular degeneration naturally?

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for macular degeneration. However, there are treatments available that can help to improve your vision and slow the progression of the condition.

One treatment option is to take supplements for macular degeneration. These supplements can help to improve your vision and slow the progression of the condition.

Another treatment option is to undergo surgery. Surgery for macular degeneration involves implanting a device in your eye that helps to improve vision.

Finally, you may also want to consider undergoing laser surgery. Laser surgery for macular degeneration involves using a laser to destroy abnormal blood vessels in your eye that are causing vision problems.

Macular degeneration prevention tips

As we age, it is important to take steps to protect our vision. Some things you can do to help prevent macular degeneration include:

• Wearing sunglasses or a hat when outdoors
• Eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, healthy fats, and vegetables
• Exercising regularly
• Giving your eyes a break from screens and other digital devices

By following these tips, you can help to protect your vision and slow the progression of macular degeneration.

Conclusion

The best way to reduce the risk of macular degeneration is to avoid smoking, excessive drinking and being overweight. 

Another good idea is to eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly, reduce bingeing, get enough sleep and give your eyes breaks from screens or digital devices. 

However, if you are already showing signs of macular degeneration or have family history for it then supplements may be right for you. 

Speak with a doctor before beginning any supplement regimen as there can be side effects associated with taking them as well risks like drug interactions or gastrointestinal upset.