NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Reviewed May 26, 2026

Goal hub·Eyes & Vision·Reviewed June 9, 2026

Eye supplements: the AREDS evidence and what came after.

Eye health has something rare in supplements: a large randomized trial (AREDS2) that changed clinical practice. Lutein, zeaxanthin, and zinc have real macular data; most everything else is earlier-stage. We rank by that evidence and flag the formulas that copy the trial versus the ones that just borrow its name.

Supplements
8 ranked
Strong evidence
5 of 8
Dose protocols
4
Claim deep dives
0
Top supplements → Browse all goal hubs
Top supplements

Ranked by evidence, top first.

Sorted by evidence tier, strongest first. Each supplement’s rating is its own; open any name for the full profile with dosing, forms, and citations.

  1. 01
    LuteinStrong

    Macular carotenoid essential for eye health and blue light protection.

  2. 02
    ZeaxanthinStrong

    Partner carotenoid to lutein for comprehensive macular protection.

  3. 03
    Fish OilStrong

    The most important essential fatty acid supplement. EPA and DHA omega-3s are critical for brain function, heart health, and systemic inflammation control.

  4. 04
    Vitamin AStrong

    Essential for vision, immune function, skin health, and cell differentiation. Available as preformed retinol or provitamin A (beta-carotene).

  5. 05
    ZincStrong

    Essential trace mineral involved in immune function, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and testosterone production. Second most abundant trace mineral in the body.

  6. 06
    Anthocyanins (Bilberry Extract)Moderate

    Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is a wild European berry whose dark pigment is rich in anthocyanins, a class of water-soluble flavonoid polyphenols. Standardized extracts are typically concentrated to 25 to 36 percent anthocyanosides and ar...

  7. 07
    AstaxanthinModerate

    The most powerful carotenoid antioxidant, 6,000x more effective than vitamin C at quenching singlet oxygen (a specific lab assay, not general potency). Gives salmon and flamingos their pink color. Exceptional for skin, eye, and cardiovascu...

  8. 08
    Crocin (Saffron Extract)Moderate

    Crocin is the major water-soluble carotenoid pigment responsible for the deep red color of saffron (Crocus sativus stigmas) and is the marker compound for many standardized saffron extracts. It is studied most for mild-to-moderate depressi...

Protocols

Dose and timing, from the trials.

Dose ranges, forms, and timing as used in the underlying clinical trials. Population notes call out who each trial enrolled.

Krill Oilfor Dry-eye support
Dose
1,000 mg daily
Form
Krill oil
Timing
With breakfast
Notes
Astaxanthin content may add antioxidant support.
Vitamin Afor Vision support
Dose
2,500-5,000 IU daily
Form
Retinyl palmitate or mixed carotenoids
Timing
With a fat-containing meal
Notes
Choose conservative dosing unless deficiency is documented.
Anthocyanins (Bilberry Extract)for Eye and Retinal Health
Dose
80 to 160 mg anthocyanins per day (standardized extract)
Form
Standardized 25% anthocyanin extract (or 36% anthocyanidin extract)
Timing
Split into two doses, with meals
Notes
Bilberry anthocyanins are traditionally promoted for eye comfort and microcirculation. Evidence for night vision and dark adaptation in healthy people is weak and largely negative in controlled trials; modest benefits have been reported mainly for eye fatigue and dry-eye symptoms. Set expectations conservatively and do not treat it as a substitute for eye care.
Population
Not a treatment for glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy; anyone with such conditions should be managed by an ophthalmologist.
Crocin (Saffron Extract)for Eye and Vision Support
Dose
20 mg per day (or 88 mg saffron extract twice daily in some protocols)
Form
Standardized saffron extract; higher-dose stigma extract in macular-function studies
Timing
With meals, once or twice daily.
Notes
Small studies in early age-related macular degeneration report improvements in retinal/macular function at around 20 mg per day; data are preliminary and not a treatment for established eye disease.
Population
Should complement, not replace, ophthalmologic care and evidence-based AMD management (e.g. AREDS-type formulas where indicated).
Claim deep dives

For eyes & vision, reviewed.

Each claim opens to the strongest PubMed-cited studies, the contrary evidence, and a plain recommendation.

No claim deep dives published for this goal yet.

Stack safety

Where this stack might fight itself.

Common conflicts in this category, plus how many documented interactions touch these substances.

Where this stack fights itself

  • AREDS-strength zinc (80 mg) depletes copper without a copper add-back, and supplemental vitamin A stacks with prescription retinoids. The checker flags both, plus every other pairing in your stack.

In the database

  • 208 documented pairings touch at least one of these substances.
  • Scan a full routine for additive or conflicting effects before you combine.

Open the free interaction checker →

FAQ

Common eyes & vision questions.

Quick answers drawn from the rankings and dosing above.

What are the best supplements for eyes & vision?

The best-evidenced options for eyes & vision in the NutriStack library are Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Fish Oil, and Vitamin A. Each is ranked by its own evidence tier and links to a full profile with dosing, forms, and PubMed-cited sources.

What dose of krill oil is used for eyes & vision?

For dry-eye support, trials typically used Krill Oil at 1,000 mg daily (with breakfast). Doses are general ranges from the underlying trials, not personalized advice; confirm on the full profile and with a clinician.

Are eyes & vision supplements safe to take together?

AREDS-strength zinc (80 mg) depletes copper without a copper add-back, and supplemental vitamin A stacks with prescription retinoids. The checker flags both, plus every other pairing in your stack. 208 documented pairings in the database touch at least one of these substances, so scan a full routine with the free interaction checker before combining.

Build your stack

Every ranking traces to a primary source.

These hubs come from the same library that powers the NutriStack app. Open any supplement for full dosing, forms, interactions, and citations.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.