The link between cardiovascular disease and eye health may not be obvious. However, the eyes are made from nutrients. A large body of research shows how important nutrition is for eye health. Maintaining healthy vision depends on whether the eyes and visual system are properly nourished. Cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, can affect the flow of essential nutrients and oxygen to the eyes. Poor circulation to the eyes can cause damage to the retina’s tiny blood vessels, with potentially sight-threatening consequences. Cardiovascular disease can often be identified through retinal scans well before the disease is detectable through traditional tests.
Adults with vision impairment have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease compared to people without vision impairment. [1. Prev Chronic Dis. 2022 Jul 21;19:E43. doi: 10.5888/pcd19.220027]
Oxidative stress, Inflammation and Eye Health
Common eye diseases in seniors are often triggered and aggravated by oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. These diseases include macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataract, macular edema, and diabetic retinopathy. If these eye diseases go untreated, they lead to progressive loss of vision and even blindness. [2. Levkovitch-Verbin, H. (2015)] [3. Kowluru, R.A., Mishra, M. (2015)] [4. Dib, B., Lin, H., Maidana, D.E., Tian, B., Miller, J.B., et al. (2015)]
A continuously growing body of evidence indicates that taking supplements of targeted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients may have a role in the prevention and treatment of these age-related eye disorders. [5. Rhone, M., Basu, A. (2008)] These studies are frequently overlooked by the medical community. However, the AREDS research of nearly 10,000 seniors resulted in more acceptance of targeted nutrients that help protect the eyes.
Vitamins C and E Plus Zinc
Several studies have examined the effects of different antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, and zinc. Researchers found that people whose vitamin C intake ranked in the highest third had a 27% lower risk of death from all causes during the follow-up period, compared to those whose intake was in the lowest third. Similarly, individuals with vitamin E intake in the top third experienced a 32% lower risk of mortality than those in the lowest third.
Higher intakes of vitamin E and zinc were linked to significantly lower health risks—41% and 36% lower, respectively. Interestingly, people with a high Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) also showed a 42% lower risk. Overall, the researchers concluded that eating more dietary antioxidants can help reduce the risk of death from all causes, as well as from cardiovascular disease, in people already living with heart conditions. [6. Hu X, Zhao Z, Quian A et al. BMC Public Health. 2025 Apr 9;25(1):1327]
The Best Types of Antioxidants
When it comes to eye health, certain antioxidants play an especially important role. Xanthophyll carotenoids, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, are concentrated in vision-related tissues like the eye and brain. [7. Johnson E. J. Nutrition Reviews . 2014;72(9):605–612] These nutrients are found throughout almost all parts of the eye, except the vitreous, cornea, and sclera. The macula, which is vital for sharp central vision, contains lutein and zeaxanthin at concentrations up to 100 times higher than in other parts of the eye. [8. Snodderly D. M. Am J Clin Nutr . 1995;62(6):1448S–1461S]
Macular carotenoids are believed to absorb between 40% and 90% of incoming blue light, depending on their concentration. [9. andrum J. T., Bone R. A. Carotenoids in Health and Disease . 2004] This absorption helps protect the retina from light-induced damage [10. Barker F. M., Snodderly D. M., Johnson E. J., et al. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci . 2011;52(7):3934–3942] and reduces glare. Lutein and zeaxanthin are also present in the fluid around the lens and iris, suggesting they help shield the eye from oxidative stress as well. [11. Bernstein P. S., Khachik F., Carvalho L. S., et al. Exp Eye Res . 2011;72:215–223]
Numerous studies show that antioxidants play a crucial role in maintaining eye health, particularly in preventing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. Several nutrients act as antioxidants, including lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamins C and E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Lutein and zeaxanthin have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory benefits related to inflammation-related genes. [12. Bian Q., Gao S., Zhou J., et al. Free Radic Biol Med . 2012;53(6):1298–1307] [13. Sasaki M., Ozawa Y., Kurihara T., et al. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci . 2009;50(3):1433–1439] In these studies, lutein itself was shown to play an important role in the inflammatory response and the development of AMD. [14. Berendschot T. T. J. M., Tian Y., Murray I., Makridaki M. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci . 2013;54:p. 4124] [15. Tian Y., Kijlstra A., Webers C. A. B., Berendschot T. T. J. M. Arch Biochem Biophys . 2015;572:49–53]
Several studies have shown that higher levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in the retina are linked to a lower risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) [16. Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group. The relationship of dietary carotenoid and vitamin A, E, and C intake with age-related macular degeneration in a case-control study AREDS report no. 22. Archives of Ophthalmology. 2007;125:1225–1232. doi: 10.1001/archopht.125.9.1225] [17. Ma L., Liu R., Du J. H., Liu T., Wu S. S., Liu X. H. Lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin supplementation associated with macular pigment optical density. Nutrients. 2016;8(7):p. 426. doi: 10.3390/nu8070426.] [18. Wang J. J., Buitendijk G. H., Rochtchina E., et al. Genetic susceptibility, dietary antioxidants, and long-term incidence of age-related macular degeneration in two populations. Ophthalmology. 2014;121(3):667–675. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2013.10.017.] [19. Meyers K. J., Liu Z., Millen A. E., et al. Joint associations of diet, lifestyle, and genes with age-related macular degeneration. Ophthalmology. 2015;122(11):2286–2294. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2015.07.029.].
Crucial Lifestyle Factors
Certain key factors can influence the degeneration of macular pigments, which are important for eye health. These include a poor diet, lack of physical activity, smoking, metabolic syndrome components (such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure), and certain common genetic variants related to macular pigment optical density [20. Meyers K. J., Johnson E. J., Bernstein P. S., et al. Genetic determinants of macular pigments in women of the carotenoids in age-related eye disease study. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. 2013;54(3):2333–2345. doi: 10.1167/iovs.12-10867.]. Together, these factors can help predict the likelihood of developing early or intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) [21. Meyers K. J., Mares J. A., Igo R. P., Jr., et al. Genetic evidence for role of carotenoids in age-related macular degeneration in the Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Disease Study (CAREDS) Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. 2014;55(1):587–599. doi: 10.1167/iovs.13-13216].
Research also shows that supplementing with carotenoids—specifically lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin—may improve visual function in people with type 2 diabetes, according to electroretinographic studies [22. Moschos M. M., Dettoraki M., Tsatsos M., Kitsos G., Kalogeropoulos C. Effect of carotenoids dietary supplementation on macular function in diabetic patients. Eye Vision. 2017;4:1–6. doi: 10.1186/s40662-017-0088-4]. Even in healthy individuals, daily lutein supplementation has been found to increase macular pigment optical density, as well as enhance contrast and reduce sensitivity to glare [23. Yao Y., Qiu Q. H., Wu X. W., Cai Z. Y., Xu S., Liang X. Q. Lutein supplementation improves visual performance in Chinese drivers: 1-year randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Nutrition. 2013;29(7-8):958–964. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2012.10.017.].
Saffron
Saffron is a popular spice used particularly in East Asian cooking. It is high in antioxidants [24. Christodoulou E., Kadoglou N. P., Kostomitsopoulos N., Valsami G. Saffron: a natural product with potential pharmaceutical applications. The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 2015;67(12):1634–1649. doi: 10.1111/jphp.12456.] [25. Di Marco S., Carnicelli V., Fraceschini N., et al. Saffron: a multitask neuroprotective agent for retinal degenerative diseases. Antioxidants (Basel). 2019;8(7):p. 224. doi: 10.3390/antiox8070224.]. Saffron has binding capacity of metabolites to biomolecules, which protects them from free radicals [26. Christodoulou E., Kadoglou N. P., Kostomitsopoulos N., Valsami G. Saffron: a natural product with potential pharmaceutical applications. The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 2015;67(12):1634–1649. doi: 10.1111/jphp.12456] [27. Kanakis C. D., Tarantilis P. A., Pappas C., Bariyanga J., Tajmir-Riahi H. A., Polissiou M. G. An overview of structural features of DNA and RNA complexes with saffron compounds: models and antioxidant activity. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology. 2009;95(3):204–212. doi: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2009.03.006.]. It also has the following benefits:
Has anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects
Possibly by the inhibition of caspase-mediated apoptosis (cell death) after retinal damage [28. Nam K. N., Park Y.-M., Jung H.-J., et al. Anti-inflammatory effects of crocin and crocetin in rat brain microglial cells. European Journal of Pharmacology. 2010;648(1-3):110–116. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2010.09.003.] [29. Tamaddonfard E., Farshid A. A., Eghdami K., Samadi F., Erfanparast A. Comparison of the effects of crocin, safranal and diclofenac on local inflammation and inflammatory pain responses induced by carrageenan in rats. Pharmacological Reports. 2013;65(5):1272–1280. doi: 10.1016/S1734-1140(13)71485-3.].
Improves Visual Function
Both short-term and long-term studies have shown that saffron supplementation can lead to improvements in visual function [30. Christodoulou E., Kadoglou N. P., Kostomitsopoulos N., Valsami G. Saffron: a natural product with potential pharmaceutical applications. The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 2015;67(12):1634–1649. doi: 10.1111/jph] [31. Mohamadpour A. H., Ayati Z., Parizadeh M. R., Rajbai O., Hosseinzadeh H. Safety evaluation of crocin (a constituent of saffron) tablets in healthy volunteers. Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences. 2013;16(1):39–46.].
Improves Blood Flow
Increases oxygen diffusion and improves retinal and choroidal blood flow [32. Xuan B., Zhou Y. H., Li N., Min Z. D., Chiou G. C. Effects of crocin analogs on ocular blood flow and retinal function. Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 1999;15(2):143–152. doi: 10.1089/jop.1999.15.143] [33. Giaccio M. Crocetin from saffron: an active component of an ancient spice. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2004;44(3):155–172. doi: 10.1080/10408690490441433.].
Helps reduce eye pressure often related to glaucoma or glaucoma risk, up to 3.3mmHg to 3.7mmHg after 3 weeks of supplementation [34. Bonyadi M. H. J., Yazdani S., Saadat S. The ocular hypotensive effect of saffron extract in primary open angle glaucoma: a pilot study. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2014;14:1–6. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-399].
Decreased the Neuroinflammation
Associated with increased IOP [35. Fernandez-Albarral J. A., Ramires A. I., De Hoz R., Lopez-Villarin N. Neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of a hydrophilic saffron extract in a model of glaucoma. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2019;20:1–22. doi: 10.3390/ijms20174110].
Bilberry
Bilberry is particularly rich in anthocyanins, potent antioxidants. Anthocyanins modulate oxidative stress, and improve glutathione use in the body. They help improve microcirculation of tiny blood vessels [36. Mastantuono et al., 2016] [37. Cohen-Boulakia et al., 2000] and therefore improve the delivery of oxygen to the eyes. They accomplish this by improving rhythmic changes in the diameter of blood vessels[38. Colantuoini, A., Bertuglia, S., Magistretti, M.J., Donato, L. (1991). Effects of Vaccinium Myrtillus anthocyanosides on arterial vasomotion. Arzneimittelforschung, Sep;41(9):905-9.] [39. Zhu, Y., Xia, M., Yang, Y., Liu, F., Li, Z., et al. (2011). Purified anthocyanin supplementation improves endothelial function via NO-cGMP activation in hypercholesterolemic individuals. Clin Chem, Nov;57(11):1524-33.] in the eye’s vascular system, as well as in the entire body. They help repair tissue,[40. Yamaura, K., Simada, M., Ueno, K. (2011). Anthocyanins from bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) alleviate pruritus in a mouse model of chronic allergic contact dermatitis. Pharmacogosy Res, Jul;3(3):173-7.] protect retinal nerve tissue, [41. Matsunaga, J., Imai, S., Inokuchi, Y., Shimazawa, M., Yokata, S., et al. (2009). Bilberry and its main constituents have neuroprotective effects against retinal neuronal damage in vitro and in vivo. Mol Nutr Food Res, Jul;53(7):869-77.] and generally support a healthy retina by supporting levels of antioxidants in the blood serum.[42. Mazza, G., Kay, C.D., Correll, T., Holub, B.J. (2002). Absorption of anthocyanins from blueberries and serum antioxidant status in human subjects. J Agric Food Chem, 50:7731–7.]
Eye Fatigue
Taking bilberry extract supplements orally for eight weeks has been shown to reduce eye fatigue related to prolonged use of screens. Benefits include less ocular pain, eye heaviness, discomfort, and the sensation of having something in the eye, as well as improvements in critical flicker fusion (a measure of visual fatigue). Bilberry extract may also help relieve symptoms of dry eye disease.
Myopia
Additionally, long-term use of bilberry extract has been found to slow down axial elongation and help control the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in children.
Connective Tissue
Bilberry’s antioxidants strengthen collagen and promote the health of tissues.
Night Vision
Bilberry helps stimulate the production of rhodopsin needed for night vision.[43. Muth, E.R., Laurent, J.M., Jasper, P. (2000). The effect of bilberry nutritional supplementation on night visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. Altern Med Rev, 5:164-173.] [44. Ibid. Muth. (2000).]
Inflammation. Bilberry is also rich in tannins, which are astringent in nature and have anti-inflammatory properties. Bilberry was found to inhibit airway inflammation in asthma. [45. Park, S.J., Shin, W.H., Seo, J.W., Kim, E.J. (2007). Anthocyanins inhibit airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in a murine asthma model. Food Chem Toxicol, Aug;45(8):1459-67.]
Focusing Capacity and Eye Fatigue
Bilberry supports focusing capacity, helps prevent eye fatigue in computer users, and supports all-over vision health.[46. Ozawa, Y., Kawashima, M., Inoue, S., Inagaki, E., Suzuki, A., et al. (2015). Bilberry extract supplementation for preventing eye fatigue in video display terminal workers. J Nutr Health Aging, May;19(5):548-54.]
Mitochondrial Support
Bilberry is found to protect against dysfunction of mitochondria (cellular energy producers) and also against neurotoxicity.[47. Yao, Y., Vieria, A. (2007). Protective activities of Vaccinium antioxidants with potential relevance to mitochondrial dysfunction and neurotoxicity. Neurotoxicology, Jan;28 93–100.]
Cataracts
Some research suggests that bilberry may help slow the development of cataracts. In one study, a combination of bilberry and vitamin E prevented cataract formation in 48 out of 50 patients with age-related cataracts.[48. Bravetti, G. (1989). Preventive medical treatment of senile cataract with vitamin E and anthocyanosides: clinical evaluation. Ann Ottalmol Clin Ocul,115:109.] In a later animal model, 70% of non-bilberry animals developed cataracts, while none of the animals given bilberry did so.[49. Fursova, A.Z., Gesarevich, O.G., Gonchar, A.M., Trofimova, N.A., Kolosova, N.G. (2005). Dietary supplementation with bilberry extract prevents macular degeneration and cataracts in senesce-accelerated OXYS rats. Adv Gerontol, 2005;16:76-9.]
Beta-Carotene
Beta-carotene is a natural precursor to retinol (vitamin A) and is found in many fruits and vegetables, especially those that are yellow or orange. As an antioxidant, beta-carotene helps protect DNA from free radical damage and is well-known for supporting eye health.[50. Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group. A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of High-Dose Supplementation With vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and zinc for age-related macular degeneration and vision Loss. Archives of Ophthalmology . 2001;119(10):1417–1436. doi: 10.1001/archopht.119.10.1417.]
Research suggests that higher intakes of vitamin A, alpha-carotene, lycopene, and lutein are linked to a lower risk of developing cataracts.
Our bodies convert beta-carotene from foods into vitamin A, so it’s important to include plenty of yellow and orange fruits and vegetables in your diet. If these foods are missing, your risk of vitamin A deficiency increases. One possible sign of vitamin A deficiency is the appearance of small, rough bumps on the backs of your upper arms or legs.
Suggested Supplements
OmegaGenics™ EPA-DHA 720 Lemon 60 gels
Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula (whole food) 60 vcaps – this formula is whole food, organic and GMO free with lutein, zeaxanthin, bilberry, and much more.
Dr. Grossman’s Meso Plus Retinal Support and Computer Eye Strain Formula with Astaxanthin 90 vcaps – also contains lutein, zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxaanthin, taurine and more.
Advanced Eye & Vision Support & Meso Plus Formula with Astaxanthin (3-mo. Combo)
Dr. Grossman’s Advanced Eye and Dr. G’s Whole Food Superfood Multi120 Vcap Combo – 2 months supply
Dr. Grossman’s Blood Vessel Control Formula 2oz
ReVision Formula (wild-crafted herbal formula) 2 oz – supports the Liver (meridian) which “Opens to the Eyes”, promoting healthy circulation and energy flow.
Retinal Support (wild-crafted herbal formula) 2 oz – supports the Kidney and Spleen meridians to promote healthy blood nourishment to the retina and for overall eye health.
Dr. Grossman’s Bilberry/Ginkgo Combination 2oz (60ml)
Resveratrol (Trans) w/Quercetin 60 vegcaps
NMN Wonderfeel Capsul 60 vegcaps
H2 Elite Molecular Hydrogen 60 tabs
Related Home Device
Microcurrent Stimulation 100ile Purchase Option – home unit for supporting retinal and optic nerve health. Summaries of 7 studies done to date summarized on the product page.
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