This combination of nutrients, found in supplements like Ocuvite and VisiVite, is now widely recommended for people with moderate or severe macular degeneration. Current or former smokers may be better off with VisiVite's Smoker's Formula, which leaves out the beta-carotene (beta-carotene supplements my increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers).
We see approximately 120 patients per week with about 15% having or being at risk for macular degeneration. Using the AREDS as our reference we became aware of the importance of nutritional supplements in the prevention of the progression of macular degeneration. This along with various other studies on the importance of vitamins for general eye health prompted us to look for a supplement that fit the needs of our patients. Visivite showed itself to be the only company who took pains to offer the ratio of different vitamins initially determined by AREDS.
At "Island Retina" our mission statement is to provide outstanding retinal care in a warm and supportive environment. I have been practicing for more than 20 years. We love taking care of patients with retinal disease including diabetes, macular degeneration and retinal detachments. Our practice is unique in that we have a surgery center,we are involved in several national research projects as well as our own research, and we have a satelite office in Commack, NY. I do a great deal of lecturing throughout the country as part of my committment to education. We have been recommending Visivite for several years. AREDS formulation vitamins are the mainstay in the treatment of dry AMD which affects about 1.7 million Americans. We find that the VisiVite vitamins fit the needs of our patients. We can recommend different formulations based on the patients' history. The quality is unsurpassed, they are well tolerated which increases patient compliance.
I've been in practice for 36 years. We see many patients with Macular Degeneration and dry eyes. As a general Ophthalmologist, I see patients with varying Eye problems including cataracts and glaucoma. Based on the AREDS study, a vitamin like Visivite is the only treatment for Macular Degeneration available today.
We recommend that all of our patients take the VisiVite AREDS 2 formula vitamins, due to the evidence based nature of the formula (doses are based on the NIH study of macular degeneration).
East Florida Eye Institute specializes in the treatment of Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Diabetic Eye Disease, and Dry Eye Disease. We recommend the use of VisiVite for all of our Macular Degeneration patients.
Although the AREDS Formula includes 15,000 IU of the beta-carotene form of vitamin A, studies have shown that beta-carotene increases the risk of lung cancer in smokers. Therefore, both current smokers and those people who have habitually smoked within the past 20 years are advised to remove beta-carotene from their macular degeneration regimen.
The 5 VisiVite Formulas below are notable for their removal of beta-carotene. Since the AREDS results, additional studies have provided evidence that additional ingredients may improve the appearance, structure and function of the retina. Specifically, Lutein and Zeaxanthin, which like beta-carotene are carotenoids found in green leafy vegetables, have been shown to be very beneficial.
Based on the formula of the National Eye Institute's Age Related Eye Disease
Study, but with 8 mg Lutein substituted in place of beta-carotene. Made with Natural Vitamin E.
It is best for smokers
and former habitual smokers that have minimal macular degeneration with no vision loss.
THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS
NO BETA CAROTENE AND IS THEREFORE RECOMMENDED FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE HABITUALLY SMOKED WITHIN THE PAST 20 YEARS.
Quantity: 60 Capsules (1 month supply) Suggested Use: Take one capsule twice daily Price: $17.95 per bottle. Click link to see discount pricing and more
information.
Begins with the formula of the National
Eye Institute's Age Related Eye Disease Study. Zinc is reduced to 40 milligrams
daily for reduced gastrointestinal side effects. Adds 15 milligrams of FlorGLO®
brand Lutein. Beta-carotene free for patients with a history of habitual smoking
within the past 20 years. With Natural Vitamin E. THIS PRODUCT IS DESIGNED FOR
PEOPLE WHO HAVE SMOKED HABITUALLY WITHIN THE PAST 20 YEARS AS IT DOES NOT
CONTAIN BETA CAROTENE.
Quantity: 60 Capsules (1 month supply) Suggested Use: Take one capsule twice daily Price: $21.95 per bottle. Click link to see discount pricing and more
information.
Retail price: $27.95 Sale Price: $21.95
> 15 mg FloraGLO Lutein > For Smokers - No Beta Carotene > Natural Vitamin E
Exceeds the National Eye Institute's AREDS2 guidelines. Contains 15 milligrams of FlorGLO brand Lutein and 4.75 milligrams of OPTISHARP brand Zeaxanthin and other critical antioxidants. Made using high quality Natural Vitamin E.
Quantity: 60 Capsules (1 month supply) Suggested Use: Take one capsule twice daily Price: $29.95 per bottle. Click link to see discount pricing and more
information.
Retail price: $49.95 Sale Price: $29.95
> Exceeds National Eye Institute's AREDS2 Formula > 50% more Lutein than AREDS2 > 134% more Zeaxanthin than AREDS2 > Premium Antioxidant Formula > 200 mcg Selenium
Based upon the National Eye Institute's AREDS2 guidelines. Contains 10 milligrams of FlorGLO brand Lutein and 2 milligrams of OPTISHARP brand Zeaxanthin and other critical antioxidants. Adds 1228 mg of pharmaceutical grade ROPUFA omega 3 fish oil. Made using high quality Natural Vitamin E. Take two soft gels twice daily.
Quantity: 120 Gel Caps (1 month supply) Suggested Use: Take two capsules twice daily Price: $39.95 per bottle. Click link to see discount pricing and more information.
Retail price: $59.95 Sale Price: $39.95
> Based on National Eye Institute's AREDS2 Formula > 10 mg FloraGLO Lutein > 2 mg OPTISHARP Zeaxanthin > Adds 1228 mg Pharmaceutical grade Omega-3's > Premium quality softgel
Based upon the National Eye Institute's AREDS2 guidelines, but without Vitamin E for patients taking Coumadin. Contains 20 milligrams of FlorGLO brand Lutein and 4.75 milligrams of OPTISHARP brand Zeaxanthin and other critical antioxidants.
Quantity: 60 Capsules (1 month supply) Suggested Use: Take one capsule twice daily Price: $29.95 per bottle. Click link to see discount pricing and more information.
Retail price: $49.95 Sale Price: $29.95
> 20 mg Lutein > 4.75 mg Zeaxanthin > No Vitamin E - For patients on Coumadin