Eye Vitamin Nutrient Profiles

Doctor Endorsements

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).

Marvin Moe Bell, M.D., M.P.H.

Physician and Author

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.

Dr. Kendal Piatt, O.D.

Optometrist

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.

Pamela Weber, M.D.

Ophthalmologist

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.

Martin L Weinhoff, MD

Ophthalmologist

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).

Marc Lay, OD

Optometrist

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.

Ronald E. P. Frenkel, M.D.

Ophthalmologist

Home > Vision Resources > VisiVite Archived Pages > Eye Vitamin Nutrient Profiles

Each of the nutrients in VisiVite Nutritional Supplements for Macular Degeneration has been carefully selected based upon the latest scientific eye health research. Detailed information regarding each of these nutrients is listed below.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Lutein and zeaxanthin, which are naturally present in the macula of the human retina, filter out potentially phototoxic blue light and near-ultraviolet radiation from the macula. The protective effect is due in part, to the reactive oxygen species quenching ability of these carotenoids.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that exists in three major chemical forms: pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine. It performs a wide variety of functions in your body and is essential for your good health.

Selenium

Selenium is incorporated into proteins to make selenoproteins, which are important antioxidant enzymes. The antioxidant properties of selenoproteins help prevent cellular damage from free radicals.

Beta-carotene (Precursor form of Vitamin A)

Vitamin A promotes healthy surface linings of the eyes and the respiratory, urinary, and intestinal tracts.

Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in almost every cell. It stimulates the activity of approximately 100 enzymes, which are substances that promote biochemical reactions in your body. Zinc supports a healthy immune system, is needed for wound healing, helps maintain your sense of taste and smell, and is needed for DNA synthesis.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that exists in eight different forms. Each form has its own biological activity, which is the measure of potency or functional use in the body. Alpha-tocopherol (α-tocopherol) is the name of the most active form of vitamin E in humans. It is also a powerful biological antioxidant.

Glutathione - A powerful anti-oxidant

Provides protection of retinal pigment epithelium from oxidative injury mediated through synthesis of GSH.

Bilberry

Anthocyanidin Bioflavonoid that strengthens capillaries and resultant blood flow to delicate tissues and the retina.

Meso-Zeaxanthin

VisiVite Formulas do not contain Meso-Zeaxanthin. Meso-zeaxanthin is actually not made from Zeaxanthin, but is manufactured from Lutein oleoresin via a harsh chemical extraction process known as saponification from fats and lye. Because Meso-zeaxanthin is not present in the diet, by definition, it cannot be considered a dietary supplement.