Frequently Asked Questions

Are the doses in VisiVite too high?
Prior to the ground-breaking AREDS study published by the National Eye Institute in 2001, no other study showed benefit to treating macular degeneration with nutritional supplements.

     Why?

Because in the more than 600 studies prior to AREDS, the dosages were not high enough to have any benefit against retinal degeneration. In order to have any effect against the disease, the dosages had to be much higher than initially presumed. What made AREDS ground-breaking was that they used dosages far higher than previously recommended and as a result, it was the FIRST study to show benefit to taking vitamins for eye health.

The National Eye Institute has the most respected ocular scientists in the world.  The AREDS research has been universally accepted by physicians worldwide as providing the strongest evidence for proving both effectiveness and safety. 

How does VisiVite work?
Macular Degeneration treatment was evaluated in the Age Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), a major study sponsored by the National Eye Institute, one of the Federal government’s National Institutes of Health, and conducted at 11 major medical center research facilities around the country. In that study, ingredients that are identical to those in VisiVite Original Formula were found to slow the progression of macular degeneration in those patients with intermediate or advanced disease. It is believed that the anti-oxidants and Zinc promote the continued health of the retina and tissues surrounding the retina.
 

What other research exists?
Since the ground-breaking Age Related Eye Disease Study, newer research points to the benefit of high-dose Lutein when taken concomitantly with the large quantities of anti-oxidants from the AREDS study in patients with macular degeneration. The Lutein Antioxidant Supplementation Trial (LAST) was the first study to show visual improvement in patients with dry macular degeneration. And cutting-edge research has now demonstrated that a compound called Zeaxanthin may be just as important as Lutein. All VisiVite i-Defense Formulas contain FloraGLO brand Lutein, the most highly desired natural form of Lutein available. VisiVite i-Defense Gold and Green Formulas also contain OPTISHARP brand Zeaxanthin.
 

How are VisiVite formulas different from other vitamins?
Patients often confuse taking low-dose multiple vitamins, such as Centrum Silver or One-A-Day, as being beneficial in treating their macular degeneration.

The levels of supplement are much higher in VisiVite Formulas than in other vitamin supplements. Additionally, VisiVite contains only those substances that were scientifically proven to promote retinal health.

Can I take other vitamins with VisiVite?
If you are taking individual supplements of Vitamins A, C, or E, it is recommended that you obtain the necessary quantities of those vitamins from the VisiVite alone. If, however, you take a multi-vitamin, such as Centrum, you can continue to take that. In fact, approximately half of the patients in the AREDS study continued to take their multi-vitamins. Importantly, there was no difference in outcome between those patients taking high dose supplements alone compared with those taking high dose supplements combined with their normal multi-vitamin.

Will VisiVite interfere with my other medications?
While it is unlikely that the ingredients found in VisiVite will interfere with your other prescription medications, you should notify your primary physician before taking large-dose supplements.

Why are there multiple VisiVite formulas?
VisiVite Original Formula duplicates the ingredients in the National Eye Institute's Age Related Eye Disease Study. But Lutein was not available at the time of that study, and is found in VisiVite i-Defense Yellow, Red, Gold and Green Formulas. Beta-carotene was shown in two large studies to increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers. Therefore, VisiVite i-Defense Red and Green Formulas contain no Beta-carotene for people who have habitually smoked within the past 20 years.. Finally, only VisiVite Gold and Green Formulas contain additional Zeaxanthin.

How should VisiVite be taken?
All VisiVite Formulas are taken as one capsule twice daily. It is important to continue to take VisiVite continuously. The AREDS study required a follow-up of 6 years to demonstrate clinical efficacy.

What is the policy of the FDA with respect to VisiVite?
VisiVite Formulas are considered vitamin supplements, and not drugs, and therefore cannot claim clinical effectiveness in treating a particular disease.

Doesn't Vitamin E cause bleeding in the retina?
Wet macular degeneration is not caused by blood vessels leaking. Rather, it is caused by formation of abnormal, fragile blood vessels due to oxidative damage. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and works against the formation of these “neovascular” vessels. The only reason to avoid Vitamin E is if you are already on another blood thinner, such as Coumadin. If you are, we offer VisiVite i-Defense E-Free Formula. 

Where Can I Get More Information?

• Macular Degeneration Vitamins
• National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health
• Vitamin Science, Inc