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 supplements for ocular nutrition have been around for since 1970, it was the landmark AREDS (Age-Related Eye Disease Study) completed at the United States National Eye Instituted in 2001 that demonstrated true eye health benefits. Importantly, AREDS showed that rather than using many ingredients in only modest dosages, that what was required to have an impact for macular health were ingredients given in dosages much higher than the Daily Value. These included Vitamin A as beta carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Zinc. Copper was given to prevent a Zinc-induced anemia.
Doctors were understandably leery at first, but the results of AREDS unmistakably proved that the AREDS formula could slow the progression of macular degeneration by 25%. While that might not seem to be significant, keep in mind that it was the first study to show any benefit at all.
Because scientific inquiry does not stand still, other studies came to light following AREDS that demonstrated the benefit to other ingredients, including lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids.
The VisiVite brand of ocular nutrition, from Vitamin Science, has formulated a wide array of formulas for macular health, dry eye syndrome, and athletic visual performance. Always based on results from the best scientific studies rather than hearsay, VisiVite eye vitamin formulas promote ocular health by providing support for delicate eye tissue structure and improved function.
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
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 and 4.75 milligrams of
OPTISHARP brand Zeaxanthin. With Natural Vitamin E. THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS BETA
CAROTENE AND SHOULD ONLY BE USED BY PEOPLE WHO HAVE NOT HABITUALLY SMOKED WITHIN
THE PAST 20 YEARS.
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
> Based on AREDS > 15 mg FloraGLO Lutein > 4.75 mg OPTISHARP Zeaxanthin > No artificial colors
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