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

Ocular Rosacea - Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by redness and blemishes around the face, especially the forehead, nose and cheeks. When rosacea affects the eyes, the condition is known as ocular rosacea.

Ocular Rosacea Symptoms and Warning Signs

Dry eyes
Redness
A burning, itching or stinging sensation in the eyes
Blurred vision
Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
Styes or blepharitis (swollen eyelids)
A feeling of having a foreign body in the eyes
Scaly, reddened skin around the eyelids

Rosacea symptoms may present as "flare-ups" that can come and go. If you routinely experience any of the above symptoms, consult with your ophthalmologist or dermatologist for a professional diagnosis and treatment plan.

Ocular Rosacea Causes and Contributing Factors

The cause of ocular rosacea is unknown, but medical experts believe it may be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Ocular rosacea tends to affect women more than men, is most commonly seen in adults between the ages of 30 and 60, and occurs most frequently among people with fair complexions. Those who blush easily, have a family history of rosacea, or are experiencing menopause all have an elevated ocular rosacea risk. As many as 50% of people diagnosed with skin rosacea may also display symptoms of ocular rosacea. However, ocular rosacea may still manifest even when skin rosacea is not present.

Ocular Rosacea Treatment

Like skin rosacea, ocular rosacea has no known cure. Several effective treatment options do exist. It is important to address ocular rosacea right away, as the condition is likely to become more severe over time if left untreated, and may even lead to eye infections or eye ulcers that can impair vision. In extreme cases, ocular rosacea may lead to perforation of the eye that can result in blindness. Earlier treatment of ocular rosacea is associated with better outcomes. Ocular rosacea treatments include the following:

Oral antibiotics like tetracycline, doxycycline, erythromycin or minocycline are commonly prescribed for ocular rosacea.

Metronidazole, a topical antibiotic gel, may also be prescribed. Metronidazole is typically applied to the eyelids daily for a period of several weeks.

Oral corticosteroids are sometimes prescribed by doctors as a temporary measure to reduce ocular rosacea inflammation, though such cases are rare. Corticosteroids may trigger rosacea flare-ups, and should be used with caution.

Nutritional supplements may help to manage the Dry Eye Syndrome symptoms that are commonly associated with ocular rosacea. VisiVite's Dry Eye Relief Tear Stabilization Formula helps repair the damaged layers of the eye that can be caused by ocular rosacea, promoting eye comfort while helping to moisturize and protect the eyes.

Helpful Lifestyle Changes

The eye dryness common in ocular rosacea can irritate the cornea, or outer surface of the eye. Inflamed eyelids may make this irritation worse, and can compromise eyesight. For these reasons, regularly cleaning the eyelids and the areas around the eyes with warm water is recommended, and can be supplemented with artificial tears. Warm compresses may also be helpful.

Identify and avoid rosacea-aggravating factors as much as possible to minimize flare-ups. Rosacea triggers may include spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, wearing contact lenses, exposure to extreme temperatures, stress, hot baths, or even strenuous exercise.

Make an appointment as soon as possible with an ophthalmologist if you experience any of the above symptoms or triggers. If you already suffer from skin rosacea, a doctor may wish to discuss your treatment history and schedule an eye exam to check for ocular rosacea.