See the Bigger Picture and Boost Your Long-Term Eye Health
Your vision is something you shouldn’t take for granted. If you compromise your eyesight, you also compromise your other life aspects.
This Best Vision Supplements 2020 guide will break down the trends and ingredients behind the five best products for your eyesight on the market.
Not only will they boost ocular function, but your long-term health as well.
Table of Contents
Quick List: Best Vision Supplements 2020 Edition
The best vision supplements combine vision ingredients into “stacks” that deliver superior long-term results. More on these later, but for now here is a quick list of the Best Vision Supplements of 2020:
#1. Performance Lab Vision – Well-rounded product which specializes in performance-driven vision, eye comfort, and long-term eye health Performance Lab website |
#2. NOW Ocu Support – Versatile vision supplement pulls out all of the antioxidant stops. NOW Foods website |
#3. NutraGreen Eye Health Essential – Rare vision product with vitamin D3. It also features zinc as its main ingredient. HB Health & Beauty website |
#4. PRIME POINT EYE-Q – Balanced vision formulation with a whopping 500 percent of the daily value for vitamin A PRIME POINT Goods website |
#5. Jarrow Formulas Vision Optimizer – The so-called “Multimodal Vision Support Formula” which “supports visual function and ocular antioxidant status,” per its official website Jarrow Formulas website |
Or, read on to learn about the trends, ingredients, and intangibles behind the Best Vision Supplements.
Vision Supplements – 2020 Developments
It bears repeating: your quality of life depends on the quality of your eyesight. If you have poor vision, you will compromise your many life aspects.
These include health, fitness, career, family, finance, and more. You simply cannot stagger through life with poor eyesight. It’s a struggle, to say the least.
On the other hand, if you maintain excellent ocular health, you will improve your quality of life. That’s why it’s imperative you take care of your eyes by eating healthy and taking the right supplements.
Studies have shown a healthy diet – particularly one rich in antioxidants – can help shore up eye health. No less than the American Optometric Association stresses this.
The best vision supplements on the market are teeming with a variety of antioxidants. In fact, many manufacturers try to pull out all the stops. Free radical damage can take a serious toll on your eyesight.
Modern vision supplements have specific objectives. Let’s try to break them down further.
Eye Supplements for Age-Related Vision Issues
In years past, manufacturers intended vision supplements mainly for age-related eye concerns, particularly age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
The trend continues in 2020. As an individual gets older, he or she may have to deal with AMD. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for this vision-related issue.
The key: take care of your eye health. The earlier, the better.
Expect individuals who are at least 50 years of age to continue purchasing vision supplements in 2020 and beyond. These products boast of smart formulations specifically for the following issues:
- Protection from excessive sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) rays
- Ocular circulation
- Lens clarity
- Macular protection
Vision Supplements for Specific Performance Purposes
Other market segments are catching up on older individuals in terms of purchasing vision supplements. We’re talking about photographers, athletes, writers, divers, gamers, photographers, deep sea divers, pilots, and the like.
In other words, we’re talking about people who rely on tip-top vision for excellent performance. They have a diverse array of goals:
- Night vision
- Visual energy
- Glare reduction
- Awareness within the immediate environment
- Reaction to certain movements
Vision Products for Gamers
If there’s one trend which shouldn’t wane, it’s video gaming.
Make no mistake about it: the increasing popularity of fitness video games (exergames) helps keep the body healthy.
However, playing video and online games for hours on end could take a serious toll on your eyesight and other aspects of your health.
Take short wavelength blue light, for example. This is a kind of light which e-readers and tablets emit. According to Dr. Gregory Good of the AOA Commission on Ophthalmic Standards, “Short wavelength (blue light) has been shown to have substantial effects upon alertness, vigilance, and general wakefulness” as “stimulation of the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells can suppress melatonin levels (which can throw off your sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm).”
Let’s not forget about digital eye strain, either. According to the Vision Council’s official website, as much as 32.4 percent of Americans who use digital devices complained about digital eye strain.
To a greater degree, the incidents of computer vision syndrome (CVS) are on the rise. These are clear indications video technology is an integral part of many people’s lifestyles and professions. The downside: this could affect their long-term vision.
If you’re a habitual gamer, you may take your ocular function for granted. You should not. If you take vision supplements, they can help take your eyesight to the next level. More specifically, they can help you:
- Predict the whereabouts of your antagonists
- Detect slight movements
- Keep eye fatigue at bay
- Minimize the effects of glare and flash blindness
- Become more sensitive to contrasting objects
To get an in-depth lowdown, check out our Best Vision Supplements for Gaming and Esports. We’re confident these products can help improve your eyesight and, consequently, your video game performance.
Best Vision Supplement Ingredients in 2020
AREDS Antioxidants
Age-Related Eye Disease (AREDS) antioxidants refer to several vitamins and minerals which can help ward off age-related macular degeneration (AMD). As of 2006 (when researchers conducted AREDS2), the AREDS antioxidant lineup features the following:
- 500 milligrams of vitamin C
- 400 IU of vitamin E
- 80 milligrams of zinc
- Two milligrams of copper as cupric oxide
- 10 milligrams of lutein
- Two milligrams of zeaxanthin
- 1,000 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids (350 milligrams DHA and 650 milligrams EPA)
According to the National Eye Institute’s official website, “People at high risk for developing advanced AMD should consider taking the antioxidant-zinc combinations examined in AREDS and AREDS2.”
The same source adds, “High levels of vitamins and minerals are difficult to achieve from diet alone. However, previous studies have suggested that people who have diets rich in green, leafy vegetables – a good source of lutein/zeaxanthin – have a lower risk of developing AMD.”
The takeaway: eating plenty of fresh vegetables and supplementing with vision supplements will go a long way in safeguarding your ocular health.
Bilberry
Bilberry goes by the monicker “European blueberry.” This fruit is a relative of the famous blueberry fruit which Europeans have used as an ingredient in their wines, pastries, and pies. People have also used bilberry as an herbal remedy, particularly for night vision.
According to legend, British Royal Air Force pilots consumed bilberries to boost their night vision. They claimed they gave them an edge during their flying missions.
The secret lies in bilberry’s dark pigment (anthocyanins) which acts as a powerful antioxidant.
Experts say bilberries have more than 15 different anthocyanins which include delphinidin, dyanidin, malvidin, petunidin, and peonidin. Bilbberies also have an excellent vitamin C, resveratrol, and quercetin profile.
Bilberries improves eye health in several ways:
- Protect the retina against free radicals: Visible spectrum blue light rays within the retina may inflict damage. Bilberries’ rich antioxidant profile helps offset this. It also helps ward off inflammation.
- Promote microcirculation: A steady stream of oxygen and nutrients is crucial for optimum eye health. Bilberries’ feature a sub-class of anthocyanins (anthocyanosides) which support connective tissue function and collagen synthesis.
- Increase rhodopsin production: This compound boosts night vision and helps facilitate recovery from flash blindness and glare.
Saffron
Vision supplement manufacturers source saffron – one of the world’s most expensive spices – from the Crocus sativus flower.
People have used saffron as a coloring for grains, meat spice, and folk medicine extract since the seventh century B.C. Some experts even hail saffron as an effective nootropic. They even believe it can help boost fat loss.
Research has credited saffron’s versatility to its high levels of antioxidant carotenoids which include beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, and lycopene.
In terms of its benefits for vision, it helps in several ways:
- Protects the retina from UV rays: Saffron contains the carotenoid alpha-crocin which protects retinal cells from excessive ultraviolet blue light radiation (UV-B).
- Boosts ocular blood flow: Experts believe increased blood flow in the retina improves overall vision. Once again, credit goes to saffron’s alpha-crocin content.
- Increases antioxidant protection: Saffron’s high antioxidant content helps shore up ocular function.
- Wards off age-related macular degeneration: “Short-term consumption of saffron extract is safe and may slow down the progression of dry ARMD and improve visual function,” per the August 11, 2016 issue of the Italian Journal of Medicine’s official website.
Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid responsible for the pinkish red color of trout, krill, lobster, flamingos, and salmon. Experts say axtaxanthin is one of the most powerful antioxidants.
It also acts as an effective nootropic and helps protect the skin from excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
In terms of astaxanthin’s specific eye health benefits, it protects the retina via its powerful antioxidant content, keeps inflammation at bay, and promotes microcirculation.
Beta Carotene
Beta carotene is another carotenoid and powerful antioxidant. It’s a precursor to vitamin A, which helps improve vision, boost skin health, and shore up immunity.
You can obtain beta carotene from winter squash, sweet potato, pumpkin, and carrots.
Beta carotene helps keep age-related macular degeneration at bay. You can also enhance its benefits by taking other nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Lutein and zeaxanthin are two of the best vision supplement ingredients worth trying. The former comes from the Latin work “luteum” which means “yellow.”
Lutein is a yellow carotenoid compound which you can find in the retina (particularly the macula). Some of the best dietary sources of lutein include kale, spinach, collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens.
Experts say lutein helps protect the eyes in two ways:
- Blue light protection: Lutein filters out excessive blue light which may compromise the eye’s tissues.
- Antioxidant activity: Lutein helps keep free radicals in the retina at bay by promoting antioxidant activity.
As for zeaxanthin, it’s also a yellow carotenoid which you can find in peas, spinach, parsley, kale, corn, and bell peppers. The macula has heavy concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin.
Together, they comprise the so-called “macular pigment” which act as internal sunglasses. For its part, zeaxanthin helps ward off age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
“There is a lot of evidence that lutein and zeaxanthin reduce the risk of AMD. In fact, the Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS and AREDS2), the National Eye Institute found that taking nutritional supplements every day reduces the risk of developing late AMD.
Beyond reducing the risk of eye disease, separate studies have shown that lutein and zeaxanthin improve visual performance in AMD patients, cataract patients and people in good health,” per the American Optometric Association’s official website.
It’s crystal clear lutein and zeaxanthin are two powerhouse ingredients worth pursuing.
Features to Look for in the Best Vision Supplements This Year
Your eyes deserve the best supplements. Don’t settle for anything second-rate in 2020. When you’re on the market for a top-notch vision supplement, there are several things to keep in mind:
Clean Label
When you’re on the lookout for a first-rate vision supplement, make sure it has a clean label. In other words, better if it’s vegan so you can benefit from all-natural ingredients.
Make sure your supplement contains no artificial food colorings, harsh “other ingredients,” additives, and other synthetic components. Watch out for certain components such as magnesium stearate, which may cause allergies.
Natural Ingredients
Not only are natural ingredients teeming with extra health benefits (increased testosterone levels, better cardiovascular function, etc.), but they also have excellent bioavailability – the body absorbs them easily. When that happens, expect better long-term health for your eyes.
On the other hand, synthetic ingredients have poor absorption properties. The reason: the body recognizes them as foreign substances. It doesn’t consider them as essential nutrients. Simply put, you don’t get the most out of synthetic or artificial ingredients.
Branded or Patented Ingredients
If natural ingredients meet your expectations, branded or patented ingredients should exceed them. The reason is simple: they’re the end products of advanced and patented processes.
These branded ingredients also feature solid concentrated and standardized herb content. Long story short, these make branded or patented ingredients more effective than regular plant-based ones.
They feature increased potency for better results. You’ll get a fast return on your investment, for sure. Some of the noteworthy examples of these branded ingredients are OptiZinc®, Betatene®, and FloraGLO®.
Excellent Absorption and Bioavailability
If a supplement has an excellent ingredient profile, but has poor absorption prowess, it will all go for naught. If your bloodstream doesn’t absorb these nutrients effectively, you won’t get the results you want.
With that in mind, make sure your vision supplement has excellent bioavailability.
Take Performance Lab Vision, for instance: it features Plantcaps® capsules which the manufacturer sourced from pullulan (a water-soluble polysaccharide).
Plus, these capsules contain prebiotics for improved gastrointestinal function and calcium and magnesium absorption.
How Best 5 Supplements Rates and Ranks the Best Vision Supplements
For general information on purchasing high-quality supplements, please check out the Best 5 How to Buy a Good Supplement guide.
In terms of the best vision supplements in particular, here are the criteria we used in our ratings:
- Combinations: The best vision supplements feature smart stacking for the best possible results.
- Healthy: These products boast of a clean ingredient profile with no fillers, additives, and synthetic ingredients.
- Quality: We like vision supplements with premium and branded ingredients because they have excellent potency.
- Research: Science- and research-backed ingredients get the attention of customers.
- Service: We also consider companies with good customer support and effective returns and shipping policies.
- Value: We love vision supplements which give you the biggest bang for your buck.
- Cleanliness: Vision supplements with without synthetic ingredients, additives, and artificial food colorings stand out from the rest of the pack.
We also take into account which companies have a strong online presence and good reputation. These manufacturers are more likely to stand behind their products.
Best Vision Supplements 2020 Edition
#1: Performance Lab Vision
Performance Lab Vision is a “competitive eyesight enhancer with macular health support,” per its official website. Our No.1-ranked vision supplement relies on a balanced formulation which helps boost glare recovery, night vision, and contrast sensitivity, among other things.
It also features three patented ingredients in FloraGLO®, Plantcaps® pullulan capsules, and NuFlow® Rice Concentrate. To top it all off, Performance Lab Vision boasts of a clean label. If you put everything together, this product is simply a cut above the rest.
Performance Lab Vision Summary |
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Ingredients: Black Currant 300 mg, Black Currant Extract (25% anthocyanins) 25 mg, Bilberry Extract (25% anthocyanosides) 25 mg, Lutein (as FloraGLO®) 10 mg, Zeaxanthin (as FloraGLO®) 2 mg, Astaxanthin 1 mg, Saffron (0.3% safranal) 1 mg | ||
Clean Label: Yes. Performance Lab Vision’s clean label is one of its most impressive features. | ||
Advanced Delivery: Yes. This product is one of the rare sleep supplements which uses Plantcaps® pullulan capsules for easy absorption. | ||
Price: $40 for a 30-capsule bottle | ||
Any Deals? Yes. Buy two bottles for $76 (five percent savings) and three bottles for $180 (10 percent savings) plus free worldwide shipping on orders over $200. | ||
Service: Customer service web form (get a response within 30 minutes), return policy, and 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee | ||
Official Website: https://www.performancelab.com | ||
Read our in-depth Performance Lab Vision review | ||
#2: NOW Ocu Support
If you want the full antioxidant arsenal for impeccable vision, NOW Ocu Support is right up your alley. This supplement “offers a full range of antioxidant nutrients that may aid in maintaining some key visual functions,” per its official website.
NOW Ocu Support’s ingredients include vitamin A, vitamin C, Vitamin E, riboflavin, zinc, selenium, bilberry extract, lutein, green tea extract, n-acetyl cysteine, and zeaxanthin. These components are sure bets for improving your night vision and reducing glare reduction.
NOW Ocu Support’s extra health benefits and great reputation should score points with many customers. We agree – this is one vision supplement worth every penny.
NOW Ocu Support Summary |
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Ingredients: Vitamin A (100% as Beta-Carotene)(Betatene®) 25,000 IU, Vitamin C 300 mg, Vitamin E 200 IU, Riboflavin 20 mg, Zinc (OptiZinc®) 25 mg, Selenium 100 mcg, Bilberry Extract (min. 100 mg 25% Anthocyanidins) 10 mg, Lutein (FloraGLO®) 10 mg, Green Tea Extract (min. 50% EGCg) 150 mg, N-Acetyl Cysteine 100 mg, Zeaxanthin (FloraGLO®) 500 mcg | ||
Clean Label: No. Contains Cellulose (Capsule), Cellulose Powder, Magnesium Stearate, and Silica. | ||
Advanced Delivery: No. The manufacturer uses plain vegetable capsules. | ||
Price: $21.99 for a 60-capsule bottle | ||
Any Deals? Yes. Free standard shipping on orders over $50 in the continental U.S. and free essential oil diffuser with a minimum purchase of $100. | ||
Service: Customer service web form, toll-free hotline, 30-day return policy | ||
Official Website: https://www.nowfoods.com | ||
Read our in-depth NOW Ocu Support review | ||
#3: NutraGreen Eye Health Essential
NutraGreen Eye Health Essential is “a complex formula that promotes optimal eye functions, including retinal tissues,” per its official website. Leading the charge is 267 percent of the daily value for zinc, a mineral which helps transport vitamin A from the liver to the retina.
On that note, the manufacturer designed a clever pathway for optimum ocular function. Our verdict: it should work. No doubt about it. NutraGreen Eye Health Essential is one of the rare vision supplements whose main ingredient is zinc, which is more popular among customers as a sleep supplement ingredient and testosterone booster.
NutraGreen Eye Health Essential is also one of the few vision products with vitamin D3. Some experts believe this vitamin (which is more popular for its bone health and cardiovascular benefits) can help ward off age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Truly, NutraGreen Eye Health Essential is one vision supplement which takes the road less traveled.
NutraGreen Eye Health Essential Summary |
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Ingredients: Vitamin A 1,000 IU, Vitamin E 50 IU, Vitamin C 60 mg, Vitamin D3 400 IU, Zinc 40 mg, Lutein 20 mg, Zeaxanthin 2 mg, Astaxanthin 3 mg, Bilberry Fruit 25 mg | ||
Clean Label: No. Includes Gelatin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silicon Dioxide, and Magnesium Stearate | ||
Advanced Delivery: No. The company uses regular gelatin capsules. | ||
Price: $35.99 for a 60-capsule bottle | ||
Any Deals? Yes. Free shipping on orders at least $350. | ||
Service: Customer service email, toll-free number, 30-day refund and exchange policy | ||
Official Website: www.hbherb.com | ||
Read our in-depth NutraGreen Eye Health Essential review | ||
#4: PRIME POINT EYE-Q
PRIME POINT EYE-Q is “the smart choice for vision support” which “promotes healthy eyes and supports optimal retinal and macular health,” per the manufacturer’s official website.
First off, PRIME POINT EYE-Q has an insane 500 percent of the daily value for vitamin A. It’s also one of the rare vision supplements with taurine. It turns out this non-essential amino acid and antioxidant is present in the retina. Taurine helps shore up the retina’s visual receptor cells.
In a nutshell, PRIME POINT EYE-Q improves overall vision, provides vital antioxidant protection, and produces no unwanted side effects. Throw in great customer reputation, you get one vision supplement worth buying.
PRIME POINT EYE-Q Summary |
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Ingredients: Vitamin A 25,000 IU, Zinc 25 mg, Lutein 20 mg, Bilberry Fruit 80 mg, Grape Seed 100 mg, Quercetin 100 mg, L-Taurine 400 mg, N-Acetyl L-Cysteine 200 mg | ||
Clean Label: No. Contains Gelatin (Bovine), Vegetable Magnesium Stearate and Silicon Dioxide. | ||
Advanced Delivery: No. The company uses plain gelatin capsules. | ||
Price: $19.84 for a 60-capsule bottle | ||
Any Deals? Yes. Sign up for the company newsletter and get 10 percent off on your first purchase. | ||
Service: Customer service web form and return policy | ||
Official Website: https://www.primepointgoods.com | ||
Read our in-depth PRIME POINT EYE-Q review | ||
#5: Jarrow Formulas Vision Optimizer
Jarrow Formulas Vision Optimizer is the “Multimodal Vision Support Formula” which “supports visual function and ocular antioxidant status,” per its official website. This vision supplement’s nutrient arsenal is one of the most comprehensive we’ve seen to date. In fact, its B vitamin lineup trumps some leading multivitamins on the market. It’s that powerful.
When we said this product covers all the bases, we mean it. You won’t find another vision supplement as versatile as Jarrow Formulas Vision Optimizer. It’s truly one of a kind.
Jarrow Formulas Vision Optimizer Summary |
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Ingredients: Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid) 200 mg, Vitamin E ( as D-Alpha Tocopherol) 11 mg, Vitamin B1 (as Thiamin Mononitrate) 12 mg, Vitamin B2 (as Riboflavin) 10 mg, Vitamin B3 (as Niacinamide) 100 mg, Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine HCl), 12 mg, Selenium (as Methylselenocysteine) 10 mcg, Taurine 500 mg, Quercetin 300 mg, Blackcurrant Extract (Ribes nigrum)(20% polyphenols)(fruit) 100 mg, Alpha Lipoic Acid 100 mg, Gamma Tocopherol 100 mg, Grape Seed Extract (Vitis vinifera L.)(95% polyphenols) 100 mg, Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis)(leaf) 100 mg, Lutein (from esters)(Tagetes erecta)(marigold petal extract) 10 mg, Zeaxanthin (from esters)(Tagetes erecta)(marigold petal extract) 2 mg | ||
Clean Label: No. Contains magnesium stearate and silicon dioxide | ||
Advanced Delivery: No. Regular gelatin capsules | ||
Price: $19.94 for one 90-capsule bottle | ||
Any Deals? Yes. Free shipping on all orders, free vitamin D2500 for purchases of at least $25, and get five percent off on orders of at least $100 | ||
Service: Customer service web form and hotline, return policy | ||
Official Website: https://jarrowonline.com | ||
Read our in-depth Jarrow Formulas Vision Optimizer review | ||
Conclusion on the Best Vision Supplements 2020
Optimal ocular function is imperative – you can’t function well if you have poor eyesight. You will compromise many life aspects.
Now is the best time to take care of your eyes by making proper food choices and taking vision supplements.
Bear in mind consumers aren’t taking vision supplements in 2020 just to boost their eye health. They’re also using them as performance enhancers for their careers and lifestyles. The numbers of games also continue to increase.
With that in mind, vision supplements give them the competitive edge they need.
Any of these five vision supplements will exceed your expectations. To get the lowdown on other great products, check out our comprehensive vision supplement reviews. Finding another ocular health superstar is just one click away.
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