Ranked by evidence within the category
Eye health supplements: what the evidence says
This is the smallest category, with 15 supplements for eye health: 1 is rated strong, 4 moderate and 10 limited. The AREDS2 eye formula has the strongest evidence, from a large government-funded trial, but only for slowing progression in people who already have intermediate or advanced age-related macular degeneration. Lutein and zeaxanthin earn their moderate grade as part of that formula, and the other moderate items raise macular pigment or modestly ease dry-eye symptoms, while bilberry, goji berry, eyebright and eye strain formulas have limited evidence.
Evidence last reviewed: September 2026
Strong evidence (1)
One of the few supplement formulas with a large, government-funded RCT behind it — but only for a specific population: people who already have intermediate age-related macular degeneration, or advanced AMD in one eye.
Moderate evidence (4)
Lutein and zeaxanthin are the macular pigments, and in AREDS2 they were a safe and effective replacement for beta-carotene in the formula for slowing advanced age-related macular degeneration.
The third macular carotenoid, concentrated at the very centre of the fovea.
Omega-3 based blends aimed at the tear film.
The form of lutein that occurs naturally in marigold flowers, where the molecule is attached to fatty acids and must be cleaved in the gut before absorption.
Limited evidence (10)
Goji berries are a genuinely nutrient-dense food with an unusually high zeaxanthin content, and small trials show they raise macular pigment density.
The famous "RAF pilots ate bilberry jam to see in the dark" story is wartime myth, and controlled trials have repeatedly failed to find a night-vision benefit.
A traditional European herb (Euphrasia) named for its folk use in eye complaints.
A carnosine derivative sold as eye drops claimed to dissolve cataracts.
A pleasant Chinese tea flower traditionally drunk for tired, red or dry eyes.
Roasted Cassia obtusifolia seeds, brewed as a tea in Chinese medicine for eye strain and constipation.
The main anthocyanin in blackcurrant, bilberry and dark berries, sold for night vision on the strength of a Second World War legend about RAF pilots.
A carotenoid from saffron and gardenia fruit, marketed in Japan for eye strain.
An orchid used in Chinese medicine as a yin tonic for dryness, including dry eyes.
Multi-ingredient blends for screen fatigue, usually built around lutein, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin and bilberry.
Comparison guides for this category
Oral L-carnosine or N-acetylcarnosine eye drops?
Lutein and zeaxanthin, lutein esters, or added meso-zeaxanthin?
Goals these supplements are ranked for
An evidence-ranked guide to eye supplements: the AREDS2 formula for macular degeneration, modest options for dry eye, and the vision…
Our verdict
If you have been diagnosed with intermediate AMD, ask your eye doctor about an AREDS2 formula; if your eyes are healthy, nothing here has been shown to prevent AMD or cataract. Be sceptical of eye strain products and of claims that extra carotenoid forms improve eyesight.