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Optim-Eyes High-Potency Vision Support Formula (60 capsules)
MD1
(30 Day Supply)
IN STOCK - YES
What is Optim-Eyes™ Vision Support? Optim-Eyes™ High-Potency Vision Support Formula contains a complete blend of beneficial ingredients known to assist the health and wellness of the eyes, including ALL the nutrients recommended by the National Institutes of Health, based on their AREDS study. Optim-Eyes™ is quite simply the most powerful and complete vision support formula on the market.
Optim-Eyes™ contains vitamin C, shown to reduce intra-ocular pressure, vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, the carotenoids beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin and astaxanthin, levels of which are correlated with decreased risk of macular degeneration, the minerals zinc and copper, and standardized extracts from the plants bilberry and ginkgo biloba, both of which help increase micro-circulation.
Why Is Our Optim-Eyes™ Vision Support Better? Optim-Eyes™ High-Potency Vision Support Formula contains the vitamins recommended by the National Institutes of Health, based on their Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS):
500 milligrams of vitamin C
400 IU of vitamin E
Beta-carotene (equivalent to 25,000 International Units of vitamin A)*
80 milligrams of zinc
2 milligrams of copper
Plus, Optim-Eyes contains nutrients that more recent research has shown is beneficial to eye health:
Lutein
Zeaxanthan
Astaxanthan
N-Acetyl-Cysteine
Bilberry Extract
Ginkgo Biloba Extract
All in a 100% vegetarian (gelatin-free) capsule. Read more about each of these important ingredients, below.
*Optim-Eyes contains twice this level of beta carotene, the equivalent to 50,000 IU of Vitamin A.
Quite simply, we believe that Optim-Eyes™ High-Potency Vision Support Formula is the best available eye health supplement on the market.
Who Should Consider Optim-Eyes™ Vision Support? Anyone who is concerned about their eye health should consider this product. According to the National Institutes of Health, based on their Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS):
People who should consider taking the combination of antioxidants plus zinc [as listed in the top group of bullet points, above] include those who are at high risk for developing advanced AMD. These people are defined as having either:
Intermediate AMD in one or both eyes. Intermediate AMD is defined as the presence of either many medium-sized drusen or one or more large drusen.
Advanced AMD in one eye, but not the other eye. Advanced AMD is defined as either a breakdown of light-sensitive cells and supporting tissue in the central retinal area (advanced dry form), or the development of abnormal and fragile blood vessels under the retina (wet form) that can leak fluid or bleed. Either of these forms of advanced AMD can cause vision loss.
The AREDS did not study bilberry, lutein, or other antioxidants, so we don't know how they may affect eye disease. Future clinical trials may eventually provide answers about these or other antioxidants.
The AREDS only studied age-related macular degeneration. We have no recommendations for younger people with the inherited (juvenile) forms of macular degeneration.
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Ingredient by ingredient, here's how Optim-Eyes™ can help:
Vitamin C, as ascorbic acid:
Vitamin C has been shown (when taken as ascorbic acid) to reduce intraocular pressure,19,21,25,29 which may be useful in cases of glaucoma. Though the required amount can vary greatly from person to person, consistent supplementation is a key element to its effectiveness.
Vitamin E:
Simply one of the best antioxidants a person can take, vitamin E is important since lack of blood (and consequently oxygen) flow to the macula AND free radical damage to the macula seem to be primary contributors to macular degeneration. Vitamin E helps neutralize free radicals. Optim-Eyes™ contains natural (not synthetic) Vitamin E, as mixed tocopherols.
Lutein & Zeaxanthin:
Lutein & zeaxanthin are the two carotenoids found in the retina. They are carotenoids of the xanthophyll group (oxygenated carotenoids) and are isomers, but not stereoisomers, meaning they have differnt forms.
Lutein and Zeazaxthin levels have been correlated correlated with decreased risk of age-related macular degeneration.28 Increasing dietary intake of lutein increase blood levels of lutein and pigment density in the macula. Carotenoids are tissue-specific antioxidants. For example, beta-carotene tends to accumulate in the liver and kidneys, while lycopene favors blood. Lutein & zeaxanthin concentrate in the macula and retina. A diet high in lutein also appears to reduce ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced tissue swelling in animals.
Lutein from dietary supplements at the rate of 6mg/day, the recommend supplementation for eye health, has a demonstrated bioavailability sufficient to roughly double serum lutein levels after 10 days of use. Two capsules of Optim-Eyes provides 5mg of lutein plus 1 mg of zeaxanthin for a total of 6mg. Lutein has better absorption when taken with a high-fat meal.
Astaxanthin:
Is also a carotenoids of the xanthophyll group. Astaxanthin is a more powerful antioxidant than other carotenoids, up as much as 10 times more powerful. And it is not converted to Retinol (vitamin A) unlike other carotenoids, meaning that it stays available in its natural form. Astaxanthin comes from microalgae and is one of the pigments that give Salmon there distinctive color.
Zinc:
Like vitamin A, zinc deficiencies can contribute to increased Rapid Dark Adaptation Test values. The elderly are particularly susceptible to zinc deficiencies.
Ginkgo biloba:
The positive effects of this botanical on the peripheral arteries is now famous. Ginkgo biloba can halt the loss of vision in people with macular degeneration.20,27,31 Ginkgo Biloba extract standardized to 24% ginkgo flavonglycosides and 6% terpene lactones is used.
N-Acetyl-Cysteine:
Supplementation with NAC has been shown to increase glutathione levels16 (glutathione supplementation itself does not seem to boost tissue levels of glutathione), which in turn is found in concentration in the lens of the eye, and plays an important role in the health of the lens (particularly in an antioxidant function). Glutathione levels are depleted in nearly all forms of cataracts.16 Glutathione works in conjunction with ascorbic acid as a free radical scavenger.16
Bilberry extract:
Perhaps the single best source of the blue plant pigments known as anthocyanidins, bilberry seems to target the eye. The anthocyanidins in bilberry decrease vascular permeability.5,7,13,17 How this works is not quite understood yet, but it seems that bilberry anthocyanidins interact with blood vessel collagen in such a way as to slow down enzymatic attack of the blood vessel wall.17 This may prevent leakage of capillaries, decreasing ocular pressure and relieving painful edemas. Truly impressive in its vascular benefits, bilberry seems to work much like horsechestnut and ginkgo in its ability to relieve vascular insufficiency, and like grape seed in its affinity for the capillaries. These microcirculatory improvements have wide ranging health benefits, as one might expect: bilberry improves peripheral circulation and eye health at the same time. You can leam more about bilberry at the bilberry product page.
Beta carotene:
Precursor to vitamin A, which is known to improve night vision. Does "eat your carrots, they're good for your eyes" ring a bell?
Copper:
Zinc competes with copper for absorption through the intestines and may precipitate a copper deficiency when supplemented regularly, therefore it is wise to add copper when taking zinc regularly.
Label Facts
Optim-Eyes High-Potency Vision Support Formula:
Supplement Facts Serving Size: 2 capsules Servings per container: 30
Vcaps vegetarian capsule used and a vegetarian formula.
References
Bilberry References / Additional Resources
Bertuglia S, Malandrino S, Colantuoni A. Effect of Vaccinium myrtillus anthocyanosides on ischaemia reperfusion injury in hamster cheek pouch microcirculation. Pharmacol Res. 1995 Mar-Apr;31(3-4):183-7.
G. Bravetti, "Preventive Medical Treatment of Senile Cataract with Vitamin E and Anthocyanosides: Clinical Evaluation," Ann Ottalmol Clin Ocul 115 (1989): 109.
Blumenthal, Mark; Busse, Werner R; Goldberg, Alicia; Gruenwald, Joerg, PhD; Hall, Tara; Riggins, Chance W.; Rister, Robert S., Eds, Klein, Sigrid, PhD; Rister, Robert S, Trans, Tyler, VarroE, PhD, ScD. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council, 1998.
Colantuoni A, Bertuglia S, Magistretti MJ, Donato L. Effects of Vaccinium Myrtillus anthocyanosides on arterial vasomotion. Arzneimittelforschung. 1991 Sep;41(9):905-9.
Gruenwald, Joerg, PhD; Brendler, Thomas, BA; Jaenicke, Christof, MD. PDR for Herbal Medicines. Medical Economics Company, 1998.
Detre Z, Jellinek H, Miskulin M, Robert AM. Studies on vascular permeability in hypertension: action of anthocyanosides. Clin Physiol Biochem 1986;4(2):143-9.
Hodges LC, Kearse CE, Green K. Intraocular pressure-lowering activity of phenolic antioxidants in normotensive rabbits. Curr Eye Res. 1999 Sep;19(3):234-40.
Hollman PC, Katan MB. Bioavailability and health effects of dietary flavonols in man. Arch Toxicol Suppl. 1998;20:237-48. Review.
Hollman PC, Katan MB. Absorption, metabolism and health effects of dietary flavonoids in man. Biomed Pharmacother. 1997;51(8):305-10.
Jayle GE, Aubry M, Gavini H, Braccini G, De la Baume C. [Study concerning the action of anthocyanoside extracts of Vaccinium Myrtillus on night vision]. Ann Ocul (Paris). 1965 Jun;198(6):556-62. French.
Laplaud PM, Lelubre A, Chapman MJ. Antioxidant action of Vaccinium myrtillus extract on human low density lipoproteins in vitro: initial observations. Fundam Clin Pharmacol. 1997;11(1):35-40.
Lietti A, Cristoni A, Picci M. Studies on Vaccinium myrtillus anthocyanosides. I. Vasoprotective and antiinflammatory activity. Arzneimittelforschung. 1976;26(5):829-32.
Morazzoni P, Livio S, Scilingo A, Malandrino S. Vaccinium myrtillus anthocyanosides pharmacokinetics in rats. Arzneimittelforschung. 1991 Feb;41(2):128-31.
Magistretti MJ, Conti M, Cristoni A. Antiulcer activity of an anthocyanidin from Vaccinium myrtillus. Arzneimittelforschung. 1988 May;38(5):686-90.
Pizzorno, Joseph, ND; Murray, Michael T, Eds. Textbook of Natural Medicine, second ed. Churchill Livingstone, 1999.
Robert AM, Godeau G, Moati F, Miskulin M. Action of anthocyanosides of Vaccinium myrtillis on the permeability of the blood brain barrier. J Med. 1977;8(5):321-32.
Beatty, S., I. J. Murray, D. B. Henson, D. Carden, H. Koh and M. E. Boulton (2001). "Macular pigment and risk for age-related macular degeneration in subjects from a Northern European population." Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 42(2): 439-46.
Optim-Eyes™ References / Additional Resources
Bietti, G. B. (1967). "Further contributions on the value of osmotic substances as means to reduce intra-ocular pressure." Trans Ophthalmol Soc Aust 26: 61-71.
Corbe, C., J. P. Boissin and A. Siou (1988). "[Light vision and chorioretinal circulation. Study of the effect of procyanidolic oligomers (Endotelon)]." J Fr Ophtalmol 11(5): 453-60.
Fishbein, S. L. and S. Goodstein (1972). "The pressure lowering effect of ascorbic acid." Ann Ophthalmol 4(6): 487-91.
Head, K. A. (2001). "Natural therapies for ocular disorders, part two: cataracts and glaucoma." Altern Med Rev 6(2): 141-66.
Junghans, A., H. Sies and W. Stahl (2001). "Macular pigments lutein and zeaxanthin as blue light filters studied in liposomes." Arch Biochem Biophys 391(2): 160-4.
Kim, S. Y., J. S. Kwak, J. P. Shin and S. H. Lee (1998). "The protection of the retina from ischemic injury by the free radical scavenger EGb 761 and zinc in the cat retina." Ophthalmologica 212(4): 268-74.
Linner, E. (1969). "The pressure lowering effect of ascorbic acid in ocular hypertension." Acta Ophthalmol 47(3): 685-9.
Pauleikhoff, D., F. J. van Kuijk and A. C. Bird (2001). "[Macular pigment and age-related macular degeneration]." Ophthalmologe 98(6): 511-9.
Scharrer, A. and M. Ober (1981). "[Anthocyanosides in the treatment of retinopathies (author's transl)]." Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd 178(5): 386-9.
Seddon, J. M., U. A. Ajani, R. D. Sperduto, R. Hiller, N. Blair, T. C. Burton, M. D. Farber, E. S. Gragoudas, J. Haller, D. T. Miller and et al. (1994). "Dietary carotenoids, vitamins A, C, and E, and advanced age-related macular degeneration. Eye Disease Case-Control Study Group." Jama 272(18): 1413-20.
Shen, T. M. and M. C. Yu (1975). "Clinical evaluation of glycerin-sodium Ascorbate solution in lowering intraocular pressure." Chin Med J (Engl) 1(1): 64-8.
Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trials
(2001). "A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of high-dose supplementation with vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and zinc for age- related macular degeneration and vision loss: AREDS report no. 8." Arch Ophthalmol 119(10): 1417-36.
Lebuisson, D. A., L. Leroy and G. Rigal (1986). "[Treatment of senile macular degeneration with Ginkgo biloba extract. A preliminary double-blind drug vs. placebo study]." Presse Med 15(31): 1556-8.
Perossini, M. et al. 1987. Diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy therapy with Vacciniuum myrtillus anthocyanosides (Tegens): Double blind placebo controlled clinical trial. Ann Ottalmol Clin Ocul 113:1173.
Richer, S. (1996). "Multicenter ophthalmic and nutritional age-related macular degeneration study--part 2: antioxidant intervention and conclusions." J Am Optom Assoc 67(1): 30-49.
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