Eyesight improvement with natural vitamins A, C, E, herbs, antioxidants, lutein, fish oils and other dietary supplements by Ray Sahelian, M.D.
Learn the secrets on how to improve your visual acuity with herbs, vitamins, and natural supplements, what foods should you eat, and what type of diet is best for good eyesight
Do you remember how crisp, sharp, and beautiful scenery and objects looked decades ago? As we age our eyesight weakens. This is due to a number of factors including, in part, to degeneration of nerve cells in the retina, difficulties with adjustment of the lens to focus, and certain eye disorders such as glaucoma, cataract and macular degeneration. A painting at an art gallery, a castle in Europe, a swan floating on a still pond, or rugged mountain scenery may not impress us as much. We lose our ability to notice fine details and differentiate subtle shades of colors. Has this enchantment disappeared forever or are there ways to return the visual magic that life offers? Can certain eyesight problems, such as age related visual decline, be reversed or improved? In many people some of these conditions can be improved. After years of supervising patients who take natural eyesight pills and trying various herbs and nutrients myself, I am now aware of many that have a benefit. Not a great deal of research has been published regarding the influence of various nutrients on the visual system and how to improve age related visual decline with dietary supplements. Hence some of the information in this article is anecdotal, based on my professional and personal experience. Supplements may not be able to fully reverse very serious and advanced eye disorders, but they play an important role in mild to moderate cases of visual decline that occur normally with the aging process. For instance, if you have a completely opaque cataract no amount of supplements will help you reverse the condition. Surgery may be your best option.
   After you try some of these eyesight improving supplements, you may even take a test on a Snellen chart to see if your vision is better.

Eyesight Rx with vitamins and herbal extracts for natural vision improvement
 Developed by physician Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Unlike some products that provide vitamins and herbs for long term healthy eyesight support, and prevention of visual impairment, but don't seem to have much of an immediate effect on visual acuity, Eyesight Rx was formulated to provide not only vision supporting nutrients, but also to provide noticeable eyesight improvement within days of use. While some people notice the benefits within a day or two, others may require up to a week or longer. For better eyesight I also suggest eating more cold water fish or taking two to five fish oil pills a day. Fish oils are important for the health of the retina and this formula does not supply them.



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Reports from Eyesight Rx users indicate clarity of vision, colors being brighter, better focus, and overall improvement in close and distant vision. What makes this formula unique is that the tablet can be melted under the tongue for a quick absorption of the nutrients into the bloodstream thus bypassing gastric and intestinal interference. A minute or two later the remains that have not dissolved can be swallowed. The benefits of this natural herbal formula fade a few days after stopping it.

Eyesight Rx supplement facts:
 Vitamin C is a vitamin known as ascorbic acid
Alpha lipoic acid as antioxidant nutrient
Citrus bioflavonoids with eriocitrin, hesperidin, flavonols, flavones, flavonoids, naringenin, and quercetin.
Mixed carotenoids with astaxanthin, beta carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene, and zeaxanthin.
 Bilberry extract (Vaccinium myrtillus) contains anthocyanins which protect the retina.
Jujube extract (Zizyphus jujube)
 Ginkgo biloba herbal extract
Suma extract (Pfaffia paniculata)
Mucuna pruriens extract (Cowhage)
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
Lycium berry extract (Lycium Barbarum) also known as Goji berry

Diet and role of food
 Most everything that you do to improve your overall health will, in the long run, influence the health of your eyesight. For optimal improvement, I recommend you include a variety of whole foods in your diet, fresh vegetable juices, lots of cold water fish such as salmon, halibut, sardines, flax seed oil, and that you take some antioxidants. Fish eggs, such as caviar or salmon roe, are also helpful. Reduce high-glycemic foods such as sugar and refined carbohydrates such as pasta and white bread. Proteins in cells in the eye become toxic when exposed to high-glycemic index foods. Choose more vegetables such ascabbage, broccoli, pepper, corn, or spinach.

Plant substances good for eye sight
Carotenoids and polyphenols are substances in herbs, fruits and vegetables that are good for eye health and act as antioxidants.

Carotenoids are found in fruits and vegetables. Of the many carotenoids circulating in human bloodstream, only lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene are accumulated to any significant degree throughout the tissues of the eye. Good eyesight depends on more that just eating carrots since carrots mostly contain beta carotene.
   Lutein is a carotenoid which has become popular as a dietary supplement either by itself, or combined with zeaxanthin. Together they play an important role in protecting eye tissue in the macula from damage by free radicals. Corn, eggs, green leafy vegetables, peppers, red grapes and pumpkins are some of the foods rich in lutein and zeazanthin.

Chemistry, distribution, and metabolism of tomato carotenoids and their impact on human health and eyesight.
Exp Biol Med. 2002.
The most abundant in tomato is lycopene, followed by phytoene, phytofluene, zeta-carotene, gamma-carotene, beta-carotene, neurosporene, and lutein. Detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis of human serum, milk, and organs, particularly prostate, have revealed the presence of all the aforementioned carotenoids in biologically significant concentrations. Among 25 dietary carotenoids and nine metabolites routinely found in human serum, mainly lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, and their metabolites were detected in ocular tissues. Although lutein, zeaxanthin, and their metabolites constitute the major carotenoids in human ocular tissues, lycopene and a wide range of dietary carotenoids have been detected in high concentrations in ciliary body and retinal pigment epithelium.

Polyphenols are a group of compounds that include anthocyanins and flavonoids. They are found in many fruits and vegetables and in many herbs, including bilberry, eyebright, and ginkgo.

Herbs that Improve eyesight
There are many herbs with compounds that have an influence on vision. They include bilberry, goji berry, and ginkgo biloba.

Individuals with diabetes mellitus have problems with circulation and increased clotting tendencies, particularly in small blood vessels. This can sometimes lead to poor eyesight due to small clots that form in the retina of the eye. In a study done in Taiwan, ginkgo biloba was given to type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with poor eyesight and eye problems (retinopathy). After taking ginkgo biloba orally for 3 months the tendency for blood to clot was significantly reduced, red blood cells became more flexible, and blood flow to the retina was increased. When red blood cells become more flexible, they are able to squeeze through and maneuver easier through tiny blood vessels called capillaries and thus bring more oxygen to tissues and cells. It's difficult to know how much ginkgo biloba to take for better eyesight, but it appears that 40 mg a few times a week is a good option. If you are taking aspirin or other blood thinners consult with your doctor to make sure you are not thinning your blood too much.

Supplements, vitamins, and nutrients that support good eyesight
The lens, retina, macula, and other parts of the eye can be protected with the proper intake of antioxidants. Many antioxidants have a positive influence on eye health including vitamin C, vitamin E, carnosine and alpha lipoic acid. At this point we don't know exactly what amounts and combinations of antioxidants and other nutrients will ensure optimal protection. However I have provided some suggestions. These are not meant to be taken all at once. It is best to learn how each one works for you by itself for a few days. If you do combine them, use smaller amounts. Supplements, just as pharmaceutical drugs, have side effects which are dose dependant. The mechanism of action of these supplements can involve several pathways such as raising levels of brain chemicals, improving circulation to the eye, or altering the fatty acid composition of rods, cones, and brain cells.

Fish oils -- Just like the rest of the cells in the brain, the cells of the retina — the rods and the cones — contain long-chained fatty acids. The most prominent of these fatty acids in the eye is an omega-3 fatty acid called DHA. I have found that the omega-3 oils, generally found in fish and flaxseed, enhance visual perception. I notice improved color perception and depth, enhanced night and distance vision, and overall enhancement in visual awareness after several days of taking flaxseed oil or fish oil capsules. In order to notice quicker results, i.e, within two or three days, the dosages need to be significant. For instance, most people need to take several grams of a combination EPA / DHA fish oil supplement or a tablespoon or two of flaxseed oil. Once you notice an improvement you can reduce your dosage of fish oils to one or two grams a day, or a teaspoon of flaxseed oil. Krill oil is an alternative or can be combined in lower dosages.

Acetyl l-carnitine is an antioxidant involved in energy utilization within cells. A dose of 200 to 500 mg in the morning before breakfast works within two to three hours to induce a pleasant visual and mental clarity.

Pantothenic acid is one of the B vitamins. A dose of 100 to 500 mg taken in the morning improves clarity of vision, usually noticeable in the late afternoon and continuing until bedtime. As with many nutrients that cause alertness, high dosages, even when taken in the morning, can interfere with sleep.

NADH — In August of 1998 I took a trip to Alaska. During my three-week sojourn in this beautiful state I had the opportunity to try some of the nutrients I had brought along. On my second day of the trip I was in a van with a group driving down from Anchorage to Homer. All around me were majestic snowcapped peaks and lush, green meadows dotted with spruce trees. The day was overcast and windy as we pulled up to a scenic point. The wind was creating small ripples over the dark blue waters of the Cook Inlet. I had taken 5 mg of NADH, the coenzyme form of the B vitamin niacin, before breakfast and now, two hours later, the effects were becoming apparent. Not only did I have a pleasant sense of well-being, but also the beauty of this Alaskan scenery was coming to life. I realized at that moment how fortunate we are to have access to many natural supplements that not only improve health, but also enhance our appreciation of life and the natural beauty of this planet. I'm not sure exactly how NADH enhances vision. It likely has to do with raising levels of the brain chemical dopamine since, in my experience, dopamine-enhancing nutrients and medicines improve visual perception.

CDP-Choline enhances acetylcholine production, but may also influence dopamine levels. The visual clarity is apparent within a few hours after taking 250 or 500 mg.

TMG, DMG, DMAE, and SAM-e are methyl donors that have similar effects of sharpening vision, most likely due to an increase in levels of brain chemicals. DMG is available in sublingual form and the visual effects are apparent within an hour of melting a pill under the tongue.

Pregnenolone is an interesting hormone that not only improves eye sight, but also enhances awareness. By this I mean you become more aware of your environment. Scenery, works of art, patterns on clothing, plants, and architecture that you might normally overlook suddenly become eye-catching. I notice the effects within a few hours of taking a dose of 10 mg. However, it takes several days of supplementing with pregnenolone at a smaller dosage to notice the visual effects. Colors become brighter and clearer, and shapes and patterns are more obvious. Reports from patients indicate that about a third notice these dramatic effects. Barbara, a television producer from Orange County, California, relates an interesting response: "I took 10 mg of pregnenolone in the morning for three days and didn't feel much. On the fourth day, while waiting at a traffic light, I noticed how beautiful the red color looked. The light turned green and I kept looking at it in amazement. I had never seen a traffic light look so beautiful. I had to move soon, though, because cars behind me started honking. I arrived at the shopping mall and now realized the beauty of the planted flowers. I kept staring at them for a long time." Ted, a physician from San Diego, says, "I had stopped at a gas station to fill up the tank when I noticed an American flag by the pump. I had never seen red and blue colors that intense. It came to mind that I had taken pregnenolone for the first time that morning. I will always remember that flag at the gas station."
   The visual effects from pregnenolone can last from a few hours to all day. Unfortunately, this hormone has a down side. High doses can lead to overstimulation, irritability, headaches and acne; and very high doses, such as 20 mg or more, can cause heart palpitations in susceptible individuals prone to heart irregularities. I only recommend its use as hormone replacement therapy in low dosages, such as 1 to 3 mg. Ten mg can be taken occasionally, such as three or four times a month, by healthy individuals who have no major medical problems. If you don’t notice an effect from taking the oral pills, try the sublingual (under the tongue) form.

Vinpocetine is an herbal extract that improves blood circulation to the brain. A dose of 5 to 10 mg sometimes leads to visual clarity within a few hours.

Stress and tension, exercise
 Exercise can help you relax and improve your sleeping patterns which can help with eyesight. If you spend many hours in front of a computer, try to take frequent breaks and look at distant objects. Regular yoga practice can help you see clearer and sharper. I'm not sure why, but it works! I've experienced it. Perhaps it partly has to do with improved nerve function or relaxation of eye muscles, or just a lowering of overall stress.

Sun exposure
 Protect your eyes by wearing a wide brim hat when you are in bright sunlight and use UV filtering glasses.

Review and summary
The use of supplements to improve eyesight is a relatively new concept in medicine. Not everyone notices visual effects from taking nutrients. People differ depending upon how in tune they are with their senses. Some individuals can perceive very subtle changes while others require massive dosages before they realize something different is happening. I have one 30-year-old male patient who hardly ever notices any effects from supplements no matter what he takes. Another patient, a 44-year-old woman, has excellent perception skills. For instance, she will notice a visual effect from 2 mg of pregnenolone. I, too, am very sensitive to subtle changes. Over my many years of taking different nutraceuticals in varying dosages I have developed the ability to observe minute changes that occur in mood, energy, alertness, and vision.

Eye conditions that could be helped with the use of herbs, vitamins, and natural supplements
 Farsightedness is also called presbyopia
Myopia is also called nearsightedness. Visual acuity can be improved with the use of fish oils and certain supplements and herbal eye formulas.
Nearsightedness also called myopia
Presbyopia is a vision disorder in which the crystalline lens of your eye loses its flexibility, which makes it difficult for you to focus on close objects or print.
Strabismus is caused by a lack of coordination between the eyes. As a result, the eyes look in different directions and do not focus at the same time on a similar object.

Eye glasses
Email -I recently began reading "Mind Boosting Secrets" and have already taken some of Dr. Sahelian's advice with regard to flax oil and vitamin supplements. I'm pleasantly surprised with the degree to which my memory and mood has improved. I have a concern regarding Eyesight Rx. I've worn eyeglasses for years and couldn't possibly work, function or drive without them. In one eye I have an astigmatism. If I take Eyesight Rx and experience gradual improvement, I'm concerned my current prescription will no longer be appropriate and I'd be unable to function without constantly changing my prescription until the aggregate improvement allowed me to live without glasses.
   You ask a good question. One option is to take a small amount, such as 1/2 of a tablet, and just enhance vision enough where you are maximizing your eyesight with the glasses, but not enough to have to change to a new pair. Or you can buy a new set weaker by a half diopter.

Cataracts and glaucoma
 Is this product appropriate for those with conditions such as cataracts and/or glaucoma?
   This eye product is mainly for those who have difficulty with close or distant vision but not for those with well advanced cataract. We have not tested it in glaucoma.

Dry eyes testimonial
I have used Eyesight Rx for one month now and find it beneficial for dry eyes and visual acuity.

Reading small print
I have blurred vision with the inability to decipher small prints. I sometimes get pain in my eye when I attempt to read the small prints. Would this eyesight formula lend some more accuracy to my vision?
    It is very difficult to predict each person's response. Many people notice better close vision with this formula, but it is impossible to predict in any individual case.

Babies and children
What supplements are good for infant eyesight?
   Infant eyesight is influenced by diet. We suggest making sure that a baby is getting some fish oils that contain EPA and DHA. Vision in babies may also be dependent on getting proper amounts of carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin.

I have a 10 year old nephew in my care and I am considering trying Eyesight Rx with him. He has two lazy eyes and will be starting vision therapy for a default in binocular vision and field vision. I have seen your product and recommended dosing but I do not see a dosing recommendation for children? I have checked the ingredients only to find most are not for use in those under 18 for lack of testing and the health store near me that cares it does not know either.
   We have not tested Eyesight Rx in children and do not know if it works in a child, but if your doctor agrees, a third of a tablet can be tried two days on, 1 or 2 days off.

Testimonials
In case you are interested in feedback on Eyesight Rx, I will tell you my experience so far. The first day I took a tablet and didn't see much of a change but that night I was quite restless. The next day I eliminated the Sudafed for sinus and the coffee and I took a pill and I slept fine but not much change. The third day I took a pill and started to notice subtle changes in clarity and definition and clearer night vision. I now take a tablet every other day and see subtle improvements daily like more definition in grass and trees and colors a little brighter. I have a condition that is not correctable (congenital nystagmus) so any improvement is welcome. Also I take fish oil pills (as you recommend) and multi-vitamin with antioxidants (recommended by my eye doctor).

After about 1 tablet daily for 4 days, I did start to notice, especially at night, that colours seemed brighter, as do headlights on autos. I don't know if this is what these pills are supposed to do or if some people have experienced, say, sharper focus. I have astigmatism in my right eye (lazy eye), and thus cannot (nor I expect can you) say whether improved focus should result. When I went for an eye exam a while back I was told that I had the beginnings of cataracts. We have many Traditional Chinese Medicine doctors and practitioners in our city and one prescribed "Shihu Yeguang Wan" for me. I don't know if you have heard of this, or whether you have any experience with this.
   Thank you for the feedback. I have not heard of this product but I respect the knowledge Chinese doctors and formulators have gathered over the years.

Dr. Ray Sahelian, I would like to thank you for the Eyesight Rx vision support. It is a real formula with real results. I felt the difference after the fourth day. What you mentioned about this formula is absolutely right and it works. Good work.

Combining with other nutritional products
I take a comprehensive, daily formulation from Life Extension foundation which includes bilberry, leutin, and xeaxanthin, among many other ingredients. There is no way to separate the “eye related” supplements from the rest of the preparation. Can I take Eyesight Rx with the LEP preparation? Life Extension Mix.
    We suggest trying each product separately for a few days and then, once you have a good understanding how each one effects you separately, using a low dosage of each. Taking days off from both is also a good option.

I already take the Maxivision my doctor recommended, and I am not planning to tell him that I am trying Eyesight Rx. If I take half a tablet on 2 days and then have a day off, do I take Maxivsion on the 4th day, or is it better to have a month's trial just of your formula?
   We prefer learning how each product does by itself rather than mixing them and not knowing which one is actually working. In the case of Maxivision, we are not familiar with this product, but an internet search reveals it has many helpful nutrients including lutein and zeaxanthin. So, we suggest trying one of the products for a while, and then switching to the other one, and see which one you prefer. Perhaps you will like them both, in that case you can alternate their use.