We have identified the key factors to look for in a top-notch eye health supplement and how you can spot the scams.
If you’ve been experiencing more frequent blurry vision, and dulling eyesight lately, it might not just be due to a hectic schedule or a few restless nights. Age-related eyesight decline could be the culprit.
As we age, a gradual decline in vision ability is natural, with studies indicating this process can start as early as the early to mid 30s. Your eyes rely on lots of moving parts to refract light and create images in your brain. Unfortunately, production and processing of this essential light analyzing process decreases with age, affecting the brain’s capacity to create formulate images and see. This explains why vision sharpness, and eyesight health decline as we age.
While we can’t halt time’s progression, a combination of a healthy lifestyle and a comprehensive vision health supplement can help maintain vision sharpness and recapture the focus, concentration, and clarity of your eyesight.
New research suggests that around 90% of individuals will encounter vision-related eye issues at some stage in their lives, particularly after reaching the age of 65. Furthermore, our increasing dependence on electronic devices exacerbates this issue. It’s hardly shocking, therefore, that there’s a rapid surge in public demand for vision assisting support and products.
And yet, not all supplements are created equal. The fast-growing market for eyesight supplements has lured many companies to release ineffective supplements containing questionable ingredients with little or no proof of efficacy. That’s why our staff decided to review all the most popular vision formulas today and evaluate them for safety and effectiveness. We will show you what to look for, what to avoid, and which products we determined to be the best.
In our analysis, we noticed a number of companies making exaggerated claims about the sharp improvements you can realize by using their products, not all of which are likely. What kind of results can you realistically expect from a vision supplement?
The ingredients in most vision health products can provide some noticeable improvements within 30 days. However, it may take additional time to restore optimal retinol production and maximize your brain’s ability to forge sharper images.
Research suggests that 3 months of daily use helps significantly increase the likelihood of lasting improvement. Here is a reasonable timeline to expect:
Tip: For best results, focus on consistency. Adding an effective vision supplement to your daily routine for at least 3 months promotes exponential improvement, as each dose builds on the benefits of the last.
So, what characteristics distinguish top-tier mind and vision products from the rest of the pack?
Vitamin C is beneficial for eyesight because it is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the eyes from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, vitamin C is necessary for the synthesis of collagen, a protein essential for maintaining the structure of the cornea and sclera, supporting overall eye health.
Vitamin E is good for eyesight because it is a potent antioxidant that helps protect the cells in the eyes from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, vitamin E supports the health of the retina and may reduce the risk of age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration.
Bilberry powder is important for eyesight due to its high concentration of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which can help protect the retina from oxidative damage. Research suggests that bilberry may improve night vision and overall visual acuity, making it a valuable supplement for those concerned about their eye health. Regular consumption of bilberry powder may also support healthy blood flow to the eyes, promoting optimal function.
Eyebright extract comes from the herb Euphrasia officinalis, a plant native to Europe that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for various eye conditions. It is often used in eye drops or supplements. Eyebright extract is good for eyesight due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may help reduce eye irritation, redness, and inflammation, making it beneficial for those with dry eyes or allergies. Additionally, some studies suggest that eyebright extract can improve vision clarity and reduce the risk of certain eye infections, contributing to overall eye health and comfort.
Lutein is a carotenoid, a type of pigment found in many fruits and vegetables, particularly in dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale. It is a powerful antioxidant that plays a crucial role in eye health. Lutein is specifically important for eyesight because it helps filter out harmful high-energy blue light and protects the eyes from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. This protection can help prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts, two common eye conditions that can lead to vision loss. Including lutein in your diet or through supplements can support the health of your eyes and preserve your vision as you age.
Perhaps even more important, there are certain red flags to be wary of when evaluating a vision enhancement supplement.
Be wary of companies that cite the clinical efficacy of individual ingredients within a product rather than the effectiveness of the product as a whole. The highest indicator of quality in a supplement is the commission of a placebo-controlled clinical study for safety and effectiveness by an independent third party. This is of particular importance when assessing the claims of a vision supplement, as participants can be evaluated for quantifiable performance improvements on a standardized eyesight test. You expect the same high standard of research and testing before trusting a medication, so why wouldn’t you do the same before trusting a supplement?
There are very few natural ingredients for vision enhancement that are both potent and safe for consumption. Other herbs and compounds billed as eysight fixes have little clinical evidence to back their effectiveness. Watch out for supplements that include an extensive list of ingredients to create the illusion of comprehensive support. More is not necessarily better when it comes to your health. Some of the supplements we reviewed contained more than 10 unique ingredients!
Here is a side-by-side comparison of the top vision-boosting supplements available today, which provides a summary of our research and analysis:
Below, we break down our rankings and feature detailed reviews of the 5 best vision health products we analyzed, beginning with our top pick.
Pros
Pros
The Bottom Line
We gave RediMind by Nutreance our #1 ranking because it is the only cognitive supplement that meets every one of our strict criteria.
RediMind was clinically tested for safety and effectiveness over the course of 30 days in a placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted by Princeton Consumer Research. Participants were evaluated for their performance on a standardized short-term memory test at 3 separate stages of the study. The researchers found that those taking RediMind for 30 days scored an average of 51% higher than their baseline, significantly better than the placebo group. (Click here for the complete study results).
RediMind contains all 5 of the ingredients we consider essential for optimal memory support, including alpha GPC, huperzine A, lion’s mane mushroom, bacopa monnieri, and ginkgo biloba. It is also produced in a GMP-certified laboratory in New York.
It is available on Amazon.com, but we found significantly better discounts and shipping options to Bangladesh on Nutreance’s website. The company also offers other products for mental health, including a stress relief supplement and a natural sleep aid.
Overall, RediMind is our top pick for cognitive enhancement in 2024.
Click here to visit the product website.
* Results may vary and do not necessarily reflect typical results of using this product. Please visit product website for more information.
Pros
Pros
The Bottom Line
Alpha Brain by Onnit provides effective cognitive support that includes 3 of the primary ingredients that we look for in a quality brain supplement: huperzine A, bacopa monnieri, and ginkgo biloba.
Acetyl L-carnitine, another ingredient in the formula, has been shown to promote the production of acetylcholine. However, it can be easily obtained through a well-rounded diet, and it must be paired with alpha GPC for maximum bioavailability. Unfortunately, the supplement does not include alpha GPC or lion’s mane mushroom, both of which are essential for optimal acetylcholine levels and the formation of new neural connections.
The product also contains phosphatidylserine, a naturally occurring compound with neuroprotective potential. However, the most promising clinical trials involved phosphatidylserine derived from bovine brain tissue, while the ingredient in this vegan formula has been extracted from sunflower oil.
Most importantly, it has not been evaluated for safety and effectiveness in a placebo-controlled clinical study, which could justify the inclusion of some ingredients with less certain efficacy.
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* Results may vary and do not necessarily reflect typical results of using this product. Please visit product website for more information.
Pros
Pros
The Bottom Line
Membrin by Ortho Molecular Products includes 2 core brain-boosting ingredients, huperzine A (listed as huperzine alkaloids) and ginkgo biloba, along with another cognitive-enhancing compound clinically shown to boost cerebral circulation.
The formula is free from fillers and additives and is made in the USA.
Membrin does not contain alpha GPC, lion’s mane mushroom, or bacopa monnieri, each of which are critical to help promote optimal production of acetylcholine for better focus, faster recall, and improved neuroplasticity. This appears to be by design, as Ortho Molecular Products indicates that the product is geared toward improved blood flow in the brain. While this approach to cognitive enhancement has its merits, it does not address age-related decline of acetylcholine production and its impact on memory.
They have not tested the product for efficacy in a clinical study. One final note: this supplement has been contraindicated for women of childbearing age, as it may negatively impact fertility.
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* Results may vary and do not necessarily reflect typical results of using this product. Please visit product website for more information.
Pros
Pros
The Bottom Line
CogniAid by Designs for Health features 2 of the most essential ingredients for effective cognitive enhancement, huperzine A and bacopa monnieri, plus 3 other compounds for mind and memory support.
The formula prominently contains Memophenol, a proprietary extract of grape and wild blueberry, and NooGandha, a trademarked derivation of ashwagandha. Both of these ingredients have been tested individually for safety and effectiveness in clinical studies. However, the results were mixed.
In the case of Memophenol, one study of college students indicated better cognitive performance by 36%, but a larger study of elderly subjects found no significant effect on overall cognitive test scores. Meanwhile, the 2 studies available for NooGandha demonstrated improvement in short-term memory, but the statistical increases were small.
The product does not contain alpha GPC, lion’s mane mushroom, or ginkgo biloba, each of which promotes faster decision-making and better memory retention by supporting acetylcholine levels. More importantly, the product as a whole has not been tested by an independent, third-party clinical study.
Click here to visit the product website.
* Results may vary and do not necessarily reflect typical results of using this product. Please visit product website for more information.
Pros
Pros
The Bottom Line
Ceriva by Metagenics contains huperzine A, one of the most powerful natural compounds available to boost acetylcholine and sharpen your mind. This ingredient is paired with a polypeptide complex derived from colostrum, which has shown neuroprotective effects for individuals with age-related memory lapses in several studies. However, no consensus has been reached regarding the mechanism of action behind these cognitive benefits.
While the product’s stated goal is to aid the body’s natural modulation of acetylcholine, the formula is missing 4 out of our 5 must-have ingredients for optimal acetylcholine production. While the colostrum-derived polypeptide complex shows promise and huperzine A alone can help boost short-term memory, a stronger supporting cast of ingredients would be preferred. A clinical study would go a long way to validate the formula’s efficacy.
Lastly, if you are allergic to dairy or lactose-intolerant, take note that this supplement’s polypeptide complex is derived from milk.
Click here to visit the product website.
* Results may vary and do not necessarily reflect typical results of using this product. Please visit product website for more information.
For all products featured, results may vary. Please visit the product websites for further information.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
The information on this website is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have, expect to have, or suspect you may have any medical condition, we recommend you consult with a physician.