Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. While there’s no cure for AMD, two major clinical trials — AREDS and AREDS2 — showed that daily supplements of certain vitamins and antioxidants significantly reduced the risk of progression in people with intermediate or advanced AMD.

You can find supplements with the recommended doses for these nutrients in most drug stores. They’ll say “AREDS formula” or “AREDS 2 formula” somewhere on the label. Always make sure your doctor knows about all of the supplements you’re taking and how much you take of each.

In this article, we discuss seven vitamins and nutrients that may help support eye health and slow the progression of AMD.

1. Vitamin A

Vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy vision, particularly in the retina. It is involved in the process of converting light into nerve signals that the brain interprets as images. Vitamin A is essential for the health of the photoreceptors in the retina. These are responsible for vision in low-light conditions. A vitamin A deficiency can lead to night blindness and other severe eye conditions, which could make vision problems worse for people with AMD.

Vitamin A can be found in:

• Carrots
• Sweet potatoes
• Dark leafy greens (such as spinach and kale)
• Fish (specifically herring and salmon)
• Beef liver
• Dairy products (such as milk and cheese)
• Eggs

It’s important to try to get vitamin A mostly through your diet rather than supplements, unless recommended by your doctor. High doses of vitamin A can be toxic and lead to side effects like bone pain, nausea and vomiting, or dry skin.

2. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect the eyes from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Oxidative stress is a significant factor in the onset and progression of AMD, as it can damage the cells in the retina. Vitamin C also supports the health of blood vessels in the eyes, which is crucial for maintaining the retina’s blood supply.

The AREDS and AREDS2 age-related eye disease studies demonstrated that daily supplements containing 500 milligrams of vitamin C (along with other antioxidants) significantly reduced the risk of AMD progression in people with intermediate or advanced AMD. These results indicate that vitamin C is a useful nutrient for people with AMD, as it may help slow vision loss and preserve eye health.

Vitamin C can be found in foods like:

• Citrus fruits
• Bell peppers
• Berries
• Tomatoes
• Certain green vegetables (broccoli, spinach, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts)
• Potatoes

Including these foods in your daily diet can help ensure you get enough vitamin C to support your eye health. If you struggle to get enough vitamin C from your diet, a supplement may help. It’s always best to consult with a health care provider before taking new supplements.

3. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant that helps protect the eyes from oxidative damage. The AREDS studies showed that vitamin E can help support eye health when taken as a part of a combination of vitamins and minerals.

Specifically, the studies included 400 IU (international units) of vitamin E in test supplements. The AREDS formulas reduced the risk of AMD progression from intermediate to advanced by about 25 percent. Although vitamin E alone may not be enough to prevent AMD, it works with other nutrients to boost their protective effects and support eye health.

You can get vitamin E in foods such as:

• Nuts and seeds (almonds, sunflower seeds, and peanuts)
• Spinach and collard greens
• Avocados
• Mangoes
• Pumpkin

Adding these foods to your diet can help ensure you’re getting enough vitamin E to support your eye health. If you’re considering vitamin E supplements, it’s important to follow the recommended dosage. High doses can have bad side effects, particularly for individuals with certain health conditions.

4. Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the retina. It is involved in many cellular processes that are essential for vision. One is transporting vitamin A from the liver to the retina, where it is used to produce melanin — a protective pigment in the eyes.

The AREDS studies highlighted the importance of zinc in reducing the risk of AMD progression. Participants who took zinc and copper supplements were 25 percent to 30 percent less likely to develop advanced AMD than those who took a placebo. Zinc is an essential nutrient for people managing AMD, as it helps protect the retina from further damage.

You can get zinc in:

• Oysters
• Beef and poultry
• Pumpkin seeds

However, it’s important to know that high doses of zinc can cause side effects like an upset stomach and impaired copper absorption. Always talk with a health care provider before starting a zinc supplement, especially if you are taking other medications or have other health conditions.

5. Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids — pigments found in high concentrations in the retina. These nutrients act as natural filters. They absorb harmful blue light and protect the eyes from oxidative damage. They are often referred to as “eye vitamins” because of their critical role in maintaining vision health.

The AREDS2 study found that adding 10 milligrams of lutein and 2 milligrams of zeaxanthin to the AREDS supplement provided additional benefits for people with AMD, particularly for those with low levels of these carotenoids in their diet.

Lutein and zeaxanthin have been shown to improve visual performance. They may help slow the progression of AMD by protecting the retina from light-induced damage.

Foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin include:

• Kale and spinach
• Eggs
• Cantaloupe
• Corn
• Carrots
• Orange and yellow peppers

If you find it hard to get enough of these two nutrients in your diet, you might consider taking a supplement. However, it’s always best to consult with your doctor to determine the right dosage and ensure it fits your overall health plan.

6. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are important for retinal health. These fatty acids are essential components of cell membranes in the retina. They also help reduce inflammation, which is a contributing factor in the development of AMD.

Although the evidence is mixed, including omega-3s in your diet can contribute to overall eye health. It may also offer additional benefits beyond those for AMD. For eye health specifically, it may be more beneficial to get omega-3s through food rather than supplements.

Foods with omega-3 fatty acids include:

• Fatty fish (such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines)
• Flaxseed
• Walnuts

If you don’t eat enough of these foods, you might consider omega-3 supplements like fish oil or algae oil. It’s important to talk to your health care provider before starting any new supplement. Omega-3s can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners.

7. Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays a role in reducing inflammation, a significant factor in the development and progression of AMD. Some research suggests that people with low levels of vitamin D may have an increased risk of developing AMD, although more studies are needed to confirm this link.

Vitamin D is generated in the skin in response to sunlight, but it can also be found in food. Getting enough vitamin D is important for overall health, including eye health.

You can increase your intake of vitamin D by eating:

• Fatty fish (such as salmon and tuna)
• Fortified dairy products (including many milk and dairy alternatives)
• Egg yolks
• Beef liver

If you have limited sun exposure or find it difficult to get enough vitamin D from your diet, a supplement may be necessary. Again, it’s best to talk with your doctor to determine the right dosage and ensure that it fits your health needs.

Important Considerations for Supplement Use

While these vitamins and nutrients may help you support your eye health and manage AMD, it’s important to approach taking supplements with caution.

Consult Your Doctor

Before starting any new supplements, it’s crucial to talk to your health care provider. This is especially true if you have any other health conditions or are taking medications. Some supplements can interact with medication or make existing health conditions worse.

Focus on a Balanced Diet

Supplements should not replace a healthy a healthy diet. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats is crucial for overall health, including your eyes. Supplements are more beneficial when used to fill gaps in your diet, not as a substitute for nutritious foods.

Watch for Side Effects

High doses of certain vitamins and minerals, like vitamin A and zinc, can have side effects. Always follow recommended dosages and be aware of any potential interactions with other medications or health conditions.

Taking a proactive approach to your eye health, including considering these vitamins and nutrients, may help you manage AMD more effectively and maintain your vision as you age.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myAMDteam, the social network for people with AMD and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with AMD.

Are you taking vitamin supplements for your AMD? Did your doctor recommend them? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.