Best Supplements for Optic Nerve Health (2026) – Top 10 Reviewed
Your optic nerve is the critical cable that transmits visual information from your eyes to your brain, and keeping it healthy is essential for maintaining clear vision throughout your life. Whether you’re concerned about age-related changes, supporting nerve function, or protecting against oxidative stress, the right supplements can make a meaningful difference. This guide reviews the top optic nerve health supplements available on Amazon, focusing on products with proven antioxidants, neuroprotective compounds, and essential nutrients.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- Best Overall: Provision AREDS 2 Eye Vitamins — comprehensive AREDS 2 formula
- Best Premium: ScienceBased Health HydroEye — clinically tested dry eye support
- Best Value: AREDS 2 Select Eye Vitamins — premium macular health formula
Quick Comparison
| Product | Key Ingredients | Form | Servings | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Provision AREDS 2 | Lutein, Zeaxanthin | Capsules | 60 | Overall nerve support |
| ScienceBased HydroEye | GLA, Omega-3 | Softgels | 120 | Premium support |
| AREDS 2 Select | Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Vitamins | Capsules | 60 | Value option |
| 1MD VisionMD | OptiLut, CARMIS | Softgels | 30 | Advanced formulation |
| Zazzee Bilberry Extract | Bilberry 20:1 | Capsules | 120 | Organic option |
| Natures Craft Eye Pressure | Bilberry, Saffron, Ginkgo | Capsules | 30 | Pressure support |
| Double Wood Astaxanthin | Astaxanthin 12mg | Softgels | 60 | Antioxidant protection |
1. Provision AREDS 2 Eye Vitamins — Best Overall
- Professional Grade Eye Supplement - A doctor-formulated vision eye supplement based on well known AREDS 2 study. This vision supplement includes Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and other eye health vitamins in veggie caps for great eye health support.
- The Provision Difference - Our eye vitamins for vision is a custom formula designed to support your eye health.
- Eye Vitamins for Vision - Our lutein Zeaxanthin vision complex supplement is a high-quality eye vitamin that can help support your vision. Our formula helps support your healthy eyes.
- VCaps Plus Premium Vegetarian Capsules - Our vision vitamin has AREDS 2 research components like Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Zinc, Copper, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C. Our enhanced vision supplement is made with premium ingredients with no unnecessary binders.
- Trusted for over 20 years - Made in the USA in an FDA registered facility, Visivite has been a trusted supplier of Doctor formulated Eye Vitamins for more than 20 years.
Provision AREDS 2 delivers the gold-standard eye health formula that’s been clinically studied for protecting vision and supporting optic nerve function.
This formula includes lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids that accumulate in retinal tissue and provide antioxidant protection for the optic nerve. The AREDS 2 formulation has been extensively researched and shown to support healthy vision in long-term studies. Each serving provides 60 capsules for a month’s supply of comprehensive eye nutrition.
What We Like
- Based on clinically studied AREDS 2 formula
- Contains lutein and zeaxanthin for nerve protection
- 60-capsule supply for convenient daily use
What Could Be Better
- May require consistent long-term use for best results
- Some users prefer added omega-3s
Bottom Line: A trusted, research-backed formula that provides comprehensive support for optic nerve health through proven antioxidant carotenoids.
2. ScienceBased Health HydroEye — Best Premium
- WORKS FROM THE INSIDE OUT: Nourishes the eye to support all three layers of the tear film
- CLINICALLY Tested: Shown to promote eye comfort and support a healthy ocular surface in a peer-reviewed clinical trial published in Cornea
- PROPRIETARY, BALANCED FORMULA: Precise blend of GLA, omega-3 EPA & DHA, and other key nutrients work together to help soothe dry eyes and support visual health
- FEATURES GLA – THE DRY EYE OMEGA: Provides a unique source of GLA from black currant seed oil—not found in fish or flaxseed oils—supported by multiple clinical studies for its role in dry eye
- FOR BEST RESULTS: Take four softgels daily; allow 30–60 days of consistent use to experience the full benefit, and continue daily for ongoing support
HydroEye combines GLA and omega-3 fatty acids in a clinically tested formula designed to support healthy tear film and overall eye comfort.
This premium supplement includes gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) from borage oil and omega-3 fatty acids that support healthy inflammation response and nerve function. The unique formulation targets the underlying nutritional factors that affect eye comfort and optic nerve health. With 120 softgels per bottle, you get a generous supply of this specialized formula.
What We Like
- Clinically tested formula with GLA and omega-3s
- Supports healthy inflammation response
- 120 softgels for extended use
What Could Be Better
- Higher price point than basic formulas
- Softgels may be large for some users
Bottom Line: A premium, research-backed option that combines essential fatty acids to support both tear film health and optic nerve function.
3. AREDS 2 Select Eye Vitamins — Best Value
- Premium Macular Health Formula - Finally, a doctor-formulated macular eye supplement based on well known AREDS 2 study. This eye supplement includes Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and other eye health vitamins in veggie caps for maximum eye health support.
- Eye Vitamins for Macular Support - Our Lutein eye supplement macular is a custom formula designed to support your eye health as your age. This premium eye supplement macular formula is vegan-safe.
- Vitamins for Eye Health - Our macular supplements are high-quality eye vitamins that can help support your vision. Our lutein and zeaxanthin based formula helps keep your eyes at their maximum health.
- VCaps Plus Premium Vegetarian Capsules - Our eye vitamin has AREDS 2 research components like Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Zinc, Copper, Vitamin E and, Vitamin C. Our eye supplement is made of carefully selected premium ingredients with no unnecessary binders.
- Trusted for over 20 years - Made in the USA in an FDA registered facility, Visivite has been a trusted supplier of Doctor formulated Eye Vitamins for more than 20 years.
AREDS 2 Select offers a premium macular health formula with zeaxanthin and lutein at an excellent price point.
This supplement follows the AREDS 2 protocol while focusing on macular carotenoids that support the retina and optic nerve. The formula includes both lutein and zeaxanthin plus supporting vitamins and minerals. Each bottle contains 60 capsules, providing a full month of daily eye nutrition support.
What We Like
- AREDS 2-based formulation for proven support
- Focuses on macular carotenoids
- Excellent value for the quality
What Could Be Better
- Basic formula without specialized additions
- May need to combine with omega-3s separately
Bottom Line: A solid value option that delivers the key AREDS 2 nutrients without unnecessary extras or premium pricing.
4. 1MD Nutrition VisionMD — Best Advanced Formula
- AREDS 2-Based Formula : With 3 patented ingredients consisting of lycopene, mixed carotenes, and lutein with zeaxanthin, as well as protective vitamin E and astaxanthin, VisionMD uses the results of the groundbreaking National Eye Institute study on eye health and subsequent research to create a complete eye supplement.
- Promote Healthy Eye Function: Thanks to Lyc-O-Mato lycopene, EVTene mixed carotenes, and OptiLut with lutein and zeaxanthin, the advanced VisionMD formula offers a complete eye health supplement to help you stay sharp both now and later.
- Reduce Eye Strain and Fatigue: Blue light–the type of light generated by smartphones, e-readers, laptops, and other high-tech devices–can cause your eyes to get tired and even disrupt sleep. Potent antioxidants called carotenoids contained in the VisionMD formula can help support the eye’s natural defenses from blue light issues.±
- Encourage Long-Term Eye Health: Antioxidants help reduce oxidative damage to cells in the cone and rods in the eye. This in turn helps improve long-term eye health.§
- Improve Visual Acuity: Blurry vision can be the result of age-related eye health issues or simply tired eyes. With multiple nutrients shown to improve sharpness, long-term eye health, and eye stamina, VisionMD can help keep your future in focus.±§
VisionMD features OptiLut lutein and the proprietary CARMIS blend for comprehensive vision and nerve support.
This advanced formula uses OptiLut, a specific form of lutein that’s been studied for its bioavailability and effectiveness. The CARMIS blend adds additional antioxidants and nutrients targeted at supporting vision health, eye strain relief, and occasional dry eye. Each bottle contains 30 softgels for a month’s supply.
What We Like
- Features OptiLut for enhanced absorption
- CARMIS proprietary blend for comprehensive support
- Addresses eye strain and dry eye
What Could Be Better
- Premium price for specialized ingredients
- Only 30 servings per bottle
Bottom Line: An advanced formulation with specialized ingredients for those seeking cutting-edge nutritional support for optic nerve and overall eye health.
5. Zazzee USDA Organic Bilberry Extract — Best Organic
- OUTSTANDING VALUE: Our Certified Organic Bilberry Extract contains 6000 mg strength per capsule, 120 capsules per bottle, AND is USDA Certified Organic – an amazing value! A single bottle contains a 4 month supply. Compare this to other leading brands that require 2 capsules per serving, contain less than 120 capsules, are not organic, and use a much less potent, non-extract powder. Our Certified Organic Bilberry Extract is a bargain not be found elsewhere!
- USDA CERTIFIED ORGANIC: Any Bilberry that is not CERTIFIED organic can be highly contaminated and even harmful. With Zazzee Naturals Certified Organic Bilberry, you can be sure your Bilberry is organic, all-natural, vegan, and non-GMO. More, while other competing products use various chemicals as fillers, binders, and excipients, our Organic Bilberry instead uses a unique blend of organic stabilizers.
- 6000 MG STRENGTH / POTENT 20:1 EXTRACT: Each capsule contains 6000 mg strength of Bilberry Extract from a potent, powerful 20:1 extract. Combine that with USDA Organic Certification, and our Extra Strength Organic Bilberry Extract is one of the strongest dosages available!
- NATURAL, VEGAN & NON-GMO: All ingredients, including the capsule, are 100% vegan. Our Extra Strength Bilberry Extract does not contain any sweeteners, artificial flavors, wheat, corn, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, or tree nut ingredients. Enjoy the amazing benefits of our potent Bilberry Extract without worrying about what else might be hiding in each capsule!
- GOLD STANDARD PRODUCTION: Your health and safety mean everything to us. For that reason, our Extra Strength Bilberry Extract is manufactured in the USA, in a fully certified facility with adherence to good manufacturing policies and under the most stringent quality control. You can rest assured that you get the best value for your money!
Zazzee’s organic bilberry extract delivers 6,000mg strength in a concentrated 20:1 extract that’s vegan and USDA certified organic.
Bilberry has been traditionally used for eye health and contains anthocyanins that support healthy blood flow to the optic nerve and retina. This concentrated 20:1 extract provides the equivalent of 6,000mg of bilberry per serving in an easy-to-take vegan capsule. With 120 capsules, you get a full 4-month supply.
What We Like
- USDA organic certification
- Concentrated 20:1 extract for maximum potency
- 4-month supply in each bottle
What Could Be Better
- Single-ingredient formula (no additional nutrients)
- Best combined with other eye vitamins
Bottom Line: A high-quality, organic bilberry supplement that’s perfect for adding targeted anthocyanin support to your eye health routine.
6. Natures Craft Eye Pressure Support — Best for Pressure Support
- Advanced Eye Pressure Supplement - Not all eye support supplements are created equally and we feature some of the most studied eye health vitamins for adults over 50 to provide fast & lasting relief
- Bilberry Supplement for Eyes - Bilberry extract for eyes is at the heart of our eye vitamins for seniors because this unique antioxidant is packed with protective and restorative nutrients
- What's Inside - Besides for bilberry extract our vision supplement for adults is made with Niacin Ginkgo leaf Black currant extract and saffron flower extract which work together to provide comfort
- Uncompromising Quality - Choose Natures Craft and opt for a trusted brand in a wide range of vitamins for eye health for adults and kids and help combat many common concerns of eyes and vision
- Natures Craft Quality - We are proud to be a leading name a variety of wellness supplements because we know how important our eye health is and how amazing these beneficial eye health vitamins are
This comprehensive formula combines bilberry, saffron, ginkgo biloba, and niacin specifically targeting ocular pressure relief.
Natures Craft blends multiple botanicals and vitamins known to support healthy eye pressure and circulation to the optic nerve. The formula includes bilberry extract for antioxidant support, saffron for vision health, ginkgo biloba for circulation, and niacin for vascular support. Each bottle provides 30 capsules for a month’s supply.
What We Like
- Targets eye pressure specifically
- Multiple botanicals working synergistically
- Vegan-friendly capsules
What Could Be Better
- Smaller bottle size (30 count)
- May take several weeks for noticeable effects
Bottom Line: A specialized formula for those seeking natural support for healthy eye pressure and optic nerve circulation.
7. Double Wood Astaxanthin 12mg — Best Antioxidant
- CLINICALLY RESEARCHED ASTAXANTHIN: AstaReal Astaxanthin has been the subject of numerous human studies. It may support skin and eye health, immune function, and gut health
- ASTAXANTHIN FOR WELLNESS: AstaReal Astaxanthin has been clinically studied and may support skin and eye health, immune function, gut health, and recovery from physical activity.
- POWERFUL ANTIOXIDANT SUPPORT: Astaxanthin provides strong antioxidant support to support the body's natural antioxidant defenses
- TWO MONTH SUPPLY: Double Wood's Astaxanthin contains 60 softgels at a maximum 12 mg dose, enough to last a full two months
- WE BOTTLE WELLNESS: At Double Wood we provide pure, potent supplements that deliver exceptional value, all backed by careful sourcing and rigorous third-party testing
Double Wood’s astaxanthin features the patented AstraReal brand backed by over 70 human clinical trials.
Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant that crosses the blood-retinal barrier to provide direct protection to eye tissues and the optic nerve. This formula uses AstraReal, the most clinically studied astaxanthin brand, grown, harvested, and made in the USA. Each softgel provides 12mg of high-potency astaxanthin.
What We Like
- Patented AstraReal with 70+ clinical trials
- High 12mg potency per serving
- Made in the USA from US-sourced ingredients
What Could Be Better
- Single ingredient (best combined with other nutrients)
- Premium pricing for patented ingredient
Bottom Line: The gold standard in astaxanthin supplements, offering maximum antioxidant protection for the optic nerve and retinal tissues.
How to Choose the Best Supplements for Optic Nerve Health
When selecting supplements for optic nerve health, you’ll want to focus on ingredients that provide antioxidant protection, support healthy blood flow, and deliver neuroprotective benefits. The optic nerve is particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress and reduced circulation, so targeted nutritional support can make a real difference.
Look for formulas that include lutein and zeaxanthin, the carotenoids that concentrate in eye tissues and provide direct antioxidant protection. The AREDS 2 formula has strong research backing and includes these key nutrients. Astaxanthin is another powerful antioxidant that crosses the blood-retinal barrier to reach the optic nerve directly.
Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, are essential for nerve health and healthy inflammation response. These fats make up a significant portion of retinal tissue and support the structural integrity of nerve cells. GLA from borage or evening primrose oil can complement omega-3s for enhanced nerve support.
Bilberry extract provides anthocyanins that support healthy blood flow to the optic nerve and retina. Ginkgo biloba works similarly to promote circulation. Saffron has shown promise in clinical studies for supporting vision and may help protect optic nerve function.
Consider whether you want a comprehensive multi-ingredient formula or prefer to combine single-ingredient supplements based on your specific needs. Check for third-party testing, quality certifications like USP or NSF, and choose products from reputable manufacturers with transparent ingredient sourcing.
Benefits of Optic Nerve Health Supplements
Supporting your optic nerve with targeted nutrition can help maintain healthy vision function throughout your life. The optic nerve contains over one million nerve fibers that transmit visual information to your brain, and protecting these delicate structures is essential for long-term eye health.
Antioxidants like lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin help neutralize free radicals that can damage optic nerve tissues. These compounds accumulate in eye structures where they provide ongoing protection against oxidative stress from light exposure, environmental factors, and normal metabolic processes.
Omega-3 fatty acids support the structural integrity of nerve cells and help maintain healthy inflammation levels. This is particularly important for the optic nerve, which requires proper inflammation balance and healthy circulation to function optimally. DHA specifically is highly concentrated in retinal and nerve tissues.
Nutrients that support circulation, like bilberry and ginkgo biloba, help ensure adequate blood flow to deliver oxygen and nutrients to optic nerve tissues. Healthy circulation also removes metabolic waste products, supporting optimal nerve function.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vitamins are good for optic nerve health?
The most important vitamins for optic nerve health include vitamin E, vitamin C, and B-complex vitamins, particularly B12 and folate. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects nerve cell membranes from oxidative damage. Vitamin C works synergistically with vitamin E and supports collagen formation in optic nerve tissues. B vitamins are essential for nerve function and energy metabolism, with B12 being particularly important for maintaining the myelin sheath that protects nerve fibers.
Can you strengthen your optic nerve?
While you can’t technically “strengthen” the optic nerve like a muscle, you can support its health and function through proper nutrition, managing underlying health conditions, and protecting your eyes from damage. Nutritional support with antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and circulation-supporting nutrients can help maintain healthy optic nerve function. Regular eye exams, controlling blood pressure and blood sugar, and protecting your eyes from UV damage also contribute to optic nerve health.
What is the best supplement for optic nerve damage?
For supporting recovery and protection after optic nerve damage, research suggests alpha-lipoic acid, citicoline (CDP-choline), and high-dose B vitamins may be beneficial. These nutrients support nerve cell metabolism and may help with nerve regeneration. However, optic nerve damage is a serious medical condition that requires professional treatment, and supplements should only be used under medical supervision as a complement to prescribed treatments.
How much lutein should I take for eye health?
Most eye health studies use doses between 10-20mg of lutein daily, though some formulas provide up to 40mg. The AREDS 2 study, which is widely considered the gold standard for eye health supplementation, used 10mg of lutein combined with 2mg of zeaxanthin. For general eye health maintenance, 10-20mg daily is typically recommended, while higher doses may be appropriate for those with specific concerns under medical guidance.
Can bilberry improve optic nerve health?
Bilberry extract contains anthocyanins that support healthy blood flow to the optic nerve and provide antioxidant protection. While historical use and some smaller studies suggest benefits for vision, large-scale clinical trials specifically on optic nerve health are limited. Bilberry appears to support overall eye health through improved microcirculation and antioxidant activity, which may indirectly benefit the optic nerve.
Do omega-3s help with optic nerve function?
Yes, omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, are essential for optic nerve health. DHA makes up a significant portion of retinal and nerve tissue, and it supports cell membrane integrity and healthy inflammation response. Studies show that adequate omega-3 intake supports overall eye health and may help protect against age-related vision changes. For optic nerve support, look for supplements providing at least 500-1000mg of combined EPA and DHA daily.
When is the best time to take eye supplements?
Most eye supplements are best taken with food, particularly a meal containing some fat, since many key nutrients like lutein, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, and vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble. Taking supplements with food also helps reduce the risk of stomach upset. Whether you take them in the morning or evening is less important than consistency—taking them at the same time each day helps ensure you don’t forget.
How long does it take for eye supplements to work?
Building up protective levels of nutrients in eye tissues typically takes 3-6 months of consistent supplementation. Some people notice improvements in eye comfort or reduced eye fatigue within a few weeks, but structural benefits for optic nerve protection develop more gradually. The AREDS studies showed significant benefits after several years of consistent use, emphasizing that eye supplements are most effective as a long-term preventive strategy rather than a quick fix.
