Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A, an essential nutrient for eye health. The retina requires vitamin A for the production of rhodopsin, a pigment that enables vision in low-light conditions. Severe vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness and, in extreme cases, complete blindness. Historically, beta-carotene and other carotenoids have been recommended for supporting visual function, particularly in populations at risk of deficiency. Scientific validation comes from large-scale studies such as the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS and AREDS2), which investigated supplements to slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The original AREDS formula included beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and copper. Results showed a moderate reduction in the risk of advanced AMD among high-risk individuals. However, concerns about increased lung cancer risk in smokers led to the replacement of beta-carotene with other carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin in AREDS2. Beta-carotene supplementation is effective for preventing and treating vision problems caused by vitamin A deficiency, especially in populations with poor dietary intake. However, its benefit in otherwise well-nourished individuals, particularly for common eye conditions such as AMD or cataracts, is less clear. Overall, there is solid scientific evidence supporting beta-carotene’s role in preventing deficiency-related eye problems, but its use for other ocular conditions is more limited or context-dependent.

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