Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
For the health condition: Eye Problems
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has been studied for its potential role in supporting eye health, particularly in relation to cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Scientific evidence suggests that oxidative stress plays a significant role in the development of these eye conditions, and as a potent antioxidant, vitamin C may help neutralize free radicals in ocular tissues. Large epidemiological studies, such as the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), have investigated the impact of antioxidant supplementation on eye disease progression. The AREDS and AREDS2 trials found that a combination of antioxidants—including vitamin C (500 mg/day), vitamin E, beta-carotene (later replaced by lutein and zeaxanthin), zinc, and copper—significantly reduced the risk of progression to advanced AMD in individuals at high risk. However, vitamin C alone has not been conclusively shown to prevent or treat eye diseases, and its benefits are most evident as part of a broader antioxidant regimen. For cataracts, some observational studies indicate that higher vitamin C intake may be associated with a reduced risk, but randomized controlled trials offer mixed results. Overall, while vitamin C is not a cure or standalone treatment for eye problems, its inclusion in combined antioxidant therapies is supported by moderate-quality scientific evidence for slowing the progression of certain age-related eye conditions.
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Other ingredients used for Eye Problems
alpha-caroteneanthocyanins
berry flavor
beta-carotene
bilberry
blueberry
carrot
chamomile
citrus bioflavonoids
cryptoxanthin
cucumber
turmeric
fennel
flavonols
goldenseal
green tea
hypromellose
Japanese sophora
lutein
mango
mixed carotenoids
omega-3 fatty acids
rutin
selenium
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
zeaxanthin
zinc
chickweed
nut grass
boxthorne
chrysanthemum
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
Avens
anthocyanidins
anthocyanosides
Bai Ji
beta-zeacarotene
berry
Bioflavonoids
Bassia scoparia
Carotene (unspecified)
Carthamus
Little ironweed
Sumac
Other health conditions supported by Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
AnemiaArthritis
Asthma
Bleeding (external)
Bleeding (internal)
Bruises (healing)
Bruises (prevention)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Capillary Weakness
Cardiovascular Disease
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Convalescence
Cuts
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Eye Problems
Fatigue
Free Radical Damage
Gastritis
Gingivitis