Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin E (tocofersolan)
For the health condition: Eye Problems
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Vitamin E, particularly in the form of tocofersolan (a water-soluble derivative), is scientifically validated for use in certain eye problems, especially in the context of vitamin E deficiency, which can lead to retinal degeneration and other ophthalmic issues. The evidence supporting vitamin E supplementation comes primarily from its well-established antioxidant properties and its role in protecting cellular membranes in ocular tissues from oxidative stress. This is especially relevant in chronic conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa.
Large-scale clinical trials, such as the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS and AREDS2), investigated the role of antioxidants, including vitamin E (albeit not specifically tocofersolan), in slowing the progression of AMD. The studies concluded that high-dose antioxidant vitamin supplementation (vitamins C, E, beta-carotene, zinc, and copper) modestly reduced the risk of progression to advanced AMD in high-risk individuals. However, vitamin E alone does not appear to have a robust effect outside of deficiency states.
Tocofersolan is especially valuable in patients with fat malabsorption syndromes (such as cystic fibrosis), where standard fat-soluble forms of vitamin E are poorly absorbed, leading to deficiency and associated ocular symptoms like pigmentary retinopathy. In such cases, tocofersolan enables effective vitamin E delivery, which is critical for preventing or treating these symptoms. Overall, while vitamin E is not a cure for most eye diseases, its supplementation is scientifically justified in the context of deficiency and as part of broader antioxidant therapy in certain conditions.
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
Epidermal Growth Factor
Little ironweed
Sumac
Other health conditions supported by Vitamin E (tocofersolan)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)Cataracts
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Eczema
Eye Problems
Free Radical Damage
Inflammation
Peripheral Neuropathy
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin Care (general)
Wounds and Sores
Wrinkles