While some in medical circles are opposed to the use of dietary supplements, the German Medical Journal (Deutsches Ärzteblatt), the official journal of the German medical profession, remarkably dedicated a four-page editorial to the topic of "Dietary Supplements for Improving Eye Disease" in November 2025. I was surprised myself by the amount of scientific data and studies available on this subject and by the many relevant findings that can help us improve or maintain our eyesight.
The seminal study on nutritional therapy for eye diseases is the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) , led by Professor Keenan of the National Eye Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Among other findings, the addition of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, zinc, and copper reduced the progression of wet macular degeneration (macula = the area of central vision) by 38%. The AREDS2 study demonstrated a protective effect on atrophic processes (tissue loss) in the eye through the addition of lutein and zeaxanthin.
Other studies have demonstrated positive effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, particularly in cases of dry eyes and diabetes-related eye diseases. However, targeted supplementation is likely to be beneficial not only for older patients. High carotenoid levels in mothers even have a positive effect on macular pigment in newborns during pregnancy. Carotenoids (so-called colored plant compounds) are not the only substances with positive effects on the eyes.
Coenzyme Q10 also plays a crucial role in energy production and antioxidant protection in eye cells through its activity in the mitochondria. Q10 levels decline with age, which contributes to the impaired function of important eye cells. Therefore, coenzyme Q10 supplementation is highly advisable as we age.
On the other hand, studies have demonstrably shown that the regeneration of corneal nerves after cataract surgery can be significantly improved by the local application of Q10 and vitamin E drops.
Important findings regarding eye health also come from scientific studies among athletes for whom precise vision plays a crucial role in their sport, such as golfers or baseball players. Here, too, an increased level of beta-carotene led to significantly improved vision (LifeMeter score). One of the baseball players tested stood out due to his exceptionally high visual acuity. It turned out that his parents run a smoothie shop in Hawaii, and he had been exposed to these important carotenoids and other plant compounds from an early age.
Vitreous opacities (shadows or spots caused by clumping of collagen fibers in the eye) lead to significant visual impairment and are being scientifically investigated, for example, in Heidelberg through the FLIES study. Scientific evidence shows that a nutrient complex of vitamin C, lysine, grape seed extract, and zinc can also lead to a significant reduction in the area of opacities in this case.
Although we don't currently offer a specific eye product at PDB Supplements, many of the valuable substances described above are included in our products. Protecting cell biology isn't just important for eye cells, but also for many other cells in our body, such as brain, heart, and muscle cells, as well as our internal organs.
The energy-boosting coenzyme Q10 is included in Cardio , Energy , and For Him . Beauty contains vitamin E, astaxanthin, copper, vitamin C, zinc, and lysine. Important grape seed extracts are found in Smart Age , and additional OPCs are present in Cardio. Naturally, our Essential Omega 3 provides valuable unsaturated fatty acids with high bioavailability for cell protection and dementia prevention. In this case, it's even in an innovative, highly bioavailable, and oxidation-stable compound with lysine.
Perhaps a few more remarks about the special substance astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is also a carotenoid and belongs to the xanthophylls, like lutein and zeaxanthin. It is one of the most powerful known natural antioxidants and can neutralize free radicals in the eyes and other tissues particularly effectively, thereby reducing oxidative damage. It counteracts light-induced stress and, like lutein and zeaxanthin, protects the retina from harmful blue light and UV radiation. Studies suggest that it can protect the macula (the area of central vision) and lens. Furthermore, it significantly improves the microcirculation of the eyes and thus retinal health. Astaxanthin does not accumulate in the macula like lutein and zeaxanthin, but it has a strong systemic antioxidant effect.