Macular Degeneration

Why it works: Antioxidant & anti-inflammatory carotenoids (crocin, crocetin): These compounds can protect retinal cells from oxidative stress and inflammation—two key drivers of AMD progression....

Instructions: Dose: Most AMD trials used 20 mg/day of oral saffron extract (standardized; capsule) for 3–12 months. Examples: 20 mg/day in a 3-month randomized crossover RCT; 20 mg/day in a 12-m...

Warnings: Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Avoid medicinal doses (beyond food amounts). High-dose saffron has uterot...

Studies: Randomized controlled trials (functional outcomes):Falsini e...

Why it works: Researchers have hypothesized that standardized ginkgo leaf extracts (especially EGb 761) could support retinal health via:. • Antioxidant/neuroprotective effects on retinal cells...

Instructions: There is no established, guideline-endorsed regimen for AMD. If used off-label under medical supervision, most clinical studies and regulators discuss dosing for standardized extra...

Warnings: Bleeding risk / drug interactions. Ginkgo can increase bleeding, especially with warfarin, aspirin,...

Studies: Systematic reviewCochrane Review: “Ginkgo biloba extract for...

Why it works: Antioxidant & anti-inflammatory actions. Lab and animal work shows curcumin can reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells—key pro...

Instructions: There’s no established, evidence-based dosing regimen for AMD, and major eye bodies still recommend AREDS2 vitamins (not turmeric) for eligible patients. If you’re considering turm...

Warnings: Bleeding risk & drug interactions. Turmeric/curcumin can have antiplatelet/anticoagulant effects. Av...

Studies: Observational human data (association, not proof): • JAMA Op...

Why it works: Very high zeaxanthin content: Goji berries contain zeaxanthin largely as zeaxanthin dipalmitate, which is efficiently absorbed and preferentially accumulates in the central macula....

Instructions: Healthy adults (prevention focus):. • Dose: 28 g dried goji berries (about a small handful) 5 days/week for 90 days.. • Outcome measured: Significant MPOD increase at central and p...

Warnings: Warfarin interaction (serious): Multiple case reports link goji juice/tea/wine to dangerously elevat...

Studies: Randomized pilot trial, healthy adults (UC Davis): 27 adults...

Why it works: Anthocyanins (the deep blue/purple pigments) in bilberry have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and may support retinal microvasculature—mechanisms that make biological se...

Instructions: Standardization: Choose a fruit extract (not leaf) standardized to ~25–36% anthocyanins/anthocyanosides. WebMD. Amounts used in supplements/monographs: Many commercial and herbal m...

Warnings: Leaf vs fruit: Avoid bilberry leaf preparations—regulators and safety sheets flag potential toxicity...

Studies: No convincing trials show bilberry slows AMD progression or...

Why it works: Anti-angiogenic + anti-fibrotic effects (preclinical): In a 2024 rat model that develops subretinal fibrovascular membranes, MG combined with anti-VEGF (ranibizumab) reduced lesion...

Instructions: The best, detailed instructions come from the ongoing randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial registered in China and published as a protocol in Trials:. • D...

Warnings: Because MG is a multi-herb formula, consider both general safety and herb–drug interactions from its...

Studies: Randomized controlled trial (design only; results pending):...

Why it works: TCM rationale (pattern-based): Shi Hu Ye Guang Wan is a classic formula used to “nourish Liver–Kidney yin, clear Liver fire, and brighten the eyes.” It’s traditionally given for ey...

Instructions: Common indications on Chinese labels: “Nourish yin and Kidney, clear Liver and brighten the eyes” for blurred vision, ‘internal eye obstruction,’ etc. (often marketed more for earl...

Warnings: Not a substitute for guideline-based AMD care. Delaying proven treatments (e.g., anti-VEGF injection...

Studies: No high-quality randomized clinical trials demonstrate that...

Why it works: It slows progression (it doesn’t cure or prevent AMD). The original AREDS trial showed that a specific high-dose antioxidant + zinc formula reduced the risk of progression to advan...

Instructions: Use the AREDS2 formulation (not the older AREDS with beta-carotene). The NEI lists the target daily amounts used in trials:. Vitamin C 500 mg, Vitamin E 400 IU, Zinc 80 mg (as zinc...

Warnings: Smokers and former smokers: Avoid beta-carotene–containing formulas due to increased lung-cancer ris...

Studies: AREDS (2001) — Randomized, placebo-controlled trial; the ant...

Why it works: It’s one of the “macular pigments.” Lutein and zeaxanthin concentrate in the retina (especially the macula) where they act as antioxidants and filter high-energy blue/UV light—mech...

Instructions: Who should consider it: People with intermediate AMD in one or both eyes (or late AMD in one eye) may benefit. It’s not proven to prevent AMD or to help in early AMD. Talk to your...

Warnings: Smokers/former smokers: Avoid beta-carotene-containing formulations (original AREDS); choose AREDS2...

Studies: AREDS2 randomized trial & follow-ups (NIH/NEI): Substitu...

Why it works: Physiologic role. Zeaxanthin (with lutein) is a major component of the macular pigment. It concentrates in the fovea where it filters high-energy blue light and acts as an antioxid...

Instructions: Who should consider it. People with intermediate AMD (in one or both eyes) or with advanced AMD in one eye may benefit. There’s no benefit for people without AMD or with early AMD....

Warnings: For smokers/former smokers: Avoid beta-carotene–containing formulas due to increased lung-cancer ris...

Studies: AREDS2 randomized clinical trial (2013, JAMA). In people at...

Why it works: Mechanistic fit (but largely preclinical): Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. In cell and animal retina models it quenc...

Instructions: There’s no official dosing guideline for AMD. Where it has been tested, astaxanthin was part of a combination supplement:. • CARMIS randomized study (Italy): Early/non-advanced AMD...

Warnings: Dose limits: The European Food Safety Authority considers supplemental astaxanthin up to 8 mg/day sa...

Studies: For AMD specificallySmall RCT (CARMIS): The combo including...