Combination supplements

Eye health combos: which one should you buy?

Eye health combos pair lutein and zeaxanthin with ingredients like vitamins C and E, zinc, bilberry and omega-3. On the label, first check that lutein is 10–20 mg a day and how many mg of zinc you get.

Lutein on its ownOmega-3 on its ownZinc on its ownBilberry on its ownAstaxanthin on its ownVitamin C on its ownVitamin E on its own

How to choose a combination supplement

  • Key ingredients at studied doses? — For general eye support, lutein 10–20 mg + zeaxanthin 2–4 mg is the standard. For macular support, the AREDS2 formula is the standard (lutein 10 mg, zeaxanthin 2 mg, vitamin C 500 mg, vitamin E 400 IU, zinc 80 mg or low-zinc 25 mg, copper 2 mg). Bilberry: 100–400 mg standardized extract; astaxanthin: 4 mg or more; omega-3: judged by EPA + DHA combined. Points off for lots of 'token ingredients' at less than half the standard
  • Hidden amounts — 'Not recommended' if a main ingredient like lutein is hidden in a Proprietary Blend. If only minor ingredients lack amounts, it's noted in the reasons. Without an anthocyanin %, bilberry quality can't be judged
  • Upper limits and excess — Points off for zinc over 40 mg or vitamin E over 400 IU. Lutein over 20 mg is a high dose — take for 6 months then pause, and smokers should avoid it. Beta-carotene (a vitamin A source): smokers take caution. However, AREDS2's 80 mg zinc is designed for people diagnosed with macular disease by an eye doctor, taken under a doctor's guidance, so that alone isn't 'Not recommended'
  • Cautions when combining — Take pigment ingredients like lutein and astaxanthin at a different time from calcium and magnesium. With high zinc, check that copper is included. Vitamin E, omega-3 and bilberry: caution if you take blood thinners
  • Better than buying separately? — If you only need lutein, a lutein-only product is cheaper and won't overlap with other supplements. With a combo, add up vitamins C and E and zinc to make sure they don't overlap with your multivitamin
  • Cost per day — Price ÷ count × the label's daily pills. Shown only, not used in the verdict
  • Label check and fairness — Products we could not verify in the NIH DSLD label database get 'Depends on your needs' at best. Review counts, star ratings and brand are not used in the verdict. The same standard applies to every brand

Best Eye health combos supplements on Amazon, compared

Bottom line

We checked the labels of 24 popular eye health combos on Amazon: 6 recommended, 18 depend on your needs, 0 not recommended.

  • Best overall — Life Extension MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron: Lutein 10 mg and meso-zeaxanthin 4 mg are within the standard
  • Best value — Nutricost Zeaxanthin with Lutein (20mg): Lutein 20 mg and zeaxanthin 4 mg meet the standard
  • Macula (AREDS2) — Focus Select AREDS2-Based Eye Vitamin with Low-Zinc: 2 softgels a day match the AREDS2 low-zinc formula exactly
  • Lutein only — Sports Research Lutein + Zeaxanthin with Organic Coconut Oil: Lutein 20 mg and zeaxanthin 4 mg hit the standard exactly
  • All-in-one — Physician's Choice Eye Health - Lutein, Zeaxanthin & Bilberry: Lutein 20 mg and zeaxanthin 4 mg from a patented ingredient (Lutemax 2020)

We checked the labels of popular Amazon products and rated them by the criteria above. Cost per day is relative — compared with other products of the same supplement. Check Amazon for the current price.

Best overallMacuGuard Ocular Support with SaffronLife Extension Best valueZeaxanthin with Lutein (20mg)Nutricost Macula (AREDS2)AREDS2-Based Eye Vitamin with Low-ZincFocus Select Lutein onlyLutein + Zeaxanthin with Organic Coconut OilSports Research All-in-oneEye Health - Lutein, Zeaxanthin & BilberryPhysician's Choice

Recommended 6

RecommendedFocus Select

AREDS2-Based Eye Vitamin with Low-Zinc

Softgel, AREDS2 low-zinc formula · Cost per day: average

Lutein 10 mg, zeaxanthin 2 mg, vitamin C 500 mg, vitamin E 400 IU, zinc 25 mg, copper 1.4 mg

  • 2 softgels a day match the AREDS2 low-zinc formula exactly
  • Lutein 10 mg, zeaxanthin 2 mg, vitamin C 500 mg, vitamin E 400 IU
  • Zinc 25 mg stays under the upper limit (40 mg), with copper included
  • Zinc and copper are oxide forms, so absorption is average

Adults 50+ starting macular support, people who'd rather avoid 80 mg zinc

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RecommendedLife Extension

MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron

Softgel, lutein, meso-zeaxanthin, saffron · Cost per day: low

Lutein 10 mg, meso-zeaxanthin 4 mg, saffron extract 20 mg, blackcurrant C3G 2.2 mg

  • Lutein 10 mg and meso-zeaxanthin 4 mg are within the standard
  • Also has saffron extract 20 mg
  • Phospholipid and trans-zeaxanthin amounts in the blend aren't listed (main ingredient amounts are)
  • No zinc or vitamins, so it doesn't overlap with a multivitamin

People already taking a multivitamin who want to add just eye ingredients

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RecommendedPhysician's Choice

Eye Health - Lutein, Zeaxanthin & Bilberry

Veggie capsule, lutein (Lutemax 2020) + mineral combo · Cost per day: average

Lutein 20 mg, zeaxanthin 4 mg, vitamin C 250 mg, zinc 25 mg, copper 2 mg, bilberry 50 mg, grape seed 25 mg

  • Lutein 20 mg and zeaxanthin 4 mg from a patented ingredient (Lutemax 2020)
  • Zinc 25 mg and copper 2 mg, within upper limits
  • Bilberry 50 mg is below the standard (160–240 mg) and has no anthocyanin %
  • Also has folate and B12, so check for overlap with your multivitamin

People who want lutein and zinc together in one eye combo

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RecommendedSports Research

Lutein + Zeaxanthin with Organic Coconut Oil

Plant-based softgel, lutein only (Lute-Gen) · Cost per day: low

Lutein 20 mg, zeaxanthin 4 mg

  • Lutein 20 mg and zeaxanthin 4 mg hit the standard exactly
  • No other ingredients, so it doesn't overlap with a multivitamin
  • 1 softgel a day, dissolved in oil (coconut oil)

People who want lutein on its own, people already taking many supplements

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RecommendedNutricost

Zeaxanthin with Lutein (20mg)

Softgel, lutein only · Cost per day: low

Lutein 20 mg, zeaxanthin 4 mg

  • Lutein 20 mg and zeaxanthin 4 mg meet the standard
  • Fairly low cost per day
  • The label doesn't name the raw material (patented ingredient)

People who want an affordable lutein-only product for the long term

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RecommendedPuritan's Pride

Zeaxanthin 4mg with Lutigold Lutein 10mg

Softgel, lutein and zeaxanthin · Cost per day: average

Lutein 20 mg, zeaxanthin 8 mg (at 2 softgels a day)

  • Lutein 10 mg and zeaxanthin 4 mg per softgel meet the standard
  • Lutein 20 mg and zeaxanthin 8 mg at the label's 2 softgels a day
  • Taking just 1 softgel halves the cost

People who want a higher ratio of zeaxanthin

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Depends on your needs 18

DependsBausch + Lomb

PreserVision AREDS 2 Formula

Softgel, AREDS2 standard formula (high zinc) · Cost per day: average

Lutein 10 mg, zeaxanthin 2 mg, vitamin C 500 mg, vitamin E 180 mg (400 IU), zinc 80 mg, copper 2 mg

  • 2 softgels a day match the standard AREDS2 formula exactly
  • Zinc 80 mg is twice the general upper limit (40 mg)
  • This amount is meant for people diagnosed with macular disease by an eye doctor, taken under a doctor's guidance
  • Copper 2 mg is included to help offset the copper loss that high-dose zinc can cause

People diagnosed with macular disease whose eye doctor recommended AREDS2

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DependsBausch + Lomb

Ocuvite Adult 50+ (Lutein, Zeaxanthin & Omega-3)

Softgel, lutein + vitamins and minerals + omega-3 · Cost per day: low

Lutein 5 mg, zeaxanthin 1 mg, vitamin C 150 mg, vitamin E 30 IU, zinc 9 mg, copper 1 mg, EPA + DHA 250 mg

  • Lutein 5 mg is half the standard (10 mg)
  • Omega-3 (EPA + DHA) 250 mg is a quarter of the maintenance standard (1,000 mg)
  • Zinc 9 mg and copper 1 mg, no upper-limit worries
  • Easy at 1 softgel a day

Adults 50+ who want fewer pills and a light start

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DependsBausch + Lomb

Ocuvite Eye Health Gummies

Gummy, lutein + vitamins C and E, zinc · Cost per day: high

Lutein 5 mg, zeaxanthin 1 mg, vitamin C 100 mg, vitamin E 13.5 mg, zinc 9 mg

  • Lutein 5 mg is half the standard (10 mg)
  • Vitamin C 100 mg and vitamin E 13.5 mg are basic daily-need levels
  • 3 g added sugar in 2 gummies a day
  • An option for people who can't swallow pills

People who have trouble swallowing pills

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DependsBausch + Lomb

Ocuvite Blue Light

Softgel, lutein only · Cost per day: high

Lutein 25 mg, zeaxanthin 5 mg

  • Lutein 25 mg is a bit above the standard (10–20 mg)
  • Only lutein and zeaxanthin, so it's the same as a lutein-only product
  • Higher cost per day than lutein-only products with the same ingredients
  • Smokers should avoid high doses

Non-smokers who want a name-brand lutein-only product

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DependsNOW Foods

Lutein & Zeaxanthin 25mg/5mg

Softgel, lutein only (Lutemax 2020)

Lutein 25 mg, zeaxanthin 5 mg

  • Lutein 25 mg is a bit above the standard (10–20 mg)
  • Uses a patented ingredient (Lutemax 2020)
  • No other ingredients, so no overlap with other supplements
  • Smokers should avoid high doses

Non-smokers who want lutein-only from a patented ingredient

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DependsTrunature

Vision Complex Lutein & Zeaxanthin

Softgel, lutein only

Lutein 25 mg, zeaxanthin 5 mg

  • Lutein 25 mg is a bit above the standard (10–20 mg)
  • Called a 'complex', but it's only lutein and zeaxanthin
  • The label in DSLD is the 2015 version
  • Smokers should avoid high doses

Non-smokers who want lutein-only in a large bottle

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DependsPuritan's Pride

Premium Lutigold Lutein 20mg with Zeaxanthin

Softgel, lutein only

Lutein 20 mg, zeaxanthin 0.8 mg

  • Lutein 20 mg meets the standard
  • Zeaxanthin 0.8 mg is below the standard (2–4 mg)
  • No other ingredients, so no overlap with other supplements

People who want mainly lutein at a low price

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DependsPuritan's Pride

Premium Lutigold Lutein 40mg with Zeaxanthin

Softgel, high-dose lutein · Cost per day: low

Lutein 40 mg, zeaxanthin 1.6 mg

  • Lutein 40 mg is twice the standard (10–20 mg)
  • For high doses, take for 6 months then pause
  • Smokers should avoid high doses
  • Zeaxanthin 1.6 mg is a bit below the standard

Non-smokers who want a high dose for a short time

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Depends1MD Nutrition

VisionMD Eye Vitamin with Lutein & Zeaxanthin (2-Pack)

Softgel, lutein + astaxanthin + lycopene · Cost per day: high

Lutein 10 mg, zeaxanthin 2 mg, astaxanthin 4 mg, lycopene 10 mg, vitamin E 121 mg, vitamin A 1,530 mcg (carotenoids)

  • Lutein 10 mg, zeaxanthin 2 mg and astaxanthin 4 mg meet the standard
  • Vitamin A 1,530 mcg comes from a beta-carotene-type ingredient (EVTene), so smokers should avoid it
  • Vitamin E 121 mg (about 180 IU), under 400 IU
  • Highest cost per day on this list

Non-smokers who want astaxanthin in the same softgel

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DependsEyePromise

Restore

Softgel, zeaxanthin-focused combo · Cost per day: high

Zeaxanthin 8 mg, lutein 4 mg, vitamin C 120 mg, vitamin E 40 mg, vitamin D3 1,000 IU, zinc 15 mg, EPA + DHA 175 mg

  • Zeaxanthin 8 mg is high, but lutein 4 mg is below the standard (10 mg)
  • Omega-3 175 mg, CoQ10 5 mg and alpha-lipoic acid 10 mg are token amounts
  • Has vitamin D3 1,000 IU and zinc 15 mg, so add them up with your multivitamin
  • Label allows up to 2 softgels a day

People who want a zeaxanthin-focused product

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DependsNew Nordic

Blue Berry Eye Vitamin (Blue Berry Eyebright)

Tablet, blueberry, eyebright, lutein source · Cost per day: high

European blueberry extract 200 mg, eyebright extract 100 mg, marigold extract 25 mg, grape extract 20 mg

  • Blueberry extract 200 mg; anthocyanin % isn't on the label
  • Lutein is only listed as marigold extract 25 mg, so the real lutein amount is unknown
  • The label in DSLD is the 2011 version
  • Higher cost per day

People who want a berry-extract product more than lutein

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DependsTheraTears

Omega 3 Supplement for Eye Care (Eye Nutrition)

Softgel, omega-3 (fish oil + flaxseed oil) · Cost per day: average

EPA 450 mg, DHA 300 mg, flaxseed oil 1,000 mg, vitamin E 183 IU (3 softgels a day)

  • EPA + DHA 750 mg in 3 softgels a day, below the dry-eye standard (2,000 mg)
  • Also contains flaxseed oil 1,000 mg
  • Has vitamin E 183 IU, so add it up with any other vitamin E
  • If you take blood thinners, talk to your doctor

People starting omega-3 lightly for dry eyes

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DependsScienceBased Health

HydroEye Dry Eye Supplement (GLA & Omega-3)

Softgel, GLA + omega-3

GLA, omega-3 (amounts not confirmed)

  • Couldn't find this product's label in DSLD
  • Check total EPA + DHA on the label yourself
  • Formula combining GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) and omega-3

People who want a GLA formula for dry eyes (after checking the label)

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DependsClean Nutra

Eye Vitamins with Bilberry, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Lycopene, Resveratrol, Grape Seed, Astaxanthin

Combo of 7+ ingredients

Bilberry, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, resveratrol, grape seed, astaxanthin (amounts not confirmed)

  • Couldn't find this product's label in DSLD
  • With this many ingredients, check the label to see whether each is at a standard dose
  • Look for lutein 10 mg or more and a listed bilberry anthocyanin %

People who want several eye ingredients in one (after checking the label)

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DependsCarlyle

Lutein and Zeaxanthin 40mg

Softgel, high-dose lutein · Cost per day: low

Lutein and zeaxanthin 40 mg (per title, label not verified)

  • Couldn't find this product's label in DSLD
  • 40 mg per the title is twice the lutein standard (10–20 mg)
  • For high doses, take for 6 months then pause; smokers should avoid

Non-smokers who want a high dose for a short time

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DependsCarlyle

Lutein and Zeaxanthin 20mg

Softgel, lutein only

Lutein and zeaxanthin 20 mg (per title, label not verified)

  • Couldn't find this product's label in DSLD
  • 20 mg per the title is within the lutein standard
  • Check the zeaxanthin amount on the label

People looking for a lutein-only product (after checking the label)

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DependsMicro Ingredients

Lutein Zeaxanthin 40mg per Serving

Softgel, high-dose lutein

Lutein and zeaxanthin 40 mg per serving (per title, label not verified)

  • DSLD only has the 50 mg product; couldn't find this 40 mg product's label
  • 40 mg per serving (per title) is twice the lutein standard (10–20 mg)
  • Check how many softgels per serving on the label

Non-smokers who want a high dose short-term (after checking the label)

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DependsAndrew Lessman

ProCaps Ultimate Eye Support 12 mg

Softgel, lutein 12 mg combo

Lutein 12 mg (per title, label not verified)

  • The product with the same name in DSLD is a 360-capsule version, so we couldn't confirm it matches this 60-softgel product
  • Lutein 12 mg per the title is within the standard
  • Check how many softgels a day on the label

People looking for a product built around 12 mg lutein (after checking the label)

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