Eye strain & dry eyes
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Nothing checked yetDefault order, by strength of evidence.
Bottom line
For eye strain & dry eyes, start with Omega-3, Bilberry, Astaxanthin. The first one to look at is Omega-3 — EPA+DHA 2,000–3,000 mg a day; Right after a meal. If you take 2+ capsules, split them across meals.
Supplements ranked for this concern
AWell researchedBSome evidenceCLimited evidence
| # | Supplement | Evidence | When | How much | Caution | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Omega-3Matches your checks May reduce clogging and inflammation of the oil glands in the eyelids (meibomian glands), which can help ease dry, sore eyes. |
A | Right after a meal. If you take 2+ capsules, split them across meals. | EPA+DHA 2,000–3,000 mg a day | Start with 1 capsule and slowly work up. Use caution if you take a blood thinner or have surgery coming up. | Compare products |
| 2 | BilberryMatches your checks Its anthocyanins help protect the tiny blood vessels in the eyes. It's the most studied ingredient for screen eye strain and blurry vision. |
A | Any time of day, daily, for at least 4–12 weeks | 160–240 mg of standardized extract a day (range 100–400 mg) | Side effects are rare, but tell your doctor if you take blood thinners or diabetes drugs. | Details |
| 3 | AstaxanthinMatches your checks A strong antioxidant that may relax the eye's focusing muscles, which can help with eye strain and dryness. |
B | After a meal that contains some fat | 4–12 mg a day (4 mg or more for eye strain) | High doses can turn stools reddish. Allergies are rare. | Details |
| 4 | LuteinMatches your checks A pigment found in the macula, making it a basic for supporting macular health after 40. |
B | Once a day after a meal. Take it at a different time from calcium and magnesium. | 10–20 mg a day | For eye strain and dryness, other ingredients tend to make a bigger difference than lutein alone. With high doses, take a break after 6 months. | Compare products |
| 5 | B vitamins (B complex)Matches your checks Support energy production and nerve health. Often added for people in their 30s and 40s whose eyes tire easily. |
C | After breakfast or lunch | 1 tablet of a product with 20–50 mg of each main B vitamin | Taking them in the evening can disturb sleep. | Compare products |
| 6 | MagnesiumMatches your checks When eye strain is bad, some people feel tension around the eyes ease when they take it with B vitamins. |
C | After meals. If you take 2+ capsules, split them up. | 200–400 mg a day (as elemental magnesium) | If you have kidney disease, talk to your doctor first. | Compare products |
| 7 | Pycnogenol (French maritime pine bark)Matches your checks An antioxidant that may reduce oxidative damage in the eyes. Paired with bilberry in combos for eye pressure. |
C | Before or after meals | 100 mg a day (100–200 mg) | Combined with blood thinners or blood pressure medicine, it may cause bleeding or dizziness. | Details |
| 8 | LecithinMatches your checks Used as extra support alongside omega-3 when dry eyes are severe. |
C | After meals | 5–10 g a day | If you take a blood thinner, talk to your doctor first. | Details |
Medications to watch out for
If you take any medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting.
Blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) and aspirinOmega-3 · Bilberry · PycnogenolBleeding may be harder to stop. Talk to your doctor before taking them.
Blood pressure medicineOmega-3 · Pycnogenol · MagnesiumBlood pressure may drop further, which can make you dizzy.
Diabetes drugsBilberry · PycnogenolBlood sugar may drop a little more. Watch for signs of low blood sugar.
Hair loss and prostate drugs (5-alpha reductase inhibitors such as finasteride (Propecia, Proscar))AstaxanthinThere's a theory that it may act on the same enzyme. If you're concerned, talk to your doctor.
Being treated for kidney diseaseMagnesiumYour body may not clear magnesium well, so it can build up.
Before supplements: daily habits
- 01Every 20 minutes of screen time, look at something far away for about 20 seconds to rest your eyes.
- 02For dry eyes, use artificial tears. If it's severe, an eye ointment or gel works faster.
- 03Eye supplements usually take at least 1–3 months of steady use before you notice a difference.
- 04If you take a multivitamin with an eye supplement, check that you're not doubling up on zinc and vitamin A.
- 05If your vision suddenly blurs or lines look wavy, get an eye exam before trying supplements.
Product comparison
| Product | Form | Per serving | Count | Cost per day | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burp Less Ultra Omega-3 from Fish Oil 1400 mgBest value Nature Made |
EE (ethyl ester), enteric-coated | 935 mg | 90 | Low | Amazon → |
| Triple Strength Omega-3 950 mg Solgar |
EE (ethyl ester) | 882 mg | 100 | Low | Amazon → |
| Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil 2400 mg, Lemon Nature's Branch |
Form not listed, lemon flavor | 1440 mg | 180 | Low | Amazon → |
| Extra-Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil 1000 mg + Vitamin E, Lemon NatureWise |
EE (ethyl ester), lemon flavor | 1000 mg | 60 | Low | Amazon → |
| Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil 1250 mg (Wild Alaska Pollock) Sports Research |
rTG (re-esterified triglyceride) | 950 mg | 90 | Average | Amazon → |
| Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil 2000 mg Dr. Tobias |
Form not listed, enteric-coated | 1400 mg | 180 | Average | Amazon → |
| Burp Less Omega-3 Fish Oil 1400 mg Minis Nature Made |
EE (ethyl ester), mini softgels | 930 mg | 60 | Average | Amazon → |
| Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil 3000 mg, Lemon BioSchwartz |
Form not listed, lemon flavor | 2100 mg | 90 | Average | Amazon → |
Compare all Omega-3 products →
| Product | Form | Per serving | Count | Cost per day | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zeaxanthin with Lutein (20mg)Best value Nutricost |
Softgel, lutein only | 20 mg | 120 | Low | Amazon → |
| Lutein + Zeaxanthin with Organic Coconut Oil Sports Research |
Plant-based softgel, lutein only (Lute-Gen) | 20 mg | 120 | Average | Amazon → |
| Lutein 20 mg with Zeaxanthin Jarrow Formulas |
Softgel, lutein only (marigold extract) | 20 mg | 120 | Average | Amazon → |
| Zeaxanthin 4mg with Lutigold Lutein 10mg Puritan's Pride |
Softgel, lutein and zeaxanthin | 10 mg | 60 | High | Amazon → |
| Product | Form | Per serving | Count | Cost per day | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) 2000 mcgBest value Nutricost |
Methylcobalamin (active) capsule | 1 capsule: B12 2,000 mcg | 240 | Low | Amazon → |
| Methyl B-12 1000 mcg Lozenges NOW Foods |
Methylcobalamin (active), dissolvable lozenge | 1 lozenge: B12 1,000 mcg (label 1–2) | 100 | Low | Amazon → |
| High Potency Vitamin B Complex 462mg Nutricost |
Regular B vitamins + methyl B12 | 1 capsule: B1 60, B2 75, B6 50 mg, B12 1,000 mcg | 120 | Low | Amazon → |
| Super B Vitamin B Complex Sustained Release Bronson |
Regular B vitamins, time-release tablet | 1 tablet: B1, B2, B6 50 mg each | 60 | Average | Amazon → |
| Coenzyme B-Complex with Methylfolate and B12 Country Life |
Coenzyme (active) B1, B2, B6 + methyl and adenosyl B12 | 1 capsule: B1, B2, B6 25 mg each, B12 250 mcg (label 1–2 capsules) | 240 | Average | Amazon → |
| Active B-Complex with Methylfolate Integrative Therapeutics |
Active B2, B6, folate (Quatrefolic), B12 (methyl) | 1 capsule: B1, B2, B6 25 mg each, B12 500 mcg (label 1–2 capsules) | 60 | Average | Amazon → |
| B-Complex Plus Pure Encapsulations |
Active B2, B6, folate (Metafolin), B12 (methyl) | 1 capsule: B1 100, B2 12.7, B6 16.7 mg (label 1–2 capsules) | 120 | High | Amazon → |
| High Strength Super B-Complex (Methylated & Active) Igennus |
Active B2, B6, folate (5-MTHF), B12 (methyl), time-release tablet | 2 tablets: B1 40, B2 28, B6 40 mg, B12 1,800 mcg | 180 | High | Amazon → |
Compare all B vitamins (B complex) products →
| Product | Form | Per serving | Count | Cost per day | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magnesium Citrate 200 mg TabletsBest value NOW Foods |
Citrate | 400 mg | 250 | Low | Amazon → |
| Magnesium Bisglycinate Powder (Albion)Best value NOW Foods |
Bisglycinate powder (Albion) | 250 mg | 91 | Low | Amazon → |
| Magnesium Citrate Pure PowderBest value NOW Foods |
Citrate powder | 435 mg | 76 | Low | Amazon → |
| Natural CALM Magnesium Powder (Raspberry Lemon)Best value Natural Vitality |
Citrate (magnesium carbonate + citric acid, forms when mixed with water) | 325 mg | 100 | Low | Amazon → |
| Magnesium (Citrate) 100 mg Life Extension |
Citrate | 200 mg | 100 | Low | Amazon → |
| High Absorption Magnesium (Glycinate Lysinate Chelate) Doctor's Best |
Glycinate/lysinate chelate (Albion) | 200 mg | 240 | Low | Amazon → |
| Magnesium Citrate Veg Capsules NOW Foods |
Citrate | 400 mg | 240 | Low | Amazon → |
| Magnesium Glycinate 100 mg (Albion) NOW Foods |
Bisglycinate chelate (Albion) | 200 mg | 180 | Average | Amazon → |
Compare all Magnesium products →
Cost per day is relative — compared with other products of the same supplement. Check Amazon for the current price. Some links are affiliate links.
Several ingredients in one pill: Compare eye health combos →