The Science Behind Our Eye Health Formula

As we age, maintaining healthy vision becomes an increasingly important part of preserving overall quality of life. Our USA-made vision support supplement is specifically formulated to nourish the eyes with carefully selected ingredients that are backed by scientific evidence. Combining essential vitamins and minerals—such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, and Copper—with botanicals like Bilberry, Eyebright Extract, and Lutein, this supplement aims to protect visual acuity and support long-term ocular health.

But what does the science say? Let's explore how each of these ingredients is supported by cutting-edge research.

1. Antioxidants and AMD: Core Nutritional Defense

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in people over 50. According to a comprehensive Cochrane Review, a supplement formula containing antioxidants like vitamins C and E, along with zinc, probably slows down the progression of AMD to its late stages and associated vision loss (Evans and Lawrenson, 2023). This is especially important for individuals with intermediate AMD, where the benefits appear more pronounced.

2. Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Beyond AMD Prevention

Lutein is a carotenoid concentrated in the macula that filters harmful blue light and supports visual performance. Several studies confirm its multifaceted benefits:

• In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, daily intake of lutein and zeaxanthin significantly improved visual performance, reduced eye strain, and enhanced sleep quality among high screen users (Lopresti and Smith, 2025).

• Additionally, supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin has shown improvements in dynamic visual and cognitive performance, especially in younger populations, suggesting systemic neuro-ocular benefits (Parekh et al., 2024).

• A recent study (Kumar et al., 2024) provided mechanistic insight, noting that lutein and zeaxanthin offer photoprotective properties, shielding retinal tissue from oxidative damage and supporting mitochondrial health in the eye.

3. Lutein in Dry Eye Syndrome and Ocular Comfort

Ocular dryness is another common concern with age. A systematic review (Chu and Huang, 2024) highlights the potential of lutein in alleviating symptoms of dry eye syndrome, suggesting it supports tear film stability and reduces inflammation in ocular tissues.

This is further supported by a multi-ingredient clinical trial (Gioia et al., 2024), which showed significant improvements in ocular discomfort and tear production, pointing to the synergistic potential of formulations like ours that combine multiple active nutrients.

4. Bilberry and Eyebright: Traditional Botanicals with Modern Support

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), known for its richness in anthocyanins, has long been associated with vision support. While direct randomized trials are less common, its antioxidant properties complement the known benefits of the macular carotenoids and vitamins included in this formula.

Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) has a history of use in traditional herbal medicine for eye irritation and inflammation. Though clinical data remains limited, its inclusion alongside evidence-backed ingredients contributes to a holistic formulation.

Importantly, as Banik et al. underscore (Banik et al., 2025), physicochemical stability and bioavailability are critical for the efficacy of macular carotenoids in supplements. Our formula uses lutein derived from marigold flower extract (Tagetes erecta), in line with recommendations for optimal delivery and safety.

5. Zinc and Copper: Micronutrients with Macular Benefits

Zinc plays a vital role in retinal metabolism and has been shown to contribute significantly to slowing AMD progression when used in combination with antioxidants (Evans and Lawrenson, 2023). Since high doses of zinc can interfere with copper absorption, our formula also includes copper gluconate to maintain nutritional balance.

6. Lifestyle and Nutritional Context

Modifiable lifestyle factors such as nutrition, smoking, and sunlight exposure play key roles in AMD risk (Saigal et al., 2025). Nutritional supplementation, particularly with antioxidants and macular carotenoids, represents a practical and proactive strategy for those looking to protect their vision as part of a broader lifestyle approach.

6. Natural and Synergistic

Our supplement is crafted from natural sources, without artificial fillers or preservatives. The lutein is plant-derived from marigold flowers, bilberry is included as fruit powder, and eyebright is standardized as a whole-herb extract. These ingredients are selected not only for their individual efficacy but for their potential to work synergistically (they work better together), a principle that underpins many of the studies referenced here.

Final remarks

Science supports the benefits of key nutrients, especially antioxidants and macular carotenoids, in maintaining visual health and slowing age-related decline. Our supplement harnesses these compounds in a thoughtful, natural, and research-backed formulation. Whether you're experiencing early signs of eye strain or looking to prevent future issues, this formula is designed to support your vision where it matters most.

 

Supporting Vision Naturally (short version)

The Science Behind Our Eye Health Formula

As we age, visual health may decline due to conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD), dry eye, or digital eye strain. This USA-made supplement offers daily support with clinically studied nutrients: vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, lutein, bilberry, and eyebright. All ingredients are included for their proven or traditional role in maintaining eye function and clarity.

Antioxidant Vitamins and Zinc: Slowing AMD Progression

Evans and Lawrenson (2023) found that a supplement combining vitamins C and E with zinc and beta-carotene likely slows progression to late AMD. In patients with intermediate AMD, antioxidant supplementation prevented 78 out of 1000 from progressing to advanced stages.

Lutein: Protection and Performance

Lutein and zeaxanthin, macular carotenoids, help filter blue light and protect retinal cells. Supplementation has improved visual and cognitive performance in children (Parekh et al., 2024) and reduced eye strain and improved sleep in frequent screen users (Lopresti & Smith, 2025). These carotenoids are considered safe, bioavailable, and effective when formulated properly (Kumar et al., 2024; Banik et al., 2025).

Relief for Dry Eyes and Discomfort

Lutein has also shown benefit in dry eye syndrome, with improved tear production and reduced symptoms (Chu & Huang, 2024). A multi-ingredient supplement containing lutein significantly improved eye discomfort in patients with moderate dry eye (Gioia et al., 2024).

A Naturally Based Formula

Although clinical evidence for bilberry and eyebright is more limited, they are frequently used in natural approaches to eye care. Their role is supported as part of broader strategies for visual health and wellness (Saigal et al., 2025).

 

---

 

Conclusion
This supplement combines clinically studied antioxidants and natural extracts that work synergistically (more effective together) to support healthy vision, slow AMD progression, and relieve everyday eye strain—naturally, without artificial ingredients.

 

References for further reading

Banik, S.P., Kumar, P., Basak, P., Goel, A., Ohia, S.E., Bagchi, M., Chakraborty, S., Kundu, A., Bagchi, D., 2025. A critical insight into the physicochemical stability of macular carotenoids with  respect to their industrial production, safety profile, targeted tissue delivery, and bioavailability. Toxicol. Mech. Methods 35, 215–229. https://doi.org/10.1080/15376516.2024.2401924

Chu, Y.-C., Huang, C.-C., 2024. Role of Lutein Supplements in the Management of Dry Eye Syndrome: A Systematic  Review. Int. J. Vitam. Nutr. Res. Int.  Zeitschrift fur Vitamin- und Ernahrungsforschung. J. Int. Vitaminol. Nutr. 95, 36626. https://doi.org/10.31083/IJVNR36626

Evans, J.R., Lawrenson, J.G., 2023. Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements for slowing the progression of  age-related macular degeneration. Cochrane database Syst. Rev. 9, CD000254. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD000254.pub5

Gioia, N., Gerson, J., Ryan, R., Barbour, K., Poteet, J., Jennings, B., Sharp, M., Lowery, R., Wilson, J., Morde, A., Rai, D., Padigaru, M., Periman, L.M., 2024. A novel multi-ingredient supplement significantly improves ocular symptom  severity and tear production in patients with dry eye disease: results from a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Front. Ophthalmol. 4, 1362113. https://doi.org/10.3389/fopht.2024.1362113

Kumar, P., Banik, S.P., Ohia, S.E., Moriyama, H., Chakraborty, S., Wang, C.-K., Song, Y.S., Goel, A., Bagchi, M., Bagchi, D., 2024. Current Insights on the Photoprotective Mechanism of the Macular Carotenoids,  Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Safety, Efficacy and Bio-Delivery. J. Am. Nutr. Assoc. 43, 505–518. https://doi.org/10.1080/27697061.2024.2319090

Lopresti, A.L., Smith, S.J., 2025. The effects of lutein/ zeaxanthin (Lute-gen(®)) on eye health, eye strain, sleep  quality, and attention in high electronic screen users: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Front. Nutr. 12, 1522302. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2025.1522302

Parekh, R., Hammond, B.R.J., Chandradhara, D., 2024. Lutein and Zeaxanthin Supplementation Improves Dynamic Visual and Cognitive  Performance in Children: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel, Placebo-Controlled Study. Adv. Ther. 41, 1496–1511. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-024-02785-1

Saigal, K., Salama, J.E., Pardo, A.A., Lopez, S.E., Gregori, N.Z., 2025. Modifiable Lifestyle Risk Factors and Strategies for Slowing the Progression of  Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Vis. (Basel, Switzerland) 9. https://doi.org/10.3390/vision9010016

Tagetes erecta with a Lutein molecule. 

I took the flower image from Wikipedia and edited it in Photoshop. I created the lutein molecule using Discovery Studio.

Your vision is one of your most valuable assets — protect it with care, nourish it with intention, and support it with the right tools. Whether you’re spending hours in front of a screen or simply want to maintain your eye health as you age, small daily steps make a lasting difference.

MyCern Vision Support is formulated to help you do just that — so you can keep seeing life in full color and clarity.

– This blog is written by Dr. Marcelo Ortells
Mar del Plata-born physician, based in Tigre, Buenos Aires.