Vitamins for the eyes after PPV

[corks100]

Posting this questions for the Doctors:

I found 2 vitamins that looks good on GNC.  I wanted to know if you recommend them and which would be better.  In addition, how oftern should one take them:

1) Ocular Formula by GNC Preventative Nutrition, climically studied, $25 for 60 tablets:
     May help maintain eyesight.
    Focuses on Vitamin A, bilberry fruit extract and lutein for dietary support for eye health.*

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.


2) Ocuguard Plus by Twin Labs; $25 for 60 tablets
     Now with Lutein, Zeaxanthin & Vitamin D3
     Advanced Vitamin & Antioxidant Supplement for the Eyes

     OcuGuard® Plus with Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is an advanced vitamin and       antioxidant nutritional supplement specifically formulated to support healthy vision and promote vision clarity.*

     Each easy-to-swallow capsule provides a special combination of micronutrients the eyes may require, including Lutein, Zeaxanthin and beta-carotene, which are potent antioxidant carotenoids. Lutein is the most abundant carotenoid in fruits and vegetables, and is found to be highly concentrated in the macula of the eye. Combining Lutein and Zeaxanthin carotenoids with Vitamin D3 provides dual-action macular support for healthy eyes and vision clarity.* Other nutrients included in this synergistic formula are zinc from zinc picolinate (a chelated form of zinc that is easy for the body to absorb and use), natural Vitamin E, Vitamin C, selenium, and much more.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.


I cut and paste the exact information that is on the website for each vitamin.  If you do not agree that one should take the above, what would you recomment instead and how often?

Thanks so much in advance for your response and recommendation.  Anything to help us who have had an RD will be much appreciated.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

IT says what it says. It is unproven that that formula will prevent eye disease.

If you have age related macular degeneration then you should take an AREDS vitamin like Ocuvite, EyeCap or Preservision with lutein

JCH MD

[corks100]

Hi Doc.

I just had an RD surgery (PPV with gas bubble).  I dont have macular degeneration or any of those eye diseases  you metioned in your response.  BUt i do drink High blood pressure medication.  I also drink a very low dosage diabetic pills (2.5 mg).  Both of my HB Pressure and Sugar are in control and my blood works says that eveything is normal with the exception of my cholesterol which was a little high.

Now, I have lost weight and everyhing is normal.  I am hoping to get out of my sugar pills eventually as I loose more weight and  drink a lower dosage of my hp meds.  

1) Is is still advisable to get the vit with Lutien?
2) so some docs really use medical glue to help stick the retina in back of the eye or were they just saying that the bubble was meant to push the retina back to the back of the eye?
  

Thanks so much for your help.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

Vitamins with lutein do not have enough lutein. They have 250 mcg  (1/4 mgm)  the body needs 6-10 mgm. If someone is serious about taking lutein as a supplement  they need to take 6-20 mgm/day

The gas bubble pushes the retina or macula against the back of the eye where adhesions caused by laser or freezing therapy stick the retina in place.

I am not famliar with medical glue being used to glue retina.  A person's own serum is sometimes used to help seal macular holes but my impression is that's its falling out of favor with retina MDs

JCHMD

[kjelltp]

Check out OcuForce caps by Designs For Health, one of the most comprehensive eye formulas I've seen to date.