eyesight correction

My eyesight is -1500 and i am taking gnc beta-carotene 15 tabs. which are 16mg tabs 2x daily. will this improve my eyesight?

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

If you are nutrionally deficient, then a daily beta carotene supplement might improve night vision espcially.  If you are healthy and well nourished, I don't foresee that vitamin supplements will improve your vision.  If you have macular degeneration, then special vitamin formulas have been shown to slow the progression of the disease and some studies also show a protective effect against cataracts as you age.

MJK MD

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear Jchu2005,

To my knowledge, taking vitamins will not help the prescription of your eye.  You do not mention how old you are or whether your vision is stable.  You may have the option of glasses, contact lenses or implantable collamer lenses to improve your sight.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California