An Evidence-Based Overview of The Use of Nutritional Supplements and Herbal Remedies for Ocular Diseases

Ocular diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, contribute significantly to the global burden of visual impairment and blindness and pose significant health and economic challenges. This review discusses using nutritional supplements and herbal remedies as adjuncts to ocular health. Key findings show that carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin could retard the progression of age-related macular degeneration, omega-3 fatty acids, dry eye syndrome and diabetic retinopathy as such, have been cured by having vitamins A, C, and E, which basically help decrease oxidative stress. Herbal-based treatments like Ginkgo biloba, Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), and Curcuma longa are promising due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vascular-enhancing qualities. Whereas such improvement might prevail, others, like variation in preparations, imbalanced dosing, and the need for rigorous randomized control trials, remain. The present review underlines the necessity of incorporating these natural interventions into evidence-based ophthalmic care while rectifying the standardization and regulatory gaps for safe and effective treatment. Establishing these interventions as viable, accessible, and sustainable solutions for preserving vision and contributing to a better quality of life worldwide will require further research.