Many older people in the United States have just cause to be concerned about their eye health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 20 million people in the United States older than 40 years had cataracts, as of September 2009. Approximately 1.6 million had macular degeneration.
Claims
"Optim 3 Premier Formula for Ocular Nutrition" sold by the company Hi-Health is also commonly known as "Paul Harvey's Ocular Nutrition." The company advertises the product as a preventative measure against macular degeneration and says that the product contains 18 nutrients that contribute to eye health.
Research
According to Hi-Health, the nutritive qualities of Ocular Nutrition is based on a reliable long-term scientific study, but neither the name nor the title of the study is declared. The nutrients that are covered by this study are also not declared. It is possible that the study refers to the age-related eye disease study, or AREDS that was sponsored by the federal government. The study found that taking zinc in combination with certain antioxidants could reduce a person's chances of developing age-related macular degeneration by 25 percent. However, lutein and bilberry were not included in the AREDS study, so it is not certain if this is the study to which Hi-Health refers, according to the National Eye Institute.
Legal Challenge
In February 2005, the Federal Trade Commission accepted a settlement of $450,000 from Hi-Health Supermart Corp. after being charged with making unsubstantiated advertising claims. The company originally claimed through various advertisements and through the Paul Harvey radio show, "News and Comment," that Ocular Nutrition could restore the vision lost from age-related macular degeneration and cured eye "floaters." The company also made claims that the supplement could improve cataracts. The company was ordered to cease making these claims until they could prove their claims, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
As of November 2010, the company's advertisement states that the product has not received any FDA evaluation and does not claim to cure or prevent any ocular conditions.
Efficacy
While no study exists to support the efficacy of Ocular Nutrition, some studies point to the efficacy of its ingredients in helping to prevent some ocular conditions. The AREDS study found that a combination treatment of beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, zinc oxide and copper, as used in Ocular Nutrition reduced the development of age-related macular degeneration. Another study, published in the Archives of Ophthalmology in April 2004, states that lutein and zeaxanthin, two of the ingredients of the supplement's "Ocucel Lutein Complex," have not been studied in depth and have not been studied for the treatment of the eyes. The long-term side effects have also not been identified.
Considerations
If you are concerned about your eye health, see a doctor or ophthalmologist. Many eye disorders can lead to permanent loss of vision if not treated correctly. MedlinePlus advises that early treatment and detection is imperative and can often prevent vision loss. A medical professional can advise you on the best course of treatment for your condition.
References
- CDC: Vision Health Initiative -- National Data
- Hi-Health Shop: Optim 3® Premier Formula for Ocular Nutrition™
- National Eye Institute: The AREDS Formulation and Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- Federal Trade Commission: Seller of "Ocular Nutrition" Dietary Supplement That Purports to Treat Eye Diseases Settles FTC Charges and Pays $450,00
- "Archives of Ophthalmology;" Doctor, What Vitamins Should I Take for My Eyes?; Julie A. Mares, PhD, Tara L. La Rowe, BS and Barbara A. Blodi, MD; April 2004
- MedlinePlus: Eye Diseases
