ICaps Lutein & Zeaxanthin Formula Coated Tablets MegaPACK 3Pack(120coated Tablets)

I am using these in hopes of staving off macular degeneration. At 48, I did the 23 and Me DNA testing and it came back with results that strongly linked me to having macular degeneration later in life. Hopefully, this specialty vitamin will keep me from getting it. Fingers crossed.

I'm 69 years old and fortunately in pretty good health. I don't take any prescription drugs, only some vitamins. My Mom and Dad and brother all wore glasses. I've been to the eye doctors and they want me to wear tri-focals. I've always resisted, because everyone I know that got glasses later in life had their vision go to hell. So I have 1.5 readers that I use when I read the newspaper (remember that I'm almost 70), but other than that I can see better than most people my age. I can drive and read the roadsigns, which is a big deal. Like I said, I take several vitamins each day, but this is the only one that I can tell makes a difference if I miss a day. I'll take this for the rest of my life.

Google "Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS)" and study up on the formula used in the government's National Eye Institute. This is one quoteworthy section:"The specific daily amounts of antioxidants and zinc used by the study researchers were 500 milligrams of vitamin C; 400 International Units of vitamin E; 15 milligrams of beta-carotene (often labeled as equivalent to 25,000 International Units of vitamin A); 80 milligrams of zinc as zinc oxide; and two milligrams of copper as cupric oxide. Copper was added to the AREDS formulations containing zinc to prevent copper deficiency anemia, a condition associated with high levels of zinc intake."Another quote-worthy section is "Can a Daily Multivitamin Alone Provide the Same High Levels of Antioxidants and Zinc as the AREDS Formulation? No. The AREDS formulation's levels of antioxidants and zinc are considerably higher than the amounts in any daily multivitamin."This particular NON-AREDS formula does NOT exactly match the National Eye Institute formula, but I buy and use it because it contains Lutein and Zeaxanthin which have been reported to be very significant in preventing or slowing macular degeneration and for general eye health. I supplement with the following additional anti-oxidants: Vitamin E, which is both lower-dosed in this formula, and because it is the dl-alpha synthetic version instead of the naturally occuring, and easier to absorb, d-alpha version (the "l" after the "d" means it is a chemical "mirror image" in which the formula is identical but it is left-handed in layout instead of right-handed).I have been thinking of switching to a different formulation due to the "dl" Vitamin E. But all the recommendations I have seen emphasize the importance of both Lutein AND Zeaxanthin; Lutein is available in the same dosage, much cheaper, in the Super Vision formulation from Trader Joes, but then TJ (usually good about these things!) completely blows the other supplements (Vit A and E, the zinc and copper) necessary to match the National Eye Institute AREDS formula.Both Bausch and Lomb and Alcon have eye vitamin formulas, so do your homework carefully and make the best compromise possible. Then supplement (as necessary!) your eye vitamin "supplement." If only someone took the AREDS formula, added Lutein and Zeaxthin, and used natural isomers of the vitamins instead of the dl synthetic versions.I will put the link to the AREDS page in the first comment to this review; Amazon allows links (which you cut and paste) in comments but not in the main review.

My ophthalmologist recommended that I take these every day. I've been taking them for years and my annual eye exams are always good. Don't know if these attribute to it but since he recommends them, I'll continue to take them.

The recommended dosage is:*For reducing the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD): 6 mg of lutein per day, either through diet or using supplements. People consuming 6.9 to 11.7 mg of lutein per day through diet had the lowest risk of developing AMD and cataracts.*For reducing symptoms of AMD: 10 mg per day of lutein supplements.http://answers.webmd.com/answers/1187078/what-is-the-recommended-dosage-forSo taking two tablets a day may not get you the recommended dosage but 20 mg may be overkill.

This was recommended by my optometrist exactly one year as I was a candidate for cataract surgery. I began taking them 2 days after my exam. The change in my eyes has been somewhat astounding.... for the better.I find I can even watch TV now without glasses-quite impossible a year ago!

I should have read the more negative reviews before buying this product. I let the marketing hype persuade me to buy it and now that I read the label more carefully, I regret buying it. It is much better to purchase Lutein and Zeaxanthin separately to get a more thorough benefit. This will be my one and only purchase of this product. Read before you leap into your buying decision.

My mother uses this product everyday based on her Doctor's recommendation. It's great to have them delivered to her home. We never need to worry about her running out. Although it's a small item, it's one less thing to worry about.