Several vitamins, minerals and herbs have been used in an attempt to treat or prevent the development of chronic eye diseases. Most of the aging eye diseases progress slowly and a multitude of genetic and environmental factors affect their development and progression, so it becomes very difficult to isolate the influence of a specific vitamin or mineral on this process. Most physicians see it reasonable to use these nutrients as an adjunct to specific medical therapy.

Antioxidants protect the eye against free radical damage. It seems reasonable to assume that strengthening the eye's defenses by increasing the intake of these vitamins would be helpful in preventing the chronic aging eye diseases.Consequently, low dietary intake of antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin increases the likelihood of developing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Low intake of DHA or fish oil also increases the likelihood of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Taking beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and elemental zinc seems to provide a risk reduction for progression of AMD in AMD patients.

Taking bilberry fruit seems to improve retinal lesions from diabetic or hypertensive retinopathy.

Taking vitamin B1 and vitamin B2 seems to reduce the risk of nuclear cataracts and age-related lens opacification.Taking niacin seems to reduce the occurrence of cataracts as well.

Taking grape seed extract might reduce eye stress caused by bright lights.