Ocular vitamin therapy. A review and assessment

Vitamin therapy for diseased conditions of the eye has regained momentum in the United States, especially for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration. This review looks at the potential effects of vitamin therapy as it relates to everyday primary eye care practice. The discussion covers the generalities of vitamins, their actions, and potential toxicities. In addition, specific attention is paid to the ocular conditions that have been proposed as benefiting from oral and topical vitamin therapies. The analysis is made on a clinicopathological basis rather than being drawn from anecdotal accounts and unsubstantiated claims.