Ginkgo biloba Extract (120 mg)
Ginkgo biloba is a botanical source of protective flavonoids and compounds that reduce the clumping of blood platelets. In experimental studies, Ginkgo biloba scavenges nitric oxide radicals implicated in nerve cell damage, and prevents neurotoxicity from excess glutamate. In preliminary clinical trials, Ginkgo biloba has been shown to increase ocular blood flow in healthy people, and to improve visual field in those with normal IOP (the visual field is the area visible when the eyes are stationary). Optic Nerve Formula® provides a level of Ginkgo biloba consistent with these clinical findings.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: DHA (100 mg), EPA (20 mg)
DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish, is a primary component of retinal photoreceptors and of the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve fibers in the eye. In lab studies, DHA protects retinal nerve cells during oxidative stress. In patients whose IOP is under control, DHA has been reported to improve contrast sensitivity (the ability to distinguish between an object and its background). DHA is also associated with better macular health). The amount of DHA in Optic Nerve Formula® doubles the typical dietary intake of this important fatty acid. The formula provides 1,080 mg of total omega fatty acids from fish and flaxseed oils.

Folic acid (800 mcg), B12 (300 mcg), B6 (10 mg)
This trio of B vitamins helps maintain healthy blood levels of homocysteine, a compound that, in excess, can damage blood lipids and blood vessels, and promote clotting. Elevated homocysteine has been found to raise the risk of certain forms of glaucoma, as well as cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Evidence suggests that those with vascular disease have an increased risk of glaucoma progression. Levels of B12, needed to form the myelin sheath surrounding optic nerve fibers, are often low in the elderly. Optic Nerve Formula® provides high potency B12 in a highly bioavailable form. The levels of folic acid and B6 in this formula are consistent with those clinically shown to reduce elevated homocysteine

Magnesium (240 mg)
Magnesium is important for maintaining normal vascular tone. In normal tension glaucoma, chronic migraine patients are at risk for faster progression of the disease. In these patients, nerve damage may be related to vasospasm (spasms of vessels) and, thus, decreased blood supply to the optic nerve. Low magnesium levels may be a factor in migraine, and supplementation has been reported to be of clinical benefit. A preliminary report also suggests magnesium is beneficial in glaucoma patients with either elevated or normal eye pressure as measured by visual field. Optic Nerve Formula® provides concentrated and well tolerated sources of magnesium at levels consistent with clinical findings.

Vitamins C (250 mg) and E (30 IU)
Concentrated in the eye’s aqueous humor and in nerve cells, vitamin C helps protect against oxidative stress. Experimentally, vitamin C stimulates production of hyaluronic acid – an important component of the spongy trabecular network that drains fluid from the eye. Low levels of hyaluronic acid have been detected in those with glaucoma. Vitamin E helps protect the fatty acids in cell membranes from oxidative damage. The level of vitamin C in Optic Nerve Formula® reflects the amount generally found to saturate the eye’s aqueous humor. Vitamin E is provided as natural mixed tocopherols, a full spectrum vitamin E including alpha and gamma forms.

Alpha Lipoic Acid (200 mg), Taurine (750 mg) and N-acetylcysteine
Produced in the body, alpha lipoic acid is involved in the production of metabolic energy. Supplemental alpha lipoic has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier, and to act as a free radical scavenging antioxidant. Experimentally, this antioxidant has been shown to protect nerve cells from glutamate toxicity and nerve tissue from oxidative damage. Clinically, it has been reported to support visual function in those treated with IOP-lowering therapy. Optic Nerve Formula® delivers levels of alpha lipoic acid consistent with clinical findings.

Taurine is an amino acid concentrated in the eye, and found in the optic nerve. that may help counter excess levels of nerve-damaging glutamate in the body. An acute dose of taurine has been clinically shown to promote blood flow under conditions of oxidative stress by restoring the ability of vessels to dilate. Optic Nerve Formula® provides taurine to support normal endothelial function.

NAC, within the cell, provides a key amino acid to produce an ocular defense enzyme called glutathione. Lower levels of glutathione have been associated with late stage glaucoma. In experimental studies, glutathione protects against potentially damaging nitric oxide radicals. An acute dose of NAC is reported to support glutathione levels in healthy women. Optic Nerve Formula® contains NAC at a level that helps ensure adequate glutathione production by the body.

Billberry extract (100 mg), Grapeseed extract (50 mg), Quercetin (50 mg)
Flavonoids are plant pigments that, while structurally similar, often function in different ways. Optic Nerve Formula® contributes a significant level of flavonoids from a variety of plant sources. Experimental studies have found that one or more of these antioxidant flavonoids protects retinal cells, recycles vitamin E, counters vasoconstriction, supports capillary integrity, and regulates excess nitric oxide radicals. Large scale population health studies have found clear associations between dietary flavonoids (especially quercetin) and lower risk of mortality from coronary heart disease and stroke. Flavonoids have also been shown to significantly improve antioxidant enzyme activity in healthy individuals.