Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) are polyphenolic compounds found in various plants, notably grape seeds and pine bark. Their use to support eye health is based on their potent antioxidant properties, which can help protect ocular tissues from oxidative stress—a key factor in the development of age-related eye disorders such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Several in vitro and animal studies have shown that OPCs can inhibit oxidative damage to retinal cells and improve microcirculation in ocular tissues. For example, research published in Ophthalmic Research (2005) demonstrated that grape seed proanthocyanidin extract reduced retinal oxidative stress in diabetic rats.

Small clinical studies and some trials—such as those using Pycnogenol® (a standardized pine bark extract)—have suggested that OPCs may help improve symptoms of diabetic retinopathy by reducing capillary leakage and improving visual function. However, the evidence in humans remains limited, with most studies being small, short-term, or lacking rigorous controls. No large-scale randomized controlled trials have definitively established OPCs as effective eye health supplements. Therefore, while there is some scientific rationale and preliminary data supporting their use for eye health, the strength of evidence is moderate at best, and further research is necessary to confirm efficacy and determine optimal dosing.

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Other ingredients that support Eyes

3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dione
Acetyl L-carnitine
Alchornea
Algae
algal oil
Alpha-carotene
anchovies
anthocyanidins
anthocyanins
anthocyanosides
apricot
Aronia melanocarpa
astaxanthin
avocado
barbary matrimony vine
bee products
Beef liver
berry
beta-carotene
beta-zeacarotene
bilberry
bioflavonoids
black currant
blackberry
Blakeslea trispora
blueberry
broccoli
calamari oil
cantaloupe
capsanthin
Carnosine
carotene (unspecified)
carrot
Celosia
chickweed
Chinese Ligustrum berry
chrysanthemum
citicoline
cocklebur
cod liver oil
cornflower
Cornus
crocetin
crocin
Crypthecodinium
cryptoxanthin
currant
cyanidin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
docosahexaenoic Acid
Dunaliella
Dunaliella salina
egg
eicosapentaenoic acid
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
ergothioneine
Eyebright
Fagopyrum
fat liver oil
fatty acids
fibroblast growth factor
fish
fish oil
flavoglycosides
flavonoids
flavonols
fruit
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
Gac
gamma-carotene
ginkgo flavone glycoside
Glutathione
goji berry
gooseberry
Haematococcus pluvialis
haliotis
herbal blend (proprietary)
huckleberry
hyaluronic acid
Idebenone
kale
L-carnosine
L-taurine
Ligustrum
lipids
lutein
Lycium
marigold
Marine fat
Marine lipid
Melatonin
Mineral ascorbate
mixed carotenoids
Morus
Mulberry
N-Acetyl Carnosine
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins
omega-3 fatty acids
orange
Phaffia rhodozyma
pine bark
Polygonum
polyphenols
polyunsaturated fat
proanthocyanidins
procyanidol
pumpkin
Pycnogenol
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rose
rue
rutin
saffron
Salmon Oil
Schizochytrium
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Spanish Needle
spinach
Tagetes
Taurine
Tea
trace minerals
Triphala
Troxerutin
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin E
Xanthophyll
Zeaxanthin
Zinc

Other body systems supported by Oligomeric proanthocyanidins

Arteries
Blood
Brain
Capillaries
Circulatory System
Eyes
Gums
Heart
Immune System
Skin
Veins

Products containing Oligomeric proanthocyanidins

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.