Visionex FAQs

1. Can I take Visionex with my medications?

Your healthcare professional is the best resource to provide you with this type of information. Please check with your pharmacist, physician, or other healthcare professional for questions regarding the usage of Visionex with your medications.

2. Can I take Visionex with my other USANA nutritionals?

Visionex was designed to complement the Essentials, and /or other Optimizers as necessary.

3. Are there any precautions I need to know about before I start taking Visionex?

There are no known adverse side effects associated with the use of Visionex when taken as directed (please refer to the directions listed on the label) by normally healthy adults. Preferably, Visionex should be taken with a meal to enhance digestion and bioavailablity and diminish the chance of stomach upset.

4. What is the daily dosage of Visionex?

The recommended daily dose is two tablets.

5. Why is Visionex important?

AMD and cataracts are the most common age-related vision disorders. While the pathogenesis of cataract and age-related macular degeneration is complex and contains both environmental and genetic factors, several studies have suggested that dietary factors, including antioxidant vitamins, play a key role in slowing the degeneration process and promoting long-term eye health. This comprehensive formula contains generous amounts of the nutrients necessary to promote and enhance long-term eye health. Among the antioxidant nutrients, the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin appear to be some of the most effective for promoting long-term eye health. From studies of AMD rates and dietary intakes, it appears that diets providing at least 6 milligrams (mg) of lutein and zeaxanthin a day have helped reduce AMD prevalence by nearly half and significantly reduced the risk of cataract formation. Unfortunately, diet surveys indicate that few people consume enough of the foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin to support long-term eye health. Vitamin C, a potent water-soluble antioxidant, plays a vital role in preventing oxidative damage in the lens. Several studies, including the Nurses' Health Study, have associated vitamin C with a reduced risk for nuclear cataract; the most common type of cataract and the one associated with aging. Bilberry extract is a potent antioxidant rich in anthocyanosides. While the mechanisms of action behind bilberry's beneficial effect on the eye are not completely understood, it is thought that they help improve oxygen and blood delivery to the eye, act as free radical scavengers, and support the maintenance of healthy capillaries and night vision. In addition, anthocyanosides have an affinity for the pigmented epithelium (visual purple) area of the retina; the portion of the retina responsible for vision and adjustments to light and dark. Zinc is among the most important of the trace elements in human nutrition and is a cofactor for more than 300 enzymes used by the body including those essential for healthy vision.

6. What is a cataract?

A cataract is the clouding of the normally transparent lens of the eye causing a progressive loss of vision. As the lens becomes increasingly opaque, light rays entering the eye are prevented from focusing on the retina- the light sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. Symptoms include blurred vision, sensitivity to light and glare, visual distortion, and dimming of colors and vision. It affects more than half of all Americans over age 65. Smoking increases the risk for cataract formation.

7. What is age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of blindness in people age 65 and over. This condition affects the macula densa, the small central part of the retina responsible for acute and detailed vision activities such as reading, writing, driving a car, recognizing faces, and watching television. Early signs of macular degeneration include a distortion in the shape of objects and a progressive deterioration in visual acuity. In some people, AMD advances so slowly that it will have little effect on their vision as they age. But in others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to loss of vision in one or both eyes. Currently there is no known cure. Risk factors include age, eye color, gender, total sunlight exposure, cigarette smoking, and dietary intake of antioxidants. Because treatment options are very limited, primary prevention is very important.

8. What are lutein and zeaxanthin?

Lutein and zeaxanthin are the only carotenoids known to selectively accumulate in the eye tissues. They are absorbed from the diet into circulation and deposited in the lens and macular regions of the eye. Because the eyes are subjected to such a high degree of oxidizing radiation each day, a generous dietary intake of these carotenoids is essential to provide optimal protection to delicate eye tissues. Research studies have shown that in the lens, lutein and zeaxanthin may provide protection against cataract formation. Similarly, other studies have shown a strong correlation between high dietary intakes of lutein and zeaxanthin with protection from age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

9. What is Visionex?

Visionex is USANA's unique new Optimizer designed to promote and enhance long-term eye health. Our eyes are continually exposed to an environment that promotes free radicals and oxidative damage, leading to progressive deterioration in eyesight. Visionex contains guaranteed levels of lutein and zeaxanthin, two important carotenoids preferentially deposited in the lens and the region of the retina called the macula, where they protect tissues by absorbing damaging blue light rays and minimizing free radical damage. This comprehensive formula also contains vitamin C, bilberry extract, and zinc- other important nutrients necessary to support long-term eye health.