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PROFESSIONALLY DISPENSED

PERSONALIZED

OCULAR NUTRITION

for amd & diabetic eyes

THE RIGHT FORMULA AT THE RIGHT TIME ↓

CONDITIONS VISION ESSENCE CAN HELP

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) are the leading causes of blindness over and under the age of 65, respectively.

ABOUT AMD

ABOUT DIABETIC EYE

OUR SOLUTIONS

Specialized formula to improve sight and protect vision in the face of retinal diseases

VISION ELEMENTS

Early Defense

Triple-carotenoid macular protective pigment formula

For early age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic eyes, and those with AMD family history

Maintain and improve eyesight in the face of macular disease

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VISION ELEMENTS

Zinc-Free3 +MZ

Triple-carotenoid macular protective pigment formula, plus antioxidants

For those sensitive to high-dose zinc supplements

For intermediate stage AMD when a genetic test for zinc compatibility has not been performed

Not advised for early stage AMD

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VISION ELEMENTS

GTG3 Low-Zinc +MZ

Triple-carotenoid macular protective pigment formula, plus antioxidants and reduced dose zinc (as gluconate)

For intermediate stage AMD following a genetic testing for zinc compatibility required for safety

Not advised for early stage AMD

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VISION ESSENCE

Early Defence

Triple-carotenoid macular protective pigment formula

For early age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic eyes, and those with AMD family history

Maintain and improve eyesight in the face of macular disease

LEARN MORE

VISION ESSENCE

Zinc-Free3 +MZ

Triple-carotenoid macular protective pigment formula, plus antioxidants

For those sensitive to high-dose zinc supplements

For intermediate stage AMD when a genetic test for zinc compatibility has not been performed

Not advised for early stage AMD

LEARN MORE

VISION ESSENCE

GTG3 Low-Zinc +MZ

Triple-carotenoid macular protective pigment formula, plus antioxidants and reduced dose zinc (as gluconate)

For intermediate stage AMD following a genetic testing for zinc compatibility required for safety

Not advised for early stage AMD

LEARN MORE

Zinc: good for some, harmful for others.

Avoid high-dose zinc if:

you have early stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
you've not undertaken AMD genetic testing cheek swab

Common drug store "eye vitamins" contain mega-doses of zinc, accelerating AMD through the early stages, and for those with a common genetic profile, about 1 in 6 individuals. Your highly educated eye care professional will help you navigate the risks and obtain the right ocular nutrition formula.

WHY VISION ELEMENTS?

WHY VISION ESSENCE?

Reference: Kaufman, 2020; Vavvas, 2018; Seddon, 2016; Awh, 2014; AREDS, 2001

SCIENCE-DRIVEN

Formulas developed from peer-reviewed, published studies.

PROFESSIONALLY DISPENSED

Health Canada licensed formulas dispensed by experts who understand your specific needs.

CLEAN-LABEL

Ingredients include no undesirables, such as gelatin, solvents, or synthetic surfactants.

TARGETED FORMULAS

Ocular nutrition tailored to individual condition, stage and genetics.

PROFESSIONAL ENDORSEMENT

“I recommend Early Defence to all my patients who have a family history of AMD or patients who have diabetes. You have the potential to give your patients the gift of vision and a better quality of life...”

Dr. Vi Tu Banh

Vi Tu Banh & Associates - Optometrist

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PATIENT

“I have been taking the Vision Essence Early Defence vitamins since 2019 and my last two yearly checkups have shown that my macula degeneration has stayed completely stable. “

Maureen A.

Uses Early Defence

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PATIENT

"I have been taking Early Defence capsules since January... I have greater clarity and improved contrast and 'colour tone'."

Rick B.

Uses Early Defence

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PROFESSIONALS' FAQ

Answers to frequently asked questions

Why use Early Defence vs AREDS formula for early AMD?

The Nation Eye Institute (NEI) and American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Preferred Practice Pattern Guidelines advise against the AREDS formulas for early stage AMD.

AREDS Report #8 indicated potential harm from zinc use by early AMD patients. (Chew, 2001)

Some individuals will experience harmful results from taking zinc due to a common AMD genetic risk profile. Only the VitaRisk genetic test can identify people who should avoid high-dose zinc supplements. (Kaufman, 2020) (Vavvas, 2018) (Seddon, 2016) (Awh, 2014, 2013)

The best choice for early stage retinal conditions is a macular pigment carotenoid formula containing lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin.
Why use Early Defence for diabetic eyes?
Similar to AMD, the diabetic retina can be characterized by:
- low macular pigment density and poor contrast sensitivity
- elevated inflammatory markers and impaired innate anti-oxidative/anti-inflammatory capacity (TNF, CRP, CFH, SOD2, NRF2)
- mitochondrial dysfunction
- tissue ischemia, hypoxia, and oxidative stress
- upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), & choroidal neovascularization (CNV) - also termed Proliferative Diabetic Choroidopathy. (Hua et al., 2017)
Increasing the Macular Pigment Density in diabetic eyes is known to improve visual function. (Hu, 2016) (Garcia-Medina, 2016) (Roig-Revert, 2015) (Moschos, 2017)

Vision Elements Early Defence is formulated with all three macular protective pigments known to increase macular pigment volume.
Who should avoid AREDS formulas and high-dose zinc supplements?
- Early AMD patients, due to concerns of geographic atrophy progression and amyloid deposition. (Nan, 2013) ( Huang, 2000) (Chew, 2001) (AREDS, 2001)
- Diabetics should avoid high zinc doses > 50mg; may induce elevated A1c (Cunningham, 1994)
- Men at risk for prostate cancer should avoid high-dose zinc and vitamin E (Klein, 2011) (Leitzmann, 2003)
- Those with cardiovascular disease, risk of bleeding or stroke, and those on blood thinners should avoid vitamin E. (Waters, 2002) (HOPE-TOO Trial, 2005)
- Those concerned by risk of Alzheimer's Disease should avoid high-dose zinc supplements. (Huang, 2000)
Who should take Zinc-Free vs Low-Zinc formulas?

AMD genetic testing is the only safe way to consume zinc containing eye vitamins. (Kaufman, 2020) (Vavvas, 2018) (Seddon, 2016) (Awh, 2014, 2013)
Why is meso-zeaxanthin important in the Vision Essence formulas?

Although meso-zeaxanthin is a bona-fide dietary carotenoid, it's nearly impossible to obtain sufficient amounts through food sources. Supplementation trials with lutein, alone, have shown only modest results in increasing macular pigment optical volume (MPOV). Studies which included meso-zeaxanthin demonstrated more rapid and robust increases in MPOV. (Ma, 2016)