Vision improvement and retinal nutrition marketing
Marketing claim that a medication «improves vision», «nourishes the retina» or protects the optic nerve beyond proven indications. No RCT support and no AEMPS or EMA authorisation with this wording.
2 drugs
Also known as: Eye vitamins claims, Retinal neuroprotection claims
Marketing claims without evidence base
The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.
- FDorzolamideNot recommended · Topical carbonic anhydrase II inhibitor for ophthalmic useDorzolamide is a topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and AEMPS registered it solely for IOP lowering. Marketing as a drug that «improves vision» or «nourishes the retina» has no evidence base: dorzolamide affects only aqueous production and does not change visual acuity, visual fields or exert RCT-confirmed neuroprotection. Off-label use for cystoid macular oedema after cataract surgery (CME) has weak evidence – case series and small open trials, without large RCTs (Cochrane 2018). It does not work in macular oedema of other aetiologies. If dorzolamide was suggested «for vision» or «for the retina» without a diagnosis of glaucoma or ocular hypertension, consider seeking a second opinion.
- FHypromelloseNot recommended · Artificial tear, ocular surface lubricantDrops «for better vision» and «to rest the eyes after a computer» are sold as a way to preserve visual acuity. An artificial tear does not do that. Hypromellose holds moisture on the eye surface and nothing more; the AEMPS ficha técnica directly classes it as an indifferent preparation with no pharmacological action. Drops change neither myopia nor age-related long-sightedness nor cataract, and they do not affect myopia progression in children. They can help with screen work, but only with the symptom: eyes dry out because at a monitor people blink half as often. What works there is breaks, blinking and screen setup. If drops were offered as a way to improve or preserve vision, consider seeking a second opinion from an ophthalmologist.
How to read tiers A–F
Evidence tiers belong to the drug-indication pair, not to the drug as a whole: the same substance can be A for one condition and F for another.
- AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
- BRecommended in selected cases
- CStudy data contradict each other
- DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
- FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit