Does Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula prevent macular degeneration?

No. While nutritional supplements like Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula can't prevent [age-related macular degeneration (AMD)](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/macular-degeneration/age-related-macular-degeneration), some studies suggest that certain ingredients found in Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula might [lower your risk](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6523787/#:~:text=been%20reported%20to-,reduce%20the%20risk,-of%20macular%20degeneration) of AMD. However, more research is needed to confirm this. Talk to your provider about whether or not nutritional supplements would be helpful for your eye condition.

Does Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula improve your vision?

It's not clear if Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula can improve your vision, and more research is needed to confirm if the ingredients in this product can do so. [Experts in eye health](https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/diet-nutrition) say that supplements aren't able to restore vision that you've already lost. Talk to your optometrist if you have any concerns about your vision and for recommendations on how to maintain healthy eyes.

Does Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula take the place of my daily multivitamin?

No. Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula only contains ingredients that might support eye health only. It doesn't contain all of the different [vitamins and minerals](https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/diet-nutrition/essential-vitamins-for-good-health) you might find in a typical daily multivitamin. Talk to your provider or pharmacist to see what kind of supplement or multivitamin is right for your needs.

What else can I do to support my eye health?

Studies suggest that your [nutrition can play a role](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3693724/#__sec8title) in slowing down or lowering your risk of certain age-related eye conditions. To help keep your eyes healthy through your diet, try to eat [foods](https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/diet-nutrition/what-are-antioxidants) rich in vitamin C (citrus fruits), vitamin E (peanuts, sunflower seeds), beta-carotene (apricots, carrots), zinc (almonds, fruit yogurt), carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin (green, leafy vegetables), and omega-3 fatty acids (fish). Talk to your provider or a nutrition expert to find out the best ways to incorporate these nutrients into your diet.

Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula

multivitamin

Used for Nutritional Deficiency

Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula is a dietary supplement that's taken by mouth. The manufacturer claims that this supplement can help improve eye health. It has many different ingredients, so it's important to tell your provider about any other vitamins or supplements you're taking to make sure you're not taking too much of the same ingredient.

Reviewed by:

Sarah Lobello Pearson, PharmD

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on November 27, 2022

What is Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula?

What is Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula used for?

Eye health
Vision support

How Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula works

Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula is a combination of four different carotenoids, vitamin E, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and bilberry (an antioxidant).

Carotenoids are molecules found in plants and animals that give them color. Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula contains the carotenoids lutein, meso-zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, and zeaxanthin, which are specifically found in the eye. They're important for eye function and eye tissue protection from a certain kind of damage called oxidative stress.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which means it helps protect cells from damage from harmful substances.
DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid found in the brain and eyes. It's thought to help prevent inflammation in eye and to protect the eye from damage.
Bilberry is a berry that contains antioxidants. It's thought to help lower inflammation in the eye and help with eye strain.

Drug facts

Common Brands	Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula
Drug Class	Dietary supplement
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Over-the-counter

Common Brands

Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula

Drug Class

Dietary supplement

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Over-the-counter

Side effects of Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

See Other Side Effects.

Less Common Side Effects

Nausea
Diarrhea
Changes in taste
Common cold symptoms
Headache

Source: DailyMed

Pros and cons of Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula

Pros

Combines multiple vitamins into one pill
Contains ingredients that might help lower the risk of certain age-related eye conditions
Available over the counter

Cons

Contains soy, so people with soy allergies shouldn't take it
Claims that it improves vision aren't supported by strong evidence
Only comes in pill form, which might be difficult to take for those who have trouble swallowing

Pharmacist tips for Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula

Swallow Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula whole. Don't crush or chew the capsule, since this could damage the medication.
Store Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula in a cool, dry place, away from pets or children. It can be harmful if taken by a child or accidentally taken in large amounts.
There aren't enough studies to determine whether or not this product is safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Talk to your provider before taking Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula if you're pregnant or nursing.
Before using Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula, tell your provider about any other supplements, vitamins, or medications you're taking to check they're all safe for you to take. It's important to make sure you're not taking too much of any of the ingredients found in this product. It's also possible that some ingredients in Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula could interact with your other medications. Taking too much of any ingredient or having drug interactions could be harmful for you.
Tell your provider about any health conditions you have before taking Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula. Some supplements might not be safe for you to take if you have certain medical conditions.

Common questions about Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula

No. While nutritional supplements like Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula can't prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD), some studies suggest that certain ingredients found in Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula might lower your risk of AMD. However, more research is needed to confirm this. Talk to your provider about whether or not nutritional supplements would be helpful for your eye condition.

It's not clear if Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula can improve your vision, and more research is needed to confirm if the ingredients in this product can do so. Experts in eye health say that supplements aren't able to restore vision that you've already lost. Talk to your optometrist if you have any concerns about your vision and for recommendations on how to maintain healthy eyes.

No. Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula only contains ingredients that might support eye health only. It doesn't contain all of the different vitamins and minerals you might find in a typical daily multivitamin. Talk to your provider or pharmacist to see what kind of supplement or multivitamin is right for your needs.

No, Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula can be found over the counter. You don't need a prescription for it. Ask your provider or pharmacist about where you can find or purchase this product.

Studies suggest that your nutrition can play a role in slowing down or lowering your risk of certain age-related eye conditions. To help keep your eyes healthy through your diet, try to eat foods rich in vitamin C (citrus fruits), vitamin E (peanuts, sunflower seeds), beta-carotene (apricots, carrots), zinc (almonds, fruit yogurt), carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin (green, leafy vegetables), and omega-3 fatty acids (fish). Talk to your provider or a nutrition expert to find out the best ways to incorporate these nutrients into your diet.

Risks and warnings for Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula

Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Taking too much vitamin E

Risk factors: Taking more than the recommended dose | Taking other supplements that contain vitamin E

Vista Advanced Carotenoid Formula contains vitamin E, which can be harmful when taken in high doses. Some studies found a link between high doses of vitamin E and a higher risk for serious bleeding. In addition, another study found that high doses of vitamin E (180 mg per day) might raise the risk for prostate cancer in adult males. It's important to note that there haven't been enough studies that prove the link between these serious problems and vitamin E. But since many supplements contain this vitamin, always check with your provider or pharmacist to make sure you're not taking too much.