4sight is a vitamin supplement that is used to slow the progress of Dry Macular Degeneration. Dr. Andrus has seen anecdotally that 4sight (from Orthomolecular Products) can be very beneficial in some patients with Dry Macular Degeneration. In some cases, it even seems to reduce the size of retinal drusen, which are a key feature in Macular Degeneration. Additionally, traditional vitamin treatments for Macular Degeneration have zinc levels that are 12 times the recommended daily dose! High Zinc can lead to copper depletion in our bodies and so the traditional eye vitamins have added copper to offset the copper depletion caused by the zinc. 4sight and Ocuvue have significantly less levels of zinc while still offering the benefits of the traditional eye vitamins. Below is some information from Ortho Molecular Products about some of the details of 4sight:

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant that is both water and fat-soluble. ALA has been shown to inhibit aldose reductase, which prevents sorbitol-induced leakage of important antioxidants from eye tissues and recharges ALA vitamin C, E, and glutathione. Recent studies have shown lipoic acid increases insulin-stimulated glucose disposal both in whole body and in skeletal muscle, thus helping to promote healthy blood sugar levels. In addition, ALA has been shown to increase nerve conductivity in related neuropathy.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba extract is a well-studied botanical which may increase cerebral blood flow and protect neurons from oxidant-induced damage. Ginkgo is a high-powered botanical antioxidant that has been shown to concentrate in eye tissues. It has been shown to protect retinal tissue from oxidative damage caused by xenobiotics (chloroquine) and proteolytic enzymes.

Carotenoids: Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Lycopene

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoid pigments whose role in eye health is wellestablished from epidemiological, clinical and interventional studies. Epidemiologic research shows a connection between high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in eye tissues and enhanced eye function and visual acuity. Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation has been shown to protect the lens protein, lipid, and DNA from oxidative damage and improves intracellular redox status upon oxidative stress. Increased dietary intake of carotenoids, especially lutein and zeaxanthin, protect the eye from oxidative stress. A 12-month intervention including 145 patients divided into a placebo group, and two groups given capsules of lutein, zeaxanthin, DHA and EPA each day, found that over 12 months, the supplements significantly improved plasma antioxidant capacity, circulating macular xanthophyll levels, and the optical density of the macular pigment.

Bilberry

Bilberry extract contains a high amount of the antioxidants known as anthocyanadins, similar to those found in grape seeds. Bilberry has a long history of use in eye health. Its activities include inhibition of aldose reductase, and improving capillary permeability.

Bilberry has been shown to protect against an oxidative stress-induced immune response in the mouse uvea and to support night vision. The extract has also been found to support renewal and homeostasis of corneal cells.

Quercetin

A flavonoid found in a variety of herbs, vegetables, and fruits, quercetin is a potent antioxidant that modulates pro-inflammatory pathways by inhibiting inducible ICAM-1 expression. It has been shown to enhance epithelial barrier function in the intestines, to stabilize mast cells by releasing cytoprotective factors, and to promote balanced proinflammatory mast cell mediators.

Taurine

Taurine concentration is high in the retina and is required for retinal tissue growth. It has been shown to protect rod outer segments from oxidative damage and to protect lens tissue from radiation. Researchers have suggested possible functions for taurine in the retina include protection of the photoreceptor, regulation of Ca2+ transport, and regulation of signal transduction.