Most people accept that vision deteriorates with age: menus become harder to read, night driving becomes a struggle, and prescription glasses get stronger every year. While this decline is often seen as an unavoidable part of ageing, emerging research suggests that cellular energy loss plays a major role in age-related vision issues. One promising way to support eye health is through nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), which is essential for cellular energy production, DNA repair, and overall retinal function.
But can NMN actually help slow down vision decline or even protect the eyes from age-related damage? Research suggests that boosting NAD+ can actually support retinal health, protect against oxidative stress, and improve mitochondrial function, all of which are key factors in maintaining healthy vision as we age. Let’s break down how this NAD+ booster may play a role in protecting eyesight and why it could be great for long-term eye health.
The Role of NAD+ in Eye Health
Vision isn’t just about having strong eye muscles, it’s about how well the cells in your retina and optic nerve function. The retina processes light and sends signals to the brain, and this process requires huge amounts of energy. NAD+ is essential for fuelling these energy-intensive processes, ensuring that the cells responsible for vision remain functional and resilient.
However, NAD+ levels decline with age, leading to weakened mitochondria, reduced cellular energy production, and increased oxidative stress. The retina, being one of the most metabolically active tissues in the body, is particularly vulnerable to NAD+ depletion. This makes age-related NAD+ decline a significant factor in vision deterioration and the progression of degenerative eye conditions.
Research has linked low NAD+ levels to common vision problems, including:
-
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – The leading cause of blindness in older adults, driven by oxidative damage and mitochondrial decline.
-
Glaucoma – Damage to the optic nerve, often due to increased intraocular pressure, oxidative stress, and energy deficits in retinal ganglion cells.
-
Diabetic retinopathy – Vision loss related to poor circulation and cellular dysfunction, commonly found in individuals with metabolic disorders.
-
Retinitis pigmentosa – A genetic condition that leads to progressive vision loss, worsened by poor mitochondrial function in the retina.
If low NAD+ contributes to these conditions, increasing NAD+ levels through NMN supplementation may help slow down or prevent some of this damage.
What the Research Says About NMN and Vision
A 2024 study examined the potential of NMN as a treatment for various ocular diseases. Researchers found that NMN may support retinal function and vision longevity by:
-
Reducing oxidative stress – NMN helped neutralise harmful free radicals in retinal cells, slowing down the damage that contributes to age-related eye conditions.
-
Modulating ocular inflammation – Chronic inflammation is a major driver of degenerative eye diseases. The study showed that the NAD+ booster may reduce inflammation in retinal tissues, lowering the risk of conditions like AMD and glaucoma.
-
Supporting metabolic balance in the eye – Metabolic dysregulation can accelerate vision loss. NMN was found to improve mitochondrial function, allowing retinal cells to generate more energy and resist age-related decline.
How NMN Supports Vision Longevity
1. Protects Retinal Cells from Oxidative Stress
The retina is exposed to high levels of oxygen and light, making it one of the most vulnerable tissues to oxidative stress. This leads to damage in the photoreceptor cells, accelerating vision decline. The NAD+ booster enhances antioxidant defences, helping to combat oxidative stress and protect retinal structures.
2. Improves Mitochondrial Function in the Retina
The mitochondria in retinal cells must work 24/7 to process visual information. As NAD+ declines with age, these energy-producing structures weaken, affecting the retina’s ability to function properly. NMN restores mitochondrial energy production, helping retinal cells stay functional and resilient.
3. May Help Reduce the Risk of Glaucoma
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, leading to gradual vision loss. One contributing factor is the decrease in energy production in retinal ganglion cells. Studies suggest that boosting NAD+ with NMN could protect these cells, reducing damage and slowing glaucoma progression.
4. Enhances Blood Flow to the Eyes
Good circulation is critical for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the retina. Since NAD+ is involved in vascular function, NMN may support blood flow to the eyes, reducing the risk of age-related deterioration.
Who Can Benefit from NMN for Eye Health?
If you’re concerned about long-term vision health, the NAD+ booster could be a valuable addition to your routine, especially if you fall into one of these groups:
-
Over 40? NAD+ levels begin to drop significantly in midlife, affecting cellular function in the eyes.
-
Family history of vision loss? NMN may help counteract genetic risk factors for macular degeneration and glaucoma.
-
Frequent screen exposure? Blue light exposure increases oxidative stress in the retina, making NMN’s protective effects even more beneficial.
-
Metabolic disorders? Conditions like diabetes and poor circulation can impact vision, and NMN may help by supporting vascular and mitochondrial health.
How to Take NMN for Eye Health
To get the most out of NMN for vision support, follow these recommendations:
-
Choose a high-quality NMN supplement – Look for pure, third-party-tested NMN to ensure maximum bioavailability.
-
Pair NMN with other eye-protective nutrients:
-
Lutein & Zeaxanthin – Antioxidants that filter blue light and protect the retina.
-
Vitamin A – Essential for night vision and overall retinal health.
-
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA) – Helps reduce inflammation and supports retinal hydration.
-
Resveratrol – Enhances mitochondrial function, working synergistically with NMN.
-
Stay consistent – NMN works best when taken daily over time, helping to restore NAD+ levels gradually.
-
Adopt eye-friendly habits – Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses, reducing screen time, and getting regular eye exams all contribute to better long-term vision.
While NMN won’t magically reverse poor vision, research suggests that boosting NAD+ may help protect the retina, support mitochondrial function, and slow the progression of age-related eye diseases. If you’re looking for a trusted NMN supplement, Simply Nootropics Ageless NMN provides a high-quality, research-backed formula to support NAD+ production, cellular energy, and long-term eye health. With a focus on purity and effectiveness, Ageless NMN is designed to help you take control of your vision longevity.
