TikTok Trend Touts Peptide for Vision Improvement, But Experts Remain Skeptical

The SS-31 peptide is being touted for its purported eye health benefits, but ophthalmologists say the science doesn't back up the claims.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:40pm

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A highly detailed, translucent X-ray-style image of the internal anatomy of a human eye, with the various structures and components rendered as glowing, ghostly lines against a dark background, conveying the complexity of the eye's workings.An X-ray-like visualization of the human eye's complex internal structure highlights the limitations of using a mitochondrial peptide to address common vision issues.Huntington Beach Today

TikTokers are claiming the peptide elamipretide (SS-31) can improve vision issues like astigmatism and light sensitivity, but eye experts say there is no evidence to support these health claims. While SS-31 is FDA-approved to treat a rare mitochondrial disease, it has not been shown to be effective for common vision problems like nearsightedness or presbyopia. Ophthalmologists stress the best way to address vision concerns is to get a comprehensive eye exam, not chase viral supplements.

Why it matters

As more people spend time indoors and on screens, the prevalence of myopia (nearsightedness) is expected to rise significantly by 2050. While people are seeking solutions, experts warn that unproven treatments like the SS-31 peptide are not the answer and could even pose safety risks. Understanding the limitations of this trending supplement is important, as it highlights the need for evidence-based approaches to eye health.

The details

The SS-31 peptide, also known as elamipretide, is technically FDA-approved but only for treating the rare mitochondrial disease Barth syndrome. It is not approved for improving vision or treating common eye conditions like astigmatism or presbyopia. Recent research has also found the drug to be ineffective for age-related macular degeneration, another eye disease it was being investigated for. Experts say the peptide's mechanism of action is not designed to address the structural and optical issues that cause most vision problems.

  • Earlier this year, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced plans to loosen restrictions around the use of peptides.
  • A recent phase 2 clinical trial of SS-31 for age-related macular degeneration reported that 86% of participants experienced side effects, though the full results of the study are still pending.

The players

Jeffrey J. Walline

An optometrist and the associate dean for research at The Ohio State University College of Optometry.

Raj Maturi

A clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and ophthalmologist at Midwest Eye Institute.

Bavand Youssefzadeh

An ophthalmologist at Global Lasik and Cateract Institute in Huntington Beach, CA.

Michael Schornack

An ophthalmologist at Mayo Clinic.

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What they’re saying

“Elamipretide is being investigated for improvement of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), not 'aging eyes.'”

— Jeffrey J. Walline, Optometrist and Associate Dean for Research at The Ohio State University College of Optometry

“Elamipretide does not have anything to do with astigmatism or presbyopia, a condition when people over 40 years old have difficulty reading close print.”

— Jeffrey J. Walline, Optometrist and Associate Dean for Research at The Ohio State University College of Optometry

“Elamipretide is not an 'established treatment' for common vision issues like myopia (nearsightedness), presbyopia, or astigmatism.”

— Raj Maturi, Clinical Spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Ophthalmologist at Midwest Eye Institute

“This is not a general eyesight improver.”

— Bavand Youssefzadeh, Ophthalmologist at Global Lasik and Cateract Institute in Huntington Beach, CA

“If someone feels their vision is 'not great,' the first step is not to chase viral supplements or peptides, but to get a medical eye exam with an ophthalmologist, who can diagnose eye disease and recommend the right treatment options.”

— Raj Maturi, Clinical Spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Ophthalmologist at Midwest Eye Institute

What’s next

The follow-up study on using elamipretide to treat age-related macular degeneration has not been completed yet, so no definitive results on the drug's effectiveness are available.

The takeaway

While the SS-31 peptide may eventually prove useful for certain eye conditions, the current evidence does not support claims that it can improve common vision problems like nearsightedness, astigmatism, or age-related presbyopia. Experts advise against relying on unproven supplements and instead recommend seeking professional medical care from an ophthalmologist to address any vision concerns.