Many types of eye vitamins are available. When you have Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), most doctors recommend that you take AREDS 2 eye vitamins. AREDS stands for the Age-Related Eye Disease Studies, a pair of clinical studies that were completed in 2001 and 2013 by the National Eye Institute (NEI), one of the government’s National Institutes of Health.
The first AREDS study was groundbreaking. It showed for the first time that it’s possible to reduce the risk of progression of AMD. The NEI researchers proved that taking a high-potency antioxidant and zinc supplement reduced the risk of AMD progression and vision loss and people with intermediate to advanced AMD—people who were at high risk of progression. In a follow-up, the researchers found that the benefits persisted 10 years later.
The vitamin that the researcher had tested was the original Bausch + Lomb PreserVision® formula, and it’s now known as the AREDS formula.
In 2013, the NEI completed a second clinical study, AREDS2. They wanted to find out if they could improve the AREDS nutrient formula by replacing the antioxidant beta-carotene, which can increase the risk of cancer in smokers and former smokers. They replaced the beta-carotene with the antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin. Although many formulas were tested, based on the results of the AREDS2 study the National Eye Institute recommends a specific combination of nutrients to help reduce the risk of progression of moderate-to-advanced AMD.
A new study shows that oral antioxidant vitamins, such as those in the AREDS2 formula, can slow the progression of geographic atrophy (GA) toward the central macula in AMD. Key nutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin were particularly effective in preserving central vision by enhancing the natural "foveal sparing" effect. These findings highlight the role of AREDS 2 vitamins as a valuable, non-invasive option for managing advanced AMD and protecting long-term vision.
| Nutrient | Amount (per day) | Percent Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C | 500 mg | 840% |
| Vitamin E | 400 IU | 1,340% |
| Zinc | 80 mg | 540% |
| Copper | 2 mg | 100% |
| Lutein | 10 mg | ** |
| Zeaxanthin | 2 mg | ** |
*Percent Daily Values (DV) based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
**Daily Value (DV) not established.
Speak with your doctor to determine if the updated AREDS2 formula is right for you.
You might think that eating plenty of spinach or taking a multivitamin is enough since they contain similar nutrients to those in the AREDS 2 formula—however, this isn't the case. See why multivitamins alone may not be enough to manage your AMD.
It’s important to eat a diet rich in dark leafy greens and colorful produce, but it’s almost impossible to get as much nutrient power as you need through diet alone.
Multivitamins may contain some of the nutrients found in the AREDS2 formula, but not at the same levels that were proven to help reduce the risk of moderate-to-advanced AMD progression
The AREDS2 Formula contains much higher doses of certain vitamins and minerals than diet or multivitamins alone, in a carefully balanced combination.
Eating a healthy diet designed for people with macular degeneration is important, since it also helps you guard against or manage chronic diseases that are linked to AMD.
Read about the AMD dietAREDS 2 formula vitamins contain a specific combination of nutrients that benefit people with moderate-to-advanced AMD in a number of ways.
Sometimes called “eye vitamins” these nutrients are the red, yellow and orange pigments that concentrate in the macula at the center of your retina, keeping your central vision sharp.
How does it benefit the eyes? As we age, information and wear and tear in the retina create free radicals that can damage cells in the eye if they go unchecked. Because lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants, they help neutralize those free radicals and help prevent cell damage. In the macula, these pigments can also filter out the UV rays that create free radicals.
Also known as ascorbic acid, Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant, disarming free radicals throughout the body.
How does it benefit the eyes? Vitamin C is in all the tissues of the eye, where it helps build and maintain connective tissue. As an antioxidant, it counters inflammation, which may be linked with AMD.
Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant. Research shows the natural Vitamin E—the “d” forms such as d-alpha tocopherol—is especially important for good vision.
How does it benefit the eyes? Like other antioxidants, Vitamin E disarms pre-radicals so they cannot wreak havoc on your cells.
Zinc is one of the most abundant trace minerals in your body. (It’s called the trace mineral because the body needs so little).
How does it benefit the eyes? Among other things, zinc helps your body absorb, transport and use Vitamin A.
Copper is an essential trace element found in high concentration in the retina.
How does it benefit the eyes? It is required for visual process and maintenance of normal ocular function.
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