The color of the box and the label on the bottle remain the same. The difference between the old and new vitamins is the “new” formulation lacks omega-3 fatty acids. They were removed because the AREDS study group was unable to demonstrate a benefit in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

PreserVision AREDS 2 contains high levels of a specific combination of vitamins and minerals recommended by the NEI to help reduce the risk of progression of moderate-to-advanced AMD.

If you smoke and your AREDS supplement contains beta-carotene, that could be a health hazard. AREDS2 recommendations removed beta-carotene and replaced it with lutein and zeaxanthin, which provide the same level of benefit without risk to smokers.

After these manipulations, the data seemed to show that the drug prevented what they called “AMD events”, but it did so for only in one group of patients, the one who had intermediate AMD in one eye, and advanced AMD in the other. The study did NOT show that these patients had any vision benefit from taking this drug.

According to the studies and experiences, those who have the early stage of AMD are not advised to take Areds 2 vitamins; it is not much helpful.

Will taking the AREDS or AREDS2 supplements prevent AMD? Nutritional supplements cannot prevent AMD. However, the AREDS/AREDS2 supplements may delay progression of intermediate to advanced AMD and may help you keep your vision longer.

Serious side effects Very upset stomach or throwing up. Severe diarrhea. Very bad constipation. Muscle weakness.

Vitamins A, C, and E are the most effective vitamins for reducing the risk of macular degeneration [13]. However, only vitamin A plays an essential role in the human retinal pigment epithelial cells, whereas vitamins C and E are known to act as antioxidants.

In addition to the research-backed PreserVision's AREDS 2 Formula that won best overall in this review, Bausch + Lomb also makes the Ocuvite Eye Health Gummies. The Ocuvite gummies contain the same nutrients from the Bausch + Lomb PresserVision brand but in much smaller amounts.

Vitamin A Vitamin A is essential for good vision. It is a component of the protein rhodopsin, which allows the eye to see in low-light conditions.

Vitamin A Vitamin A (and beta carotene) Vitamin A is absolutely essential for vision, Johnson says. A deficiency can cause night blindness, particularly among older individuals, and if it progresses, permanent blindness can result. Beta carotene is thought to be important because it's a precursor of vitamin A.

Family members of people with macular degeneration often ask whether they should take AREDS2 vitamins or lutein/zeaxanthin. While these are safe to take over a period of at least ten years (with the recent AREDS2 10-year-follow-on study), it is not known whether they would be safe for several decades.