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.

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).

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.

The only people who supposedly “benefitted” from this drug are people who have intermediate AMD in one eye, and advanced AMD in the other. No other type of patients had any benefit. Even if a doctor accepts the results of this study, he should only recommend this drug to this small subgroup of patients.

How to take it. Take 2 soft gels daily with food; 1 in the morning, 1 in the evening.

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.

The PreserVision eye vitamin recall was announced on Tuesday by the FDA and Bausch and Lomb. The manufacturer has received several reports indicating some users were feeling like they were choking after having difficulty swallowing. Most of the reports came from people 70 or older, the company said.

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.

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.

The amount of Vitamin A in PreserVision should have no effect on your kidneys. Taking large doses of Vitamin A can cause worsening of high blood pressure, but the amount you are taking should not be a problem.

Here are the six top vitamins that promote eye health and the best ways to get them.

• Vitamin A (and beta carotene) Vitamin A is absolutely essential for vision, Johnson says.
• Vitamin E. Vitamin E is also essential for eye health.
• Vitamin C.
• Zinc.
• Omega-3 fatty acids.

The available evidence suggests that dietary intake of lutein (10 or 20 mg/day) for more than 6 months can significantly improve MPOD and visual acuity in AMD patients.