Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) occurs when the macula in the center of the retina deteriorates, causing loss of central vision. According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), a specially-formulated supplement called AREDS 2 may be able to slow vision loss in people with intermediate-stage AMD.*

What are AREDS 2 vitamins?

Commercially available AREDS 2 vitamins are a special formula of high-dose vitamins and minerals that arose from the Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS/AREDS 2). The proven dietary supplement consists of six (6) nutrients in amounts that can’t be found in food or conventional multivitamins.

• Vitamin C – 500 milligrams (mg)
• VItamin E – 400 International Units (IU)
• Zinc – 80 mg
• Copper – 2 mg
• Lutein – 10 mg
• Zeaxanthin – 2 mg

Vitamins C and E, and the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, are antioxidants. All of these nutrients need to be obtained from diet or supplements. Copper was added to prevent deficiency from high zinc intake that could lead to anemia, which didn’t occur in any study subjects.

The AREDS studies

The AREDS 2 clinical trial was a follow-up to the original AREDS trial in the 1990s. Both were major NEI-sponsored studies aimed at learning more about:

• AMD and cataract progression, 
• Risk factors for both diseases, and 
• Whether vitamin supplements could slow or prevent disease. 

NEI sponsored the studies based on evidence suggesting that antioxidant vitamins plus zinc may lower AMD and cataract risk, or at least slow their progression versus a placebo. 

The AREDS 2 clinical trial, begun in 2006, explored whether adding omega-3 fatty acids or lutein and zeaxanthin could improve the original AREDS formula, which included 15 mg of the antioxidant beta-carotene instead of lutein and zeaxanthin. Over 4,000 participants, aged 50-85,  with intermediate and/or advanced AMD were enrolled. 

The researchers concluded from both AREDS studies that:

• AREDS and AREDS 2 supplements lower risk of AMD progression by about 25%.
• AREDS and AREDS 2 supplements do not prevent AMD onset.
• AREDS and AREDS 2 supplements have no effect on cataracts.
• Omega-3 fatty acids have no effect on AMD or cataracts.

It was also suggested that current and former smokers should only take the AREDS 2 formula, since beta-carotene was shown to increase lung cancer risk.

Are these vitamins right for you?

Whether or not these vitamins are right for you may depend on your stage of AMD, the NEI says. AREDS 2 supplements may be able to prevent intermediate AMD in one or both eyes from progressing to the advanced stage, though they can’t prevent early AMD from moving to the intermediate stage.

If late AMD exists in just one eye, AREDS 2 may slow AMD progression in the other eye. With late AMD in both eyes, AREDS  2 vitamins likely won’t help, though low vision resources are available to help you maximize remaining vision. People with wet AMD (a form of late-stage AMD) may have other treatment options.

Ineffective for glaucoma

Like cataracts, AREDS and AREDS 2 vitamins do not affect glaucoma. These supplements are only used to slow the progression of AMD.

Florida-based ophthalmologist Lisa S. Gamell, M.D. says “we haven’t yet found the perfect mixture” of complementary and alternative medicine for glaucoma. She explains that vitamins B1 (thiamine), B3 (niacin), B12, A, C, and E have been studied for eye pressure-lowering and neuroprotective ability, but study results have been mixed.

She notes that a problem with vitamin research is there’s no incentive for companies to conduct large, controlled studies, since the Food and Drug Administration doesn’t approve vitamins.

Buying AREDS 2 supplements

AREDS 2 supplements can be purchased online and in many drugstores. Before buying, the NEI advises:

• Checking the label to ensure all the proper ingredients and amounts are included, and 
• Asking your doctor if they prefer a particular brand of AREDS 2 vitamins.

If you’re taking any other medications or supplements, be sure to discuss the risk of any drug-vitamin interactions with your doctor and pharmacist.

*National Eye Institute. (2021, June 22). AREDS 2 Supplements for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/age-related-macular-degeneration/nutritional-supplements-age-related-macular-degeneration

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