From the Guidelines
The AREDS (Age-Related Eye Disease Study) medication is a specific vitamin and mineral supplement formulation, AREDS2, which contains vitamin C (500 mg), vitamin E (400 IU), lutein (10 mg), zeaxanthin (2 mg), zinc (80 mg as zinc oxide), and copper (2 mg as cupric oxide), designed to slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in people at high risk. This supplement should be taken daily and is most beneficial for individuals with intermediate AMD or advanced AMD in one eye, as it has been shown to have preventive efficacy in this higher-risk group 1. The AREDS2 formulation has been recommended based on the results of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, which defined a role for nutritional supplements in slowing the progression of AMD 1.
Key Components of AREDS2
- Vitamin C (500 mg)
- Vitamin E (400 IU)
- Lutein (10 mg)
- Zeaxanthin (2 mg)
- Zinc (80 mg as zinc oxide)
- Copper (2 mg as cupric oxide)
It's essential to note that AREDS supplements don't prevent AMD from developing initially, nor do they restore vision already lost to AMD. They work by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the retina, which are key factors in AMD progression 1. Before starting AREDS supplements, it's crucial to consult with an eye care specialist to determine if they're appropriate for your specific eye condition, as they're not recommended for everyone. These supplements are available over-the-counter at pharmacies and can be found under various brand names like PreserVision, Ocuvite, or I-Caps. A prospective, multicenter, randomized clinical trial, such as the one described in 1, has evaluated the effects of oral supplementation of high doses of macular xanthophylls and/or omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids for the treatment of AMD and cataract, but the current recommended formulation remains AREDS2.
From the Research
AREDS Medication
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) medication is a formulation of vitamins and minerals that has been shown to reduce the risk of progression to advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) 2, 3, 4. The original AREDS formulation consists of:
- Vitamin C (500 mg)
- Vitamin E (400 IU)
- Beta-carotene
- Zinc (80 mg)
- Copper (2 mg)
Updates to the AREDS Formulation
Later studies, such as AREDS2, have suggested that substituting lutein and zeaxanthin for beta-carotene may be beneficial, particularly for smokers and former smokers, due to the increased risk of lung cancer associated with beta-carotene 2, 5. The updated formulation consists of:
- Vitamin C (500 mg)
- Vitamin E (400 IU)
- Lutein (10 mg)
- Zeaxanthin (2 mg)
- Zinc (25 mg)
- Copper (2 mg)
Key Findings
- The AREDS formulation has been shown to reduce the risk of progression to advanced AMD by 25% 4.
- Lutein and zeaxanthin may be more effective than beta-carotene in reducing the risk of progression to advanced AMD, particularly in eyes with bilateral large drusen 5.
- Omega-3 fatty acids may also have a beneficial effect on AMD progression 2, 3, 6.