PreserVision AREDS is an over-the-counter eye vitamin and mineral supplement used to slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The active ingredients are vitamin A (beta-carotene), C, E, zinc, and copper. It contains the exact levels of the five ingredients that were tested by the National Eye Institute (NEI) and National Institute of Health (NIH) in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) study. AREDS was a 10-year study that established the benefits of antioxidant vitamins and mineral supplements on AMD. The study found that the AREDS formula reduced the risk of progression in people with moderate to advanced AMD by 25%.
PreserVision AREDS is not recommended for current or former smokers because it can increase the risk of lung cancer in this population. It is available as a tablet and soft gel.
This medication has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
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PreserVision AREDS overview
BRAND NAMES:
PreserVision AREDS
Generic Names:
None
Uses:
Improve eye health
Slow down the progression of moderate to advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Therapeutic Classes:
Vitamin/Mineral Combination, Vitamin Combination
Forms:
Tablet, Soft Gel
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is PreserVision AREDS used for?
PreserVision AREDS is an eye vitamin that improves eye health and reduces the risk of progression in people with moderate to advanced AMD. Bausch and Lomb manufacture it and is the #1 doctor-recommended brand. Medical experts recommend an AREDS vitamin for everyone diagnosed with moderate to advanced AMD.
It’s important to note that PreserVision AREDS is different from PreserVision AREDS 2. PreserVision AREDS 2 contains less zinc than PreserVision AREDS. It also contains lutein and zeaxanthin instead of beta-carotene.
Key takeaways
PreserVision AREDS is a brand-name eye vitamin used to slow down the progression of moderate to advanced AMD.
The active ingredients in PreserVision AREDS are vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and copper.
It is available in a tablet and soft gel.
PreserVision AREDS is typically taken twice a day.
PreserVision AREDS is not recommended for current or former smokers because it can increase the risk of lung cancer in this population.
What form(s) does PreserVision AREDS come in?
Bottle
60 soft gels
90 soft gels
120 soft gels
120 tablets
240 tablets
What are common PreserVision AREDS dosages?
The typical dosage for PreserVision AREDS soft gels is 1 capsule twice daily in the morning and evening.
The typical dosage for PreserVision AREDS tablets is 2 tablets twice daily in the morning and evening.
PreserVision AREDS images - What does PreserVision AREDS look like?
PreserVision AREDS
120 capsules bottlePreserVision AREDS
120 tablets bottlePreserVision AREDS
150 capsules bottlePreserVision AREDS
240 tablets bottlePreserVision AREDS
60 capsules bottle
How to take PreserVision AREDS
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.
Swallow the soft gel or tablet whole, unless the directions say you can break, crush, or chew the vitamin. Some tablets have a special coating and should not be chewed.
Take the vitamin with a full glass of water and during meals.
What to do if you miss a dose of PreserVision AREDS
If a dose is missed, you can take it when you remember.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
It is generally not harmful if you miss a dose of a multivitamin.
Keep all medicine away from children.
PreserVision AREDS contraindications - Who shouldn't take PreserVision AREDS?
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to this vitamin or any of its ingredients.
PreserVision AREDS warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease or liver disease. In some cases, high-dose vitamins and minerals, such as those in PreserVision AREDS, may not be recommended for people with kidney or liver disease.
You should not use more of this medicine than your doctor has ordered or more than the label on the bottle recommends. Certain vitamins can build up in the body and may cause harm.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor. It is very important during this time to take the right vitamins in the right amounts.
Dietary supplements can sometimes make the stool darker and the urine dark yellow. This is normal.
PreserVision AREDS interactions & what to avoid when taking PreserVision AREDS
This medicine might contain phenylalanine (aspartame). This is only a concern if you have a disorder called phenylketonuria (a problem with amino acids). Talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
If you are taking a blood thinner, discuss the use of this PreserVision AREDS with your doctor. Vitamin E may increase your risk of bleeding.
PreserVision AREDS side effects - How does PreserVision AREDS make you feel?
Serious Side Effects
Serious allergic reaction
Less Serious Side Effects
Indigestion
Nausea
Vomiting
Staining of teeth
Constipation or diarrhea
Tiredness
If you develop any signs or symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, seek emergency medical help right away. This includes hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of your throat or tongue.
Sources:
AREDS/AREDS2 clinical trials, National Eye Institute (2020)
AREDS formula tablets, Bausch + Lomb (n.d.)
What is macular degeneration, Eye Care Specialists (n.d.)
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