What is PreserVision AREDS? Uses, warnings & side effects

Medically reviewed by Ashley Wong, Pharm. D.
Licensed Pharmacist
Updated Dec 18, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020
Fact Checked

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.

Check our best PreserVision AREDS prices

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 bottle

  • PreserVision AREDS
    120 tablets bottle

  • PreserVision AREDS
    150 capsules bottle

  • PreserVision AREDS
    240 tablets bottle

  • PreserVision 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:

PreserVision AREDS News & Research

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Medically reviewed by Ashley Wong, Pharm. D.
Licensed Pharmacist

Ashley Wong, Pharm.D., has worked for healthcare companies where she translated complex drug information into easy-to-understand language for patients. She also served as a Senior Medical Information Specialist at a medical communications company, where she delivered clinically accurate drug information to healthcare providers and patients and compiled adverse event reports in accordance with the FDA's reporting guidelines.

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