What is Preservision Areds: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

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.

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 doses?

  • 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.

Common Preservision Areds prescriptions

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

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.

Key takeaways, according to a pharmacist:

  • 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. 

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