What is age-related macular degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of visual loss in older Americans. It comes on with age and affects the central vision. However, AREDS-2 vitamins lower the risk of vision loss.
What are AREDS-2 vitamins?
The AREDS-2 formula consists of carefully dosed vitamins, minerals and antioxidants aimed at protecting a patient against loss of vision from AMD. It consists of vitamin C, vitamin E, Zinc, Copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
Are there other vitamins in the market for AMD?
There are many vitamins and nutritional supplements marketed for AMD. However, the AREDS-2 formula has undergone the most testing to date. It offers the most assurance for protection against loss of vision. Other supplements have been studied much less extensively and the safety is less certain. For example, beta-carotene was used in AMD vitamins in the past, but it increases the risk of lung cancer in current and former smokers.
What are the popular brands of AREDS-2 vitamins?
There are many brands of vitamins that contain the AREDS-2 formula. PreserVision AREDS-2 and Ocuvite AREDS-2 are two popular brands. They offer good quality; however, they are expensive.
What is the least expensive brand of AREDS-2 vitamin?
There is now a high-quality alternative to the popular brands and it is much less expensive. The name is Equate Advanced Eye Health Complex by Walmart. In Tampa on September 9, 2023 the price for a box of 140 softgels (two-month’s supply) was $19.96. This compares favorably with the price of PreserVision AREDS-2 of identical quantity selling for $34.47.
Note: Dr Pautler has no financial interest in any of the vitamin supplements.