FAQ

Get answers to your questions about PreserVision

Yes. Nine out of every ten participants in the AREDS2 clinical trial (the trial that the PreserVision AREDS 2 Formula is based on) were taking multivitamins along with the AREDS2 formulation. Researchers noted no significant side effects.

 

If you want to take an AREDS2 formulation eye vitamin and prefer the convenience of taking just one supplement, you can choose PreserVision AREDS 2 Formula with Multivitamin.

No. The PreserVision AREDS 2 Formula contains the exact nutrient formula recommended by the National Eye Institute (NEI) that was tested and proven in the second Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS2).

 

What the AREDS2 study found:

  • In that study, people who took multivitamins alone did not see the same effects as study participants who took the AREDS2 formulation.

We recommend taking the eye vitamin in accordance with the product label.

 

For example (twice daily with food):

  • PreserVision® AREDS 2 Formula eye vitamins and PreserVision® AREDS 2+ Multivitamin Formula eye vitamins are directed to be taken twice a day with food:
    • one soft gel in the morning
    • one soft gel in the evening

It would be very hard to get the levels of antioxidants and zinc in PreserVision from your diet alone, even if you eat plenty of green leafy vegetables. As we age, we become less able to absorb certain nutrients from the foods we eat.

 

What the AREDS2 trial showed:

  • People who got the least amount of lutein and zeaxanthin in their diets benefited the most from high dose supplementation with these nutrients.

Some of the important nutrients in PreserVision, like lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin E, are fat-soluble. That means your body absorbs them more effectively when you take them with a meal that includes a little good fat — for example, vegetable oil.

 

If your stomach is sensitive to any of the nutrients in PreserVision, you may also find that taking your supplement with a meal lessens any sensitivity.

During the first AREDS trial, researchers tested four nutrient formulas with different levels of vitamins and minerals: zinc alone, antioxidants alone, a combination of antioxidants plus zinc, and a placebo.

 

What the study found (5 years):

  • Participants who took antioxidants plus 80 mg of zinc had the lowest risk of AMD progression to the advanced stage.

 

What NEI recommends:

  • Based on these findings, the National Eye Institute (NEI) recommends a vitamin formula that contains 80 mg zinc.

The key ingredients found in most PreserVision AREDS 2 formulations include:

  • Lutein
  • Zeaxanthin
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin E
  • Zinc
  • Copper

 

Some products may also include:

  • CoQ10
  • a multivitamin blend.

Lutein and zeaxanthin support eye health primarily by filtering blue light and acting as powerful antioxidants within the macula, thereby supporting the overall health and function of this critical part of the retina.

Vitamin C helps protect your eyes from free radicals that damage cells. It also counters inflammation which may be linked with AMD.

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant which supports eye health primarily by protecting against free radicals and maintaining membrane stability.

Zinc helps the body to use and absorb Vitamin A in order to support vision.

 

Warning:

  • Zinc supplementation can cause a copper deficiency.
  • If you are unsure whether you are taking enough copper, consult a health care practitioner prior to use.

 

Copper is added to the formulation to avoid zinc-related copper deficiency.

The AREDS 2 Formula is a specific combination of high-dose vitamins and minerals that has been scientifically proven to help reduce the risk of moderate to advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).*

CoQ10 benefits eye health primarily through its antioxidant properties, which help protect delicate eye cells from free radicals.

 

Additional Benefits:

  • It plays a crucial role in cellular energy production, ensuring that the highly active cells in the retina have the necessary fuel to function optimally.
  • Together, these actions support the eyes’ natural ability to convert light into sight and maintain overall ocular health.

The multivitamin provides essential vitamins and minerals like:

  • Vitamin D
  • Folate
  • Biotin
  • Selenium, and more

 

that may be missing from your daily diet.

To ensure PreserVision® eye vitamins are taken as directed, please refer to the directions for use on the product label:

 

  • Our PreserVision® AREDS3 Formula eye vitamin soft gels are directed to be taken twice a day with food; one soft gel in the morning and one soft gel in the evening.
  • Our PreserVision® AREDS 2 + Multivitamin Formula eye vitamin soft gels are directed to be taken twice a day with food; one soft gel in the morning and one soft gel in the evening.
  • Our PreserVision® AREDS 2 + CoQ10 Formula eye vitamin soft gels are directed to be taken twice a day with food; one soft gel in the morning and one soft gel in the evening.
  • Our PreserVision® AREDS 2 Chewables Formula eye vitamin tablets are directed to be taken twice a day with food; one tablet in the morning and one tablet in the evening. Do not swallow tablets whole.
  • Our PreserVision® AREDS Lutein Formula eye vitamin soft gels are directed to be taken twice a day with a full glass of water during a meal; one soft gel in the morning and one soft gel in the evening.
  • Our PreserVision® AREDS 2 Vegan Formula eye vitamin soft gels are directed to be taken twice a day with food; one soft gel in the morning and one soft gel in the evening.
  • Our PreserVision® AREDS Formula eye vitamin soft gels are directed to be taken twice a day with a full glass of water during a meal; one soft gel in the morning and one soft gel in the evening.

When taking vitamin and mineral supplements, constipation, diarrhea, or upset stomach may occur.

 

Important note (medications and supplements):

  • Many older Americans take prescription medications, and a considerable number of them use over-the-counter products, dietary supplements and herbal medicines.

 

Interaction guidance:

  • Supplemental nutrients can sometimes interfere with medications and compete with other vital nutrients for absorption into the body.
  • Individuals who are considering taking an AREDS formulation should discuss this with their primary care doctor and/or eye care professional.

Our PreserVision® AREDS 2 Chewables Formula can be cut or crushed, if the entire tablet is taken within the same general timeframe.

Intake of high levels of beta-carotene in smokers is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer.

 

If you are a current or former smoker with AMD:

  • Your doctor may recommend an AREDS formula product where beta-carotene is replaced by lutein/zeaxanthin such as PreserVision® AREDS 2 Formula eye vitamins.

 

Consult your physician or eye care professional to see if PreserVision® AREDS formula vitamins are right for you.

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) and AREDS2 are pivotal clinical trials sponsored by the National Eye Institute (NEI).

 

Where to find NEI guidance:

 

Talk to your eye doctor about the most appropriate vitamin supplement for you.

PreserVision AREDS 2 Vegan is a vegan product, certified by the third party vegan.org.

All other PreserVision products are not vegan.

Like all other PreserVision AREDS 2 products, PreserVision AREDS 2 Vegan is the only PreserVision product to be certified vegan by a third-party (vegan.org).

 

What PreserVision AREDS 2 Vegan contains:

  • PreserVision AREDS 2 Vegan contains the exact clinically proven AREDS2 nutrient formula recommended by the National Eye Institute (NEI) to help reduce the risk of moderate to advanced AMD progression.

Occasionally, we offer coupons in:

 

Make sure to review the full offer, even if you do not see your specific PreserVision® vitamin product pictured in the advertisement.

All PreserVision® eye vitamin & mineral supplements are currently manufactured and packaged in the USA with USA and imported ingredients.

PreserVision Vegan is currently available on preservision.com for direct purchase, Amazon.com, and Walmart.com.

While other AREDS formula vitamin brands exist, PreserVision is the #1 doctor recommended eye vitamin brand which contains the exact clinically proven nutrient formula recommended by National Eye Institute (NEI) to help reduce the risk of progression in people with moderate-to-advanced AMD.

 

What is PreserVision AREDS3 formula eye vitamins?

PreserVision AREDS3 formula eye vitamins are the next-generation eye vitamin from the #1 AREDS brand. It combines the clinically proven AREDS2 nutrients recommended by the National Eye Institute (NEI) with a unique B-vitamin complex. This evolved formula is designed to support macular health.*

PreserVision AREDS 2 and AREDS3 formula eye vitamins differ in nutrient formulas and intended range of people with AMD.

 

PreserVision AREDS 2 contains:

  • The 6 key nutrients (lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamins C and E, zinc, and copper) recommended by the NEI to help reduce the risk of moderate-to-advanced AMD progression.

 

PreserVision AREDS3 formula eye vitamins contain:

  • The same key nutrients in AREDS 2 plus a unique vitamin-B complex designed to help reduce the risk and progression across all stages of AMD.

PreserVision AREDS3 formula eye vitamins provide benefits from clinically proven AREDS2 nutrients plus an exclusive B–vitamin complex.

 

Clinically Proven AREDS 2 Nutrients:

  • Shown to help reduce the risk of progression in moderate-to-advanced AMD. †Based on AREDS and AREDS2 clinical trials

 

Exclusive B–Vitamin Complex:

  • Research suggests daily supplementation of B6, B9, and B12 further support macular health.

No, PreserVision AREDS3 formula eye vitamins are free from artificial dyes and flavors.

The B-vitamin complex, formulated with 8 different B vitamins, is designed to promote healthy cellular eye function, as well as protecting and nourishing the macula.

Click to find out where you can purchase PreserVision AREDS3 formula eye vitamins in-store or online.

PreserVision AREDS3 formula eye vitamins was first available February 2026 and is now available on www.preservision.com for direct purchase and select retailers. To find where you can buy, click here.

Dosing for PreserVision® AREDS 2 eye vitamins is based on the study protocol and results shown in the AREDS studies, which were conducted by the National Eye Institute. For more information on the AREDS studies, please visit the National Eye Institute’s website at www.nei.nih.gov.

 

PreserVision® AREDS3 formula eye vitamins contain the clinically proven AREDS2 nutrients recommended by the National Eye Institute (NEI) with a unique B-vitamin complex.

PreserVision® AREDS3 and AREDS 2 Formula eye vitamins are not intended to prevent AMD. It’s important to get an annual dilated eye exam and talk to your eye doctor about the most appropriate vitamin supplement plan for you based on your diagnosis.

It’s important to get an annual dilated eye exam and talk to your eye doctor about the most appropriate vitamin supplement plan for you based on your diagnosis.

These vitamins do not require genetic testing prior to the use of the product. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s “Preferred Practice Patterns for Age-Related Macular Degeneration” publication, routine use of genetic testing is not supported by existing literature, and it is not recommended at this time. The American Society of Retina Specialists also does not recommend routine genetic testing prior to nutritional supplement use.

No — Red Dye #3 is not used in any PreserVision® formulation.

The Bausch + Lomb PreserVision® AREDS and PreserVision® AREDS 2 Formula eye vitamin & mineral supplements contain combinations and levels of nutrients studied by the National Eye Institute in the landmark Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS and AREDS2).

 

  • The PreserVision® AREDS Formula includes beta-carotene, which is not appropriate for current or former smokers.
  • The PreserVision® AREDS 2 Formula is based on the AREDS2 clinical trial program conducted by the NEI and is recommended for patients with moderate to advanced AMD, including smokers and non-smokers because it does not contain beta-carotene.
  • The AREDS 2 formulation removed beta-carotene due to the increased risk of adverse events in smoker populations.
  • The AREDS2 clinical studies suggest similar effects by replacing the beta-carotene with 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin.
  • For more information on each study, please visit: www.preservision.com/areds-studies.

No — PreserVision® products do not include fish oil.

However, we cannot guarantee the products did not come into contact with fish oil during manufacturing.

No — there are no shellfish ingredients in any PreserVision® product. However, we cannot guarantee they do not come into contact with trace shellfish ingredients during manufacturing.

Some PreserVision® soft gel products contain soy lecithin (AREDS®, AREDS Lutein®, and AREDS 2 + Multivitamin soft gels).

 

All other PreserVision® vitamins do not contain soy lecithin; however, we cannot guarantee against cross-contact during manufacturing.

While PreserVision® products are considered lactose-free, we are unable to guarantee that they do not come into contact with other products that include lactose during the manufacturing process.

While PreserVision® products are considered dairy-free, we are unable to guarantee that the products do not come into contact with dairy during the manufacturing process.

PreserVision® products do not include peanuts.

However, we cannot guarantee they do not come into contact with peanuts during manufacturing.

Depending on the quantity and type of PreserVision product, the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) ranges from $10.49 to $49.99. Please ensure you are purchasing from a trusted source. You may also purchase directly from www.preservision.com.

SightMatters.com is an online educational resource designed for people living with Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

 

  • The SightMatters website was specifically designed for the visually impaired with an increased font size and distinctive color contrast between different elements in the site and offers personalized tips and tools so people with AMD can learn how to take charge of their condition.
  • Visitors to the site can also sign up to receive AMD tools, resources, newsletters and more, as well as to join a community of more than 900,000 members who are doing all they can to protect their vision.

 

For more information and to sign-up for the program, please visit www.sightmatters.com.

You will receive the following by joining SightMatters.com — the opportunity to save up to $60 a year on coupons for AREDS vitamins to help manage your AMD, and the ability to create an action plan to help you and your doctor manage your AMD.

SightMatters.com is a completely free program where you’ll receive information, resources and coupons for AREDS vitamins to help manage your AMD.

You can visit shop.preservision.com to place orders or find details about our PreserVision® products.

 

The PreserVision® products that are available to order include:

PreserVision® AREDS3 Formula eye vitamin and mineral supplement, in 60, 90 and 120 Count Soft Gels

PreserVision® AREDS 2 Formula eye vitamin and mineral supplement, 120 Count mini gels with OCUSorb

PreserVision® AREDS 2 Formula + Multivitamin eye vitamin and mineral supplement, 100 Count Soft Gels

PreserVision® AREDS 2 Formula + CoQ10 eye vitamin and mineral supplement, 100 Count Soft Gels

PreserVision® AREDS 2 Formula Chewables eye vitamin and mineral supplement, 70 count

PreserVision® AREDS 2 Vegan Formula eye vitamin and mineral supplement, 120 count

Yes, you can have your vitamin order auto-shipped each month by signing up for subscribe & save at shop.preservision.com.

Shipping is free for all orders on all PreserVision products from shop.preservision.com.