If you’ve been told you have age-related macular degeneration (AMD), you’ve probably heard about AREDS2 vitamins. But here’s the thing: not everyone needs them. And taking them when you don’t have the right stage of AMD won’t help your vision - and might even cost you money you don’t need to spend.
What AREDS2 Vitamins Actually Are
The AREDS2 formula isn’t just another multivitamin. It’s a specific blend of nutrients tested in a decade-long clinical trial by the National Eye Institute. The goal? To slow down vision loss in people with moderate to advanced AMD. The formula includes:
- 500 mg of vitamin C
- 400 IU of vitamin E
- 10 mg of lutein
- 2 mg of zeaxanthin
- 80 mg of zinc (as zinc oxide)
- 2 mg of copper (as cupric oxide)
This combination replaced the original AREDS formula, which included beta carotene. Beta carotene was dropped because it raised lung cancer risk in current and former smokers - a serious trade-off. The switch to lutein and zeaxanthin didn’t just make it safer; it made it better. A 2022 analysis of 10 years of data from over 3,800 participants showed the new formula reduced the risk of AMD progressing to its most serious stage by about 26%, slightly outperforming the old one.
Who Should Take AREDS2 Vitamins
This is where most people get it wrong. AREDS2 supplements are not for everyone with blurry vision or even early signs of AMD.
The only people who benefit are those with:
- Intermediate AMD in one or both eyes (many medium-sized drusen, or at least one large drusen)
- Advanced AMD (geographic atrophy) in one eye, with intermediate AMD in the other
If you only have small drusen - the earliest stage - taking these vitamins won’t stop AMD from developing. Studies show zero benefit. Same if you don’t have AMD at all. There’s no evidence they prevent it.
Dr. Emily Chew, who led the AREDS2 research at the National Eye Institute, is clear: “AREDS supplements cannot reverse vision damage that has already occurred.” They don’t restore sight. They don’t cure AMD. They just slow the clock.
What the Latest Research Says About Late-Stage AMD
In July 2024, a new analysis changed the conversation. Researchers looked at retinal scans from 1,209 people in the original AREDS2 study who had advanced dry AMD - geographic atrophy - and found something surprising. For those whose damaged areas were outside the very center of the macula (the fovea), taking the AREDS2 formula slowed disease progression by 55% over three years.
This is a big deal. Until now, doctors didn’t think these supplements helped once AMD reached this late stage. But now, for a subset of patients - those with geographic atrophy not centered on the fovea - the formula may still offer meaningful protection.
Geraldine Hoad from the Macular Society called the findings “encouraging,” noting that slowing vision loss even a little can help people stay independent longer. But she also stressed: “We would welcome the results being confirmed in a clinical trial.” That means while the data is promising, it’s not yet a formal recommendation - yet.
What Doesn’t Work
Many people assume if a little is good, more must be better. That’s not true here.
Omega-3 fatty acids? Tested in AREDS2. No benefit for slowing AMD.
B vitamins? Tried for prevention. No effect.
Beta carotene? Removed for good reason - it increases lung cancer risk in smokers and ex-smokers. Don’t take any supplement with it.
And don’t be fooled by “eye health” blends sold online. Many include ingredients like bilberry, astaxanthin, or high-dose vitamin A. None of these were in the AREDS2 trial. They’re not proven. Some might even interfere with the real formula.
How to Take Them Correctly
These aren’t occasional supplements. You need to take them daily, every day, for years. The 10-year follow-up showed 90% of participants kept taking them as prescribed. That’s the kind of consistency that matters.
Take them with food. Zinc can cause nausea on an empty stomach. Also, make sure your supplement includes copper. High zinc levels can cause copper deficiency, which harms nerves and blood cells. That’s why the formula always pairs 80 mg zinc with 2 mg copper.
Don’t combine AREDS2 with other multivitamins unless you check the total doses. You don’t want too much vitamin A, E, or zinc. More isn’t better - it can be harmful.
What About Side Effects?
The AREDS2 formula has been taken safely by thousands of people for over a decade. The biggest reported side effect is a mild upset stomach, often from the zinc. Some people report a metallic taste. Rarely, high zinc can cause headaches or interfere with copper absorption - again, why copper is included.
People with kidney disease should talk to their doctor before taking zinc. And if you’re on blood thinners, check with your doctor about vitamin E. It’s not a direct interaction, but high doses can theoretically increase bleeding risk.
Long-term safety? The 10-year data says yes. No major risks emerged. But that doesn’t mean you should start taking them without a diagnosis.
How to Know If You’re a Candidate
You can’t guess. You need a dilated eye exam by an ophthalmologist or optometrist who specializes in retina. They’ll look at your retina with special imaging to see the size and number of drusen - the yellow deposits under the retina that signal AMD.
Early AMD: small drusen - no supplement needed.
Intermediate AMD: medium or large drusen - AREDS2 recommended.
Advanced AMD: geographic atrophy or wet AMD - AREDS2 may help if you still have intermediate AMD in the other eye.
Don’t rely on online quizzes or vision apps. Only a professional eye exam can confirm your stage.
Where to Buy Them
Not all supplements are created equal. Look for the label that says “AREDS2” or lists the exact dosages above. Some brands are verified by third-party labs like USP or NSF - those are safer bets.
Don’t buy generic “eye health” blends unless they list the exact AREDS2 amounts. Many contain too little lutein, no zeaxanthin, or wrong forms of zinc. You’re paying for a formula that’s been proven - make sure you’re getting the real thing.
Pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, or Boots often carry branded versions. Online retailers have them too, but read labels carefully. If the label doesn’t list 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin, skip it.
What’s Next
Research is still moving. Scientists are now testing new compounds - like those targeting inflammation or mitochondrial health - that might help even more. Some are looking at whether lower zinc doses could work just as well with fewer side effects.
But for now, the AREDS2 formula is the only one with strong, long-term evidence. And it’s only for the right people.
If you have intermediate AMD, taking it daily could mean keeping your vision longer - maybe long enough to read, drive, or see your grandchildren’s faces clearly for years more.
If you don’t? Save your money. Your eyes won’t thank you.
Do AREDS2 vitamins improve vision?
No. AREDS2 vitamins do not improve vision or restore lost sight. They only slow the progression of advanced dry AMD in people with intermediate or late-stage disease. They cannot reverse damage already done.
Can I take AREDS2 vitamins if I have early AMD?
No. If you only have small drusen (early AMD), taking AREDS2 supplements provides no benefit. Studies show they do not prevent AMD from developing or slow its progression at this stage. Taking them is unnecessary and a waste of money.
Is it safe to take AREDS2 vitamins long-term?
Yes. A 10-year follow-up study found no major safety issues with the AREDS2 formula when taken daily as directed. The most common side effect is mild stomach upset from zinc, which can be reduced by taking the supplement with food. Long-term use is considered safe for people with the right stage of AMD.
Should I take AREDS2 if I’m a smoker?
Yes - but only if your supplement does NOT contain beta carotene. The original AREDS formula had beta carotene, which increased lung cancer risk in smokers. The current AREDS2 formula replaces it with lutein and zeaxanthin, which are safe for current and former smokers. Always check the label.
Can I get the same benefits from food instead of pills?
It’s very hard to get the full AREDS2 dose from diet alone. You’d need to eat over 2 cups of cooked kale or spinach daily to match the 10 mg of lutein. Most people don’t eat that much. Supplements ensure you get the exact, proven amounts. But eating leafy greens, eggs, and colorful vegetables still supports overall eye health.
Do AREDS2 vitamins work for wet AMD?
No. AREDS2 supplements were not designed for wet AMD, which is treated with injections or laser therapy. They may still be recommended if you have intermediate AMD in one eye and wet AMD in the other - but only to protect the healthy eye. They do not treat wet AMD itself.