How AREDS2 Shapes Modern Eye Health Supplements
1. TL;DR
The strongest human evidence for eye-health supplements comes from the AREDS and AREDS2 clinical trials. The key finding: in people with intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a specific antioxidant + zinc formula slowed progression to advanced AMD. AREDS2 updated the original by removing beta-carotene and using lutein + zeaxanthin instead.
These results do not mean everyone should take an AREDS-style formula for prevention—benefits were shown for a defined group (intermediate AMD).
2. AREDS vs. AREDS2—what changed?
AREDS (2001):
- Antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E) + zinc (with copper for safety).
- Outcome: lowered risk of progression to advanced AMD in high-risk participants.
AREDS2 (2013):
- Replaced beta-carotene with lutein + zeaxanthin.
- Explored adding omega-3s (DHA/EPA)—no additional benefit when added to the formulation.
- 10-year follow-up supports the AREDS2 approach as a widely used standard.
Why remove beta-carotene? Safety concerns in smokers and the availability of macular pigments (lutein/zeaxanthin) that directly accumulate in the retina.
3. Who actually benefits?
Evidence supports use in intermediate AMD. If you don’t have AMD—or you have only early drusen—routine use for “prevention” isn’t supported by these trials. Always discuss with your eye-care professional, especially if you smoke, are pregnant, or take medications.
4. Dosage realities & label reading
- Macular pigments: Lutein + zeaxanthin are the carotenoids used in AREDS2. Check labels for their amounts (not beta-carotene).
- Zinc + copper: High-dose zinc is paired with copper to help prevent copper-deficiency anemia.
- Omega-3: Important nutritionally, but adding DHA/EPA to the AREDS2 formula did not add AMD benefit in trials.
Tip: Look for brands that publish a COA (Certificate of Analysis) for identity, potency, microbiology, and heavy metals.
5. Common myths
“Everyone should take AREDS2.”
Not true. The benefit applies to people with intermediate AMD under trial conditions. It isn’t a general prevention pill.
“More omega-3s will fix AMD.”
Omega-3s are healthy fats, but in AREDS2, adding DHA/EPA to the formula didn’t improve AMD outcomes.
“Any capsule with lutein is the same as AREDS2.”
Formulations vary a lot. Check full composition, strengths, and quality testing.
6. Practical takeaways
- If you’ve been diagnosed with intermediate AMD, ask your clinician about an AREDS2-style formula.
- Prefer products that publish batch-level testing (lab page).
- For ingredient origins and standardization, see Ingredient Sources & Transparency.
- For study summaries and broader context, visit our Science page.
Disclaimer: This article is for education only and isn’t medical advice. Talk to your eye-care professional for personal recommendations.
7. References
- National Eye Institute – AREDS summary: NEI.gov
- AREDS2 primary RCT: JAMA (2013)
- AREDS2 10-year follow-on: JAMA Ophthalmology (2022)
- Background on omega-3 & eye: NEJM (2018, DREAM)