When it comes to eye health, especially for those of us facing the challenges of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), finding the right supplement can be crucial. Over time, I’ve come to rely on PreserVision AREDS 2, a product that my eye doctor recommended specifically for my condition.
If you’re like me and dealing with AMD or just want to maintain your vision as you age, this might be a solution to consider. In this review, I’ll walk you through my personal experience with this product, including pros, cons, maintenance tips, and how it compares to other brands.
My Experience With PreserVision AREDS 2
Let me start by saying that I was diagnosed with early macular degeneration a couple of years ago.
While the news was unsettling, my doctor assured me that it was manageable with the right treatment, which included taking a supplement like PreserVision AREDS 2.
After discussing various options, we decided on this product because of its solid reputation and the AREDS 2 study, which showed its benefits in slowing the progression of AMD.
The first thing I noticed was how easy it was to incorporate into my daily routine.
The recommended dosage is two pills twice a day, and while they’re a bit large, I haven’t had any issues swallowing them with a glass of water.
However, one thing that might be off-putting for some is the fishy smell, likely from the Omega-3s in the formula. If you’re sensitive to smells like I am, you might find this aspect unpleasant, but I’ve found that storing the capsules separately from my other medications helps.
Pros of PreserVision AREDS 2
- Clinically Proven Formula: One of the biggest pros of PreserVision AREDS 2 is that it’s backed by research from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), conducted by the National Eye Institute. Knowing there’s scientific evidence behind it gave me a lot of confidence in choosing this product.
- Comprehensive Nutrient Profile: This supplement contains Lutein and Zeaxanthin, both of which are key for eye health, along with essential vitamins like Vitamin C and Vitamin E, plus zinc and copper. These nutrients have been shown to support eye health, especially in preventing the progression of AMD.
- Supports Dry Eyes: A surprising bonus for me has been a reduction in dry eye symptoms. I’ve noticed that after a couple of weeks of using PreserVision, I needed fewer eye drops throughout the day, likely due to the Omega-3s.
- Available Online: As I mentioned earlier, it’s easy to find and purchase PreserVision AREDS 2 on websites like Amazon. I appreciate the convenience, especially since it’s not always available in local stores.
Cons of PreserVision AREDS 2
- Strong Fishy Smell: The Omega-3s are beneficial, but they do give off a strong fishy odor that can be hard to get used to. I’ve had to store the pills away from my kitchen or medicine cabinet to avoid the smell spreading.
- Cost: PreserVision AREDS 2 isn’t cheap. It runs around $40 for a bottle, and while I do think it’s worth it for the eye health benefits, it’s an ongoing expense that adds up. This can be a consideration for those on a tight budget.
- No Immediate Results: If you’re expecting a quick fix, this isn’t it. The benefits of PreserVision AREDS 2 are more long-term, and for some, it may not seem like there’s much of a noticeable improvement in the short term. However, based on my experience, it’s more about preventing further damage than reversing what’s already happened.
Tips For PreserVision AREDS 2
When it comes to supplements, consistency is key, and the same goes for PreserVision AREDS 2. Here are a few tips that have helped me stick to my regimen and maintain the health of my eyes:
- Store in a cool, dry place: Keeping the pills in a cool, dry place will help preserve their potency. Avoid storing them in the bathroom where humidity can reduce the effectiveness of the nutrients.
- Take with food: I’ve found that taking these capsules with a meal helps prevent any mild nausea that sometimes comes from taking fish oil or zinc on an empty stomach.
- Use with UV protection: Along with taking PreserVision AREDS 2, I make sure to wear UV-protective sunglasses whenever I’m outdoors. Protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays is just as important as supplementing with vitamins.
Comparing PreserVision AREDS 2 To Other Brands
When it comes to eye supplements, there are several popular options on the market. While PreserVision AREDS 2 is my go-to choice for managing macular degeneration, I’ve also looked into other brands like Sight Care Supplement, Ocuvite Vitamins, and Nature’s Way Vision Vitamins. Here’s how PreserVision AREDS 2 stacks up against them:
- Sight Care Supplement
Sight Care Supplement is marketed as an all-around vision support supplement and is often recommended for general eye health.
It contains ingredients like Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Bilberry, which are also found in PreserVision AREDS 2.
However, Sight Care leans heavily on natural herbal extracts, claiming benefits for improved night vision and reduced eye strain.
While these are great for general eye maintenance, Sight Care lacks the clinical backing of the AREDS 2 study.
For someone with AMD or serious age-related eye concerns, PreserVision AREDS 2 offers more targeted support due to its formula specifically designed for macular health. Personally, I found that Sight Care didn’t focus on the level of eye protection I needed.
- Ocuvite Vitamins
Another option from Bausch + Lomb, Ocuvite is more tailored to general eye health rather than specifically addressing age-related macular degeneration.
Ocuvite includes Lutein and Zeaxanthin, similar to PreserVision, but the main difference lies in its broader focus.
It’s great for supporting overall eye function, but it doesn’t have the specific clinical formulation backed by the AREDS 2 study, which is a key selling point of PreserVision AREDS 2.
If you’re simply looking to maintain general eye health and don’t have AMD or other serious concerns, Ocuvite might be sufficient.
However, if you’re like me and have macular degeneration or want to be proactive about it, PreserVision AREDS 2 is the better choice for specialized care.
- Nature’s Way Vision Vitamins
Nature’s Way Vision Vitamins offer a blend similar to PreserVision AREDS 2, with the addition of herbs like Bilberry and Marigold. While these ingredients are known to support vision, they’re not necessarily focused on preventing the progression of macular degeneration like the AREDS 2 formula.
Nature’s Way also includes antioxidants and other eye-friendly nutrients, but it lacks the targeted research behind it that makes PreserVision AREDS 2 so trusted for age-related eye health.
Personally, I found that Nature’s Way seemed more like a general health supplement with some vision benefits rather than a specialized solution. It might be helpful for people without specific eye conditions, but for those with AMD, I trust the evidence-based approach of PreserVision AREDS 2 more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For most people, PreserVision AREDS 2 is well tolerated, but some may experience mild side effects like nausea or an upset stomach, especially if taken on an empty stomach. The fishy smell from the Omega-3s can also be a deterrent for some users, though it’s not harmful. If you’re sensitive to fish oil or have any food allergies, you might want to consult your doctor before starting this supplement.
Based on both the AREDS 2 study and my personal experience, PreserVision AREDS 2 can slow the progression of AMD in those at risk for severe vision loss. However, it’s important to note that it’s not a cure and may not result in noticeable improvements in vision for everyone. It’s more about preventing further decline rather than improving existing conditions.
There is a misconception that AREDS 2 has been discontinued, but that’s not the case. The original AREDS formula has largely been replaced by the updated AREDS 2 formula, which swapped out beta-carotene for lutein and zeaxanthin to reduce the risk of lung cancer in smokers and former smokers. PreserVision AREDS 2 is still widely available.
People with allergies to fish or those who are on certain medications, like blood thinners, should be cautious when taking PreserVision AREDS 2 due to the Omega-3s. Additionally, those with chronic kidney disease should consult their doctor before taking this supplement due to the zinc content.
Conclusion: Is PreserVision AREDS 2 Worth It?
In my experience, PreserVision AREDS 2 has been a reliable addition to my daily routine. While it’s not a miracle cure, it provides peace of mind knowing that I’m doing everything I can to protect my eyes from further degeneration.
If you’re dealing with AMD or want to proactively support your eye health as you age, this is definitely a supplement worth considering. Remember to always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement, and if you decide to give PreserVision AREDS 2 a try, I recommend purchasing it online for convenience and cost savings.
Ultimately, while it may not be for everyone, especially those sensitive to smells or on a tight budget, the clinical support behind AREDS 2 makes it one of the best options for age-related eye health on the market today.
