AREDS 2 is a specific combination of six nutrients – vitamin C (500 mg), vitamin E (400 IU), lutein (10 mg), zeaxanthin (2 mg), zinc (80 mg) and copper (2 mg) – at the exact levels tested by the US National Eye Institute in the AREDS2 clinical trial. PreserVision AREDS 2 by Bausch + Lomb matches that formula precisely.

The original AREDS formula contained beta-carotene, which was later linked to a higher lung-cancer risk in smokers. AREDS 2 replaced the beta-carotene with lutein and zeaxanthin – two nutrients found naturally in the macula – keeping the protective benefit while making the formula safer for everyone, including smokers.

In people who already have intermediate AMD, or advanced AMD in one eye, the AREDS/AREDS2 formula was shown to reduce the risk of progression to advanced AMD by around 25% over five years. It won't cure AMD or reverse damage that's already happened – it's about helping to slow how the condition progresses. More on the research →

The evidence behind AREDS 2 comes from people who already have intermediate or advanced AMD – that's who it's designed for. It hasn't been shown to prevent AMD in healthy eyes, so it isn't a general "eye multivitamin". If you're not sure whether it's right for you, your optician is the best person to ask.

Yes – and that's actually why AREDS 2 was created. The original formula's beta-carotene was linked to a higher lung-cancer risk in smokers, so AREDS 2 removed it and uses lutein and zeaxanthin instead. That makes it suitable for smokers and ex-smokers, though it's always worth a quick word with your GP.

AREDS 2 is generally very well tolerated. The most common niggle is mild stomach upset, usually when it's taken on an empty stomach – splitting the dose (one with breakfast, one with your evening meal) normally sorts it. The zinc level is high, so if you take other zinc supplements or regular medication, check with your GP or pharmacist first, and stop and seek advice if you notice anything unusual.

Yes. Every pack is authentic, sealed PreserVision AREDS 2 by Bausch + Lomb – the real thing, in its original packaging. We never sell fakes, repacks or grey-market stock.

The standard PreserVision AREDS 2 soft gels contain gelatin, so they aren't suitable for vegetarians or vegans. If you need a vegetarian option, email us at enquiries@areds2shop.co.uk before ordering and we'll let you know what we can do.

Two soft gels a day, taken with food – typically one with breakfast and one with your evening meal. Always follow the directions on the pack.

Either is fine – the important thing is to take it with food, as the nutrients (especially lutein and zeaxanthin) are absorbed better alongside a meal containing a little fat. Many people take one soft gel in the morning and one in the evening to spread the dose and keep it gentle on the stomach.

AREDS 2 isn't something you'll "feel" working. It's about lowering the risk of AMD progressing over time, so it's designed to be taken every day, long term – and it won't restore vision that's already been lost. Your optician can advise on how long to continue in your case.

Usually yes – but because the zinc dose is therapeutic, it's worth checking with your GP or pharmacist first, especially if you already take a multivitamin, a zinc supplement, or any regular medication.

Yes – free Royal Mail Tracked delivery on every UK order, whatever the size. No minimum spend.

We dispatch orders twice a week, and most parcels arrive within 2–4 working days of dispatch via Royal Mail Tracked. You'll receive a tracking number by email as soon as yours is on its way.

No. We hold all our stock here in the UK and ship domestically, so there are no customs charges or import fees – the price you see at checkout is all you pay.

If it hasn't been dispatched yet, yes – email us as soon as you can at enquiries@areds2shop.co.uk with your order number and we'll do our best. Once it's shipped, it falls under our returns policy instead.

As soon as your order is dispatched we'll email you a Royal Mail tracking number, so you can follow it right to your door.

We accept returns on unopened, unused items in their original packaging within 30 days of delivery. For hygiene reasons we can't accept opened health supplements back. If anything's wrong with your order, get in touch and we'll put it right.

Sorry about that. Email us at enquiries@areds2shop.co.uk with your order number (and a quick photo if it's damaged) and we'll arrange a replacement or refund straight away.

Email us any time at enquiries@areds2shop.co.uk – we aim to reply within one working day (Monday to Friday). You can also use our contact page.