PreserVision Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

Written by Beth Johnston, BCPS, PharmD
Medically Reviewed by Patricia Weiser, PharmD on January 16, 2026

PreserVision products are vitamin/mineral supplements used to support eye health. They are formulated to deliver a specific nutrient combination that may help protect vision in some people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). They are typically used to supplement a healthy diet, with or without a multivitamin, when dietary intake might not be enough.

PreserVision products are for adults.

PreserVision products contain a mix of vitamins and minerals. See the table below to learn what each ingredient does.

IngredientsRole in the Eye
Lutein & Zeaxanthin**These nutrients help protect your eyes against sun damage and blue light from screens. It is often used to help reduce the risk of certain eye conditions, including AMD.
Vitamin A (beta carotene)*Vitamin A (beta-carotene) helps maintain healthy vision and is often used to help reduce the risk of certain eye conditions, including AMD.
Vitamin C and EThese vitamins are antioxidants, which means they help fight off harmful compounds (called free radicals) that can damage eye cells over time.
Zinc and CopperZinc helps your body use other vitamins and creates a pigment (melanin) in your eyes. Copper is included because taking high doses of zinc requires copper to keep your body balanced.

* Only included in the original PreserVision AREDS formula.
** Included in the PreserVision AREDS2 formulas as a replacement for vitamin A (beta-carotene).

PreserVision products are generally safe. But some people may have mild, nonserious side effects, especially when first starting the supplement. These often go away with continued use. These side effects include the following.

  • Mild stomach upset or nausea
  • Constipation or diarrhea

PreserVision products should be taken with food. This will help you absorb them well. Taking them with food may also help reduce the risk of an upset stomach.

Stop using the supplement if you develop a rash or hives. Get medical help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your health care provider before taking any PreserVision products.

PreserVision products may come as soft gels, mini soft gels, and chewable tablets. If you are taking a chewable tablet, chew it completely before swallowing. You should not swallow them whole.

PreserVision products contain zinc. Zinc can reduce the amount of copper that your body absorbs from things you eat. To reduce your risk of having low copper levels, PreserVision products also contain copper. If you are concerned about your copper levels or not sure if you are getting enough copper in your diet, talk to your health care provider.

The PreserVision AREDS product contains beta-carotene, which may carry risks for certain people. If you are a current or previous smoker, talk to your eye health care provider before taking a PreserVision product that has beta-carotene in it.

It is common for people to take a PreserVision product along with a multivitamin. Most PreserVision products do not have typical vitamins and minerals used in many multivitamins. There is one PreserVision product — AREDS2 + Multivitamin — that also contains a multivitamin.

There may be side effects, additional warnings, and interactions with other medicines that are not listed here. These may vary depending on the combination of ingredients in the specific PreserVision product you are using. Always check the label before taking any over-the-counter medicine. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your health conditions and other medicines to help determine which products are safe for you.

Different PreserVision products are available, including either the AREDS2 or the original AREDS nutrient formula. Use the table below or ask your eye care professional to help you find the best product that matches your specific needs.

ProductProduct Considerations
PreserVision AREDS
  • Available in soft gels
  • Not recommended for current or former smokers because it has beta-carotene in it
PreserVision AREDS Lutein
  • Available in soft gels
  • Safe option for current or former smokers because it contains lutein instead of beta-carotene
PreserVision AREDS2
  • Available in soft gels (vegan option), mini soft gels, and chewable tablets (mixed berry flavor)
  • Safe option for current or former smokers because it contains lutein instead of beta-carotene
PreserVision AREDS2 + CoQ10
  • Available in soft gels
  • Safe option for current or former smokers because it contains lutein instead of beta-carotene
  • Also contains CoQ10
PreserVision AREDS2 + Multivitamin
  • Available in soft gels
  • Safe option for current or former smokers because it contains lutein instead of beta-carotene
  • Also contains vitamins and minerals present in daily multivitamins