Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS)

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) is a major research project that investigated how certain nutrients affect eye health, particularly in older adults at risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Conducted by the National Eye Institute, the study found that specific combinations of vitamins and minerals—especially antioxidants like vitamins C and E, zinc, and copper—can slow the progression of AMD. These findings have helped shape recommendations for dietary supplements to support eye health, especially for those at greater risk of vision loss due to aging.