AREDS

AREDS stands for Age-Related Eye Disease Study, a large research project that investigated how certain vitamins and minerals can help reduce the risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts, which can impair vision in older adults. The study found that a specific supplement formula containing antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, and beta-carotene (or lutein and zeaxanthin as alternatives) can slow the progression of AMD in people with intermediate or advanced stages of the disease. These findings guide doctors in recommending nutritional supplements to help protect eye health in at-risk populations.