PreserVision

PreserVision is a vitamin and mineral supplement that is used for treating age-related macular degeneration. While it cannot cure the condition, the medicine can slow the progression of macular degeneration and prevent it from worsening. PreserVision is available over the counter and comes in the form of tablets or soft gels. Possible side effects of PreserVision include fatigue, anemia, and upset stomach.

Ocuvite PreserVision -- Drug Information

What Is PreserVision?

Ocuvite^® PreserVision^® is a non-prescription vitamin and mineral supplement used to slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (also known as AMD or just macular degeneration). PreserVision is the supplement that was used in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). The AREDS study showed that this particular combination of vitamins and minerals helped preserve vision in people with macular degeneration.

(Click PreserVision Uses for more information on what PreserVision is used for, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes PreserVision?

PreserVision is made by Bausch & Lomb.

How Does PreserVision Work?

It is not known exactly how PreserVision works to slow the progression of macular degeneration. PreserVision contains antioxidant vitamins, which work by reducing oxidative damage. Oxidation is a normal chemical reaction in the body that produces free radicals. Free radicals cause damage, and antioxidants work by slowing or preventing oxidation (or by removing free radicals). It is thought that some of the damage to the eye due to macular degeneration is caused by oxidative damage, and PreserVision helps to slow that damage.

Copper is included in PreserVision in order to prevent copper-deficiency anemia, a side effect of high zinc dosages.

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