AREDS2 eye vitamins are a daily supplement made for macular health. The formula comes from two large US studies, and it is sold in Australia under several brand names, including Macutec and MDEyes.
They are not for everyone, though. Here’s who they suit, what is in them, and how Macutec and MDEyes compare.
What are AREDS2 eye vitamins?
AREDS stands for the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, run by the US National Eye Institute. AREDS2 was the follow-up study, and the AREDS2 formula is the updated mix of vitamins and minerals it tested.
The AREDS2 formula uses these nutrients:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Lutein
- Zeaxanthin
- Zinc
- Copper
The older AREDS formula used beta-carotene instead of lutein and zeaxanthin. AREDS2 swapped it out.
What did the AREDS studies find?
According to the National Eye Institute:
- Taking AREDS or AREDS2 supplements reduced the risk of progression from intermediate to advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by about 25 per cent.
- They do not prevent AMD from starting.
- They have no effect on cataracts.
- Omega-3 supplements had no effect on AMD or cataracts.
- Current and former smokers should take the AREDS2 formula and avoid the older formula with beta-carotene, which increases lung cancer risk.
Who should take AREDS2 eye vitamins?
The Macular Disease Foundation Australia says you may benefit from AREDS2 supplements if you have:
- intermediate stage AMD in one or both eyes, or
- late stage AMD (dry or wet) in one eye only.
The Foundation says they are not recommended if you do not have AMD, if you only have early signs of AMD, or if you have late stage AMD in both eyes. AREDS2 supplements are not a cure and cannot reverse damage already done.
So the first step is an eye test. Your optometrist can tell you whether you have AMD and what stage it is, and whether AREDS2 vitamins make sense for you.
Questions to ask your optometrist about AREDS2 vitamins
You don’t need a referral to see an optometrist in Australia, and healthdirect notes that Medicare covers eye tests by optometrists for permanent residents. Take these questions with you.
- Do I have AMD, and is it in one eye or both?
- What stage is it: early, intermediate or late?
- Would an AREDS2 supplement suit me, given the other medicines I take?
- How often should I come back for a check?
- Should I be using an Amsler grid at home to watch for changes?
When to get your eyes checked straight away
AMD is usually painless, so you may not feel anything as your vision changes. Healthdirect says to make an appointment with an eye doctor right away if you notice:
- blurry vision
- straight lines starting to look wavy or bent
- difficulty recognising faces
- needing more light to read or see clearly
- reduced night vision
Healthdirect also lists the main risk factors as older age, smoking and family history, and says about 1 in 7 people over 50 show signs of AMD.
Macutec vs MDEyes: what is in each
Both list the same nutrients in the same amounts in each daily capsule:
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): 500 mg
- Vitamin E (dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate): 400 mg, which is 400 IU
- Lutein: 10 mg
- Zeaxanthin: 2 mg
- Zinc (from zinc oxide): 25 mg
- Copper: 2 mg
Neither has beta-carotene, which matters if you smoke or used to. The main AREDS2 formula used 80 mg of zinc. Macutec and MDEyes both list 25 mg. The AREDS2 trial also tested a lower zinc dose and found no apparent effect on progression to advanced AMD.
The differences are in how they are packed and what they cost per day.
Macutec Once Daily
One capsule a day with your evening meal. A bottle of 120 capsules is $75, which lasts about four months and works out at about 63 cents a day. See Macutec Once Daily.
MDEyes
One capsule a day with food. Each packet holds 28 blister-sealed capsules, which is four weeks. See MDEyes.
- 1 packet (28 capsules): $23.95, about 86 cents a day
- 3 packets (84 capsules): $71.85, about 86 cents a day
- 6 packets (168 capsules): $136.50, about 81 cents a day
- 12 packets (336 capsules): $258.65, about 77 cents a day, and close to a year’s supply
How long do you take AREDS2 eye vitamins?
Both labels say one capsule a day, with no starting course, and MDEyes says to take it on an ongoing basis. Because it is every day, the bigger packs cost less per day.
- One bottle of Macutec covers about four months.
- Twelve packets of MDEyes cover close to a year.
Set a reorder reminder for a couple of weeks before you run out, so you do not have gaps.
Lutein and zeaxanthin: are they the same as AREDS2?
No. Lutein and zeaxanthin are two of the six nutrients in the AREDS2 formula. You will see lutein sold on its own, but a lutein-only supplement is not the AREDS2 formula. If AREDS2 is what your optometrist has suggested, check the label for all six nutrients and the amounts.
AREDS2 eye vitamins vs dry eye supplements
These are easy to mix up, but they do different jobs. AREDS2 vitamins are made for macular health and contain no omega-3. The dry eye supplements we stock are built on omega-3 fish oil. The National Eye Institute found omega-3 had no effect on AMD, and the Macular Disease Foundation Australia says there is a lack of good evidence for omega-3 supplements in AMD compared with eating fish.
If dry eyes are the problem, read our guide to dry eye supplements in Australia.
Who should check with a doctor before taking AREDS2 eye vitamins
- Anyone taking other medicines or supplements. The Macular Disease Foundation Australia notes that some vitamins can interfere with certain medications.
- Anyone pregnant or breastfeeding. MDEyes is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Anyone under 18, for MDEyes.
- Anyone already taking vitamin C, vitamin E or zinc in another product. Add up the totals.
If you notice any new or unusual symptoms after starting a supplement, contact your eye health professional.
AREDS2 eye vitamin questions
Do AREDS2 vitamins prevent macular degeneration?
No. The National Eye Institute and the Macular Disease Foundation Australia both say they do not prevent AMD from starting.
Can I take AREDS2 vitamins if I smoke?
The National Eye Institute says current and former smokers should choose AREDS2, not the older AREDS formula with beta-carotene. Macutec and MDEyes are both beta-carotene free.
Is Macutec the same as MDEyes?
They list the same six nutrients in the same amounts. They differ in pack size, price per day and dosing instructions (Macutec says to take it with your evening meal).
Can I take AREDS2 vitamins with a dry eye supplement?
Check with your pharmacist or optometrist first. Macutec and MDEyes contain 400 mg of vitamin E, and some dry eye supplements, such as DRYeye Forte, add vitamin E too, so add up the totals.
Buy AREDS2 eye vitamins online in Australia
We ship anywhere in Australia. Because these are taken every day, the bigger packs work out cheapest per day.
- Macutec Once Daily, 120 capsules, $75, about four months
- MDEyes, 12 packets (336 capsules), $258.65, close to a year
- MDEyes, 6 packets (168 capsules), $136.50, about six months
Browse all our eye supplements.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional.
