Eye Vitamins

Clinical Background

Antioxidants can prevent cellular damage in the retina by limiting the harmful effects of the oxygen free radicals, and thereby benefit those individuals susceptible to age-related eye disease, as shown in a large, well-designed 10-year study, AREDS, conducted by the United States National Eye Institute¹. This trial showed that a nutritional supplement containing beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, and zinc, all with antioxidant properties, significantly reduced the risk of developing advanced AMD in some individuals. This supplement was provided by Bausch & Lomb, and is currently available in the UK under the brand name PreserVision. The new soft gel products, PreserVision Original and PreserVision Lutein, are both developed from this formulation*. The soft gel form increases the likelihood of compliance, since the daily intake of two soft gels is easy to swallow and is more economical than the tablets.

PreserVision Original provides high levels of the anti-oxidants beta-carotene**, vitamin C and vitamin E and zinc in a combination that may benefit individuals prone to age-related deterioration of eye health.

PreserVision Lutein is an advanced formulation containing the same combination of vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc as PreserVision Original, but with the beta-carotene replaced by Lutein. Lutein, which occurs naturally in the retina, is believed to function both as an antioxidant and a filter of harmful blue light. PreserVision Lutein can be recommended to all patients, including smokers.

 

Daily dosage	PreserVision Original Soft Gels (2 per day)	PreserVision Lutein Soft Gels (2 per day)	PreserVision*** Tablets (4 per day)
Formulation

 

* The levels quoted on the product labeling can be directly compared with those listed in the NEI study report. The product formulation is designed to achieve appropriate potency at the expiry date, reflecting the fact that ingredients are expected to degrade during the shelf life. Therefore, although the study report shows slightly different quantities of ingredients, the tablets contain the actual formulation tested in the study.

** Beta-carotene should not be taken by smokers or ex-smokers

***The product formerly known as ‘Ocuvite PreserVision’ has now been re-branded as ‘PreserVision’.

The Research Programme behind the PreserVision Formula

A large-scale, 10-year prospective study conducted by the National Eye Institute in the United States tracked eye health in over 4,000 subjects aged 55-80. This landmark study¹ (AREDS) showed that individuals with moderate to high risk of macular deterioration may benefit from taking high doses of specific antioxidant vitamins and zinc.

The findings, published in the Archives of Ophthalmology in 2001¹, reported that the highest risk group taking the complete formulation benefited from a slower progression of macular degeneration by 25% and a significant reduction by 19% in rates of visual acuity loss.

This successful formula was provided by Bausch & Lomb and is the basis for the ingredients of the PreserVision range.

Why is it important to take Preservision?*

Successfully tested formulation

• Bausch & Lomb PreserVision is a high-potency antioxidant supplement, developed from a formulation successfully proven in a landmark 10-year eye health study, the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS)¹. PreserVision can help preserve eye health in individuals susceptible to age-related changes
• PreserVision provides antioxidant levels above those found in multivitamins, at a level not easily achievable through a balanced diet.

Endorsed by leading eye specialists in the UK

• PreserVision was the only supplement endorsed by leading ophthalmologists in their report on dietary supplements in macular health^2,3.

2 affordable, easy-to-swallow softgels per day

• Easy to swallow softgels
• Only 1 softgel twice a day
• Priced to be affordable at 50p per day

Improved likelihood of enhanced quality of life

• Vision loss is not only associated with functional problems but also with a higher than normal risk of lower morale, depression, social isolation, reduced feelings of self-esteem, diminished emotional security and low levels of social interaction4. It is likely, therefore, that proactively taking steps to prevent further loss of your vision will put you more in control of your condition, resulting in a decreased propensity for depression.
  

 

*PreserVision is not listed in Part XVIIIA of the NHS drug tariff, and therefore can be prescribed. PreserVision is reimbursed by certain PCTs, and your health care practitioner should check with your local PCT to confirm reimbursement. 

1 Age-Related Eye Disease Study Group. A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of high-dose supplementation with vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and zinc for age-related macular degeneration and vision loss: AREDS report no. 8. Arch Ophthalmology 2001 Oct; 119(10):1417-36

2 Pearce I; Dietary Supplements in AMD: Royal College of Ophthalmologists Focus, Issue 30, 2004

3 Arora S., Musadiq M., Mukherji,S., Young,Y.C. Eye nutrient products for Age-Related Macular Degeneration: What do they contain? Eye 2004: 18: 470-473

4 Branch, L.G., Horowitz, A., and Carr, C. (1989): "The implications for everyday life of incident self-reported visual decline among people over age 65 living in the community. Gerontologist, 29 359-365.