Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. There are three stages of AMD: early, intermediate, and late. AMD can also be described as “wet” or “dry.” The late stage of dry AMD is a condition called geographic atrophy (GA).

Although there’s no cure for AMD, two major clinical trials — AREDS and AREDS2 — showed that supplements can slow down AMD. These supplements are most effective for people who have early or intermediate AMD. In late-stage AMD or GA that affects one eye, they can also help prevent the condition from progressing in the other eye. Unfortunately, AREDS supplements can’t reverse eye damage.

You can find supplements labeled “AREDS formula” or “AREDS 2 formula” in a drugstore. Just be sure to talk to your doctor before taking them. Here’s more information about what they contain.

1. Vitamin A

Vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy vision. It helps translate light into nerve signals that the brain interprets as images. Vitamin A is essential for the health of cells called photoreceptors in the retina that help you see in low-light conditions. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to night blindness.

Vitamin A is essential for the health of cells in the retina that help you see in low-light conditions.

Vitamin A can be found in:

• Carrots
• Sweet potatoes
• Dark leafy greens (such as spinach and kale)
• Fish (specifically herring and salmon)
• Beef liver
• Dairy products (such as milk and cheese)
• Eggs

Ideally, most of your vitamin A should come from food. High doses of vitamin A in supplements can be toxic.

2. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect the eyes from harm caused by oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a significant factor in AMD, as it can damage the cells in the retina. Vitamin C helps keep the blood vessels in the eyes healthy and supports the retina’s blood supply.

At the right dosage, vitamin C can help slow vision loss and prevent AMD from progressing.

The AREDS and AREDS2 age-related eye disease studies showed that daily supplements containing 500 milligrams of vitamin C (along with other antioxidants) slowed AMD progression in people with intermediate or advanced AMD. These results show that supplements with vitamin C can help slow vision loss and prevent the progression to GA.

Vitamin C can be found in foods like:

• Citrus fruits
• Bell peppers
• Berries
• Tomatoes
• Certain green vegetables (broccoli, spinach, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts)
• Potatoes

Including these foods in your daily diet can help ensure you get enough vitamin C to support your eye health.

3. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect the eyes from oxidative damage, which happens when harmful molecules damage cells. The AREDS studies showed that supplements with vitamin E can help support eye health.

The test supplements included 400 international units (IU) of vitamin E. AREDS formulas reduced AMD progression from intermediate to advanced (including GA) by about 25 percent. Although vitamin E alone may not be enough to prevent AMD, it works with other nutrients to keep your eyes healthy.

You can get vitamin E in foods such as:

• Nuts and seeds (almonds, sunflower seeds, and peanuts)
• Spinach and collard greens
• Avocados
• Mangoes
• Pumpkin

Adding these foods to your diet can help ensure you’re getting enough vitamin E for healthy eyes. If you’re thinking about taking vitamin E supplements, make sure to follow the recommended dosage. High doses can have side effects, especially for people who have heart disease or diabetes or take blood thinners.

4. Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that keeps the retina healthy. It’s involved in many processes essential for vision. For example, zinc transports vitamin A from the liver to the retina, where it’s used to produce melanin, a protective pigment in the eyes.

The AREDS studies highlighted the importance of zinc for AMD progression. Participants who took zinc and copper supplements were 25 percent to 30 percent less likely to develop forms of advanced AMD than those who took a placebo. A placebo is a pill with no active ingredients, used in studies to see if the real treatment makes a difference.

You can get zinc in:

• Oysters
• Beef and poultry
• Pumpkin seeds

High doses of zinc can also cause side effects like an upset stomach and trouble absorbing copper.

5. Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids — pigments found in high concentrations in the retina. These nutrients act as natural filters. They absorb harmful blue light and protect the eyes from oxidative damage. They are often called “eye vitamins” because of their critical role in vision health.

The AREDS2 study found that adding 10 milligrams of lutein and 2 milligrams of zeaxanthin to the AREDS supplement provided additional benefits for people with AMD, especially for those with low levels of these carotenoids in their diet.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are often referred to as “eye vitamins” because of their critical role in vision health.

Lutein and zeaxanthin have been shown to improve visual performance. Studies show they specifically help slow the progression of GA.

Foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin include:

• Leafy greens like kale and spinach
• Egg yolks
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Peppers
• Zucchini

If you can’t get enough of these two nutrients in your diet, you might consider taking a supplement. However, it’s always best to check with your doctor first.

6. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential components of cell membranes in the retina. One form, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is especially vital for AMD. These fatty acids help reduce inflammation, which supports overall health.

Including omega-3s in your diet can contribute to your eye and overall health. It may be more beneficial to get omega-3s through food rather than supplements.

Foods with omega-3 fatty acids include:

• Fatty fish (such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines)
• Flaxseed
• Walnuts

If you don’t eat enough of these foods, you might consider omega-3 supplements like fish oil or algae oil. However, be sure to first check with your healthcare provider because omega-3s can interact with certain medications like blood thinners.

7. Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps reduce inflammation, which can play a big part in how AMD develops and gets worse. Some research suggests that people with low levels of vitamin D may have an increased risk of developing AMD, although more studies are needed to confirm this link.

Vitamin D is made in the skin in response to sunlight, but it can also be found in food. It’s an essential nutrient for your eyes and the rest of your body.

You can get vitamin D by eating:

• Fatty fish (such as salmon and tuna)
• Fortified dairy products (including many milk and dairy alternatives)
• Egg yolks
• Beef liver

If you spend little time in the sun or find it difficult to get enough vitamin D from your diet, you may need a dietary supplement. Your healthcare provider can order a blood test to check your levels and make recommendations.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myAMDteam, people share their experiences with age-related macular degeneration, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you talked to your doctor about vitamin supplements for geographic atrophy? Share your thoughts in the comments below.