Preservision Original Soft Gel Capsules – Pack of 60

What Are PreserVision Eye Vitamins and How Can They Help?

If you've been told you have age-related macular degeneration (AMD), you may have heard your eye specialist mention nutritional support. PreserVision eye vitamins — specifically the PreserVision Original Soft Gel Capsules from Bausch and Lomb — are one of the most clinically recognised options available over the counter in the UK. Each pack contains 60 easy-to-swallow soft gel capsules, providing a month's supply at the standard dosing schedule. Priced at £13.99, they offer a straightforward way to incorporate evidence-based nutritional support into your daily routine. You can browse the full range of eye health products in our eye care collection.

AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in people over 50 in the UK. The macula — the central part of the retina — gradually deteriorates, affecting your ability to read, recognise faces, and see fine detail. While there is no cure, research suggests that specific antioxidant nutrients may help slow progression in people with intermediate or advanced AMD in one eye.

How Do PreserVision Original Capsules Work?

The formulation is based on the landmark Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), a large clinical trial funded by the US National Eye Institute. The study found that a specific combination of antioxidant vitamins and minerals was associated with a reduced risk of AMD progression in certain patients. PreserVision Original replicates this AREDS formula. Here's how each ingredient contributes:

• Vitamin C (500 mg): An antioxidant that helps protect retinal cells from oxidative damage caused by light exposure.
• Vitamin E (400 IU): Works alongside Vitamin C to neutralise free radicals in ocular tissue.
• Beta-carotene (15 mg): A precursor to Vitamin A, supporting photoreceptor function in the retina.
• Zinc (80 mg as zinc oxide): Plays a role in transporting Vitamin A from the liver to the retina and may help maintain pigment in the macula.
• Copper (2 mg as cupric oxide): Included to prevent copper deficiency that can occur with high-dose zinc supplementation.

Together, these nutrients work to reduce oxidative stress in the retina — a key driver of AMD progression.

Who Should Consider Using PreserVision Original Capsules?

These capsules are specifically intended for adults who have been diagnosed with AMD, particularly those at intermediate or advanced stages. They are not a general-purpose multivitamin and are not intended to prevent AMD in people who do not already have the condition. Your ophthalmologist or optometrist may recommend them as part of your ongoing management plan. They are suitable for:

• Adults diagnosed with intermediate AMD in one or both eyes
• Adults with advanced AMD (such as geographic atrophy or wet AMD) in one eye
• People who have been advised by an eye specialist to follow an AREDS-based supplement regimen
• Non-smokers and non-ex-smokers (due to the beta-carotene content — see below)

They are not suitable for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women without medical advice, or individuals with known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.

How Does PreserVision Original Compare to PreserVision AREDS2?

Is PreserVision Original Safe to Store and Use Long-Term?

Storage is straightforward. Keep the capsules below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight, and out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack. Because these are intended for long-term daily use, it's worth keeping a consistent supply — you can find these and other nutritional products in our vitamins and supplements collection.

One important safety note: because PreserVision Original contains beta-carotene, it is not suitable for current smokers or ex-smokers. Studies have shown that high-dose beta-carotene supplementation is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer in this group. If you smoke or have smoked, speak to your eye specialist about the AREDS2 formulation instead.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is PreserVision Original and What Is It Used For?

PreserVision Original Soft Gel Capsules are a nutritional supplement formulated by Bausch and Lomb to support eye health in adults with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a progressive condition affecting the macula — the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. It is the leading cause of sight loss in people over 50 in the UK, according to the NHS. These capsules are not a treatment that reverses AMD, but the AREDS clinical evidence suggests they may help slow its progression in people who already have intermediate or advanced disease. They are taken orally and are available without a prescription.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using PreserVision Original?

Before starting these capsules, it's important to understand who should and shouldn't use them. Always read the label carefully and consult your pharmacist or GP if you are unsure.

Do not use PreserVision Original if you:

• Are a current smoker or ex-smoker — beta-carotene supplementation has been linked to increased lung cancer risk in this group
• Are allergic to any of the ingredients, including soya (the capsule shell may contain soya-derived components)
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless advised by a doctor — high-dose Vitamin A precursors require medical supervision in pregnancy
• Are under 18 years of age
• Have been diagnosed with conditions affecting zinc or copper metabolism

Potential interactions to be aware of:

• Avoid taking alongside other multivitamins or supplements containing zinc, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, or beta-carotene — combining these could exceed safe upper intake levels
• High-dose zinc may reduce the absorption of certain antibiotics (e.g. tetracyclines and quinolones) — take at least two hours apart if relevant
• Speak to your pharmacist if you are taking anticoagulants such as warfarin, as high-dose Vitamin E may affect clotting

How Should You Use PreserVision Original Capsules?

Always follow the dosage instructions on the pack or as directed by your eye specialist. These capsules are designed for consistent daily use — skipping doses regularly may reduce their potential benefit over time.

1. Take two soft gel capsules in the morning with your breakfast or a main meal.
2. Take a further two soft gel capsules in the evening with food.
3. Swallow each capsule whole with a full glass of water.
4. Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules.
5. Continue daily as part of your long-term eye health routine, unless advised otherwise by your doctor.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of PreserVision Original?

As with any supplement, some people may experience unwanted effects. Most are mild and resolve on their own. If you experience anything severe or persistent, stop taking the capsules and seek medical advice promptly.

Common side effects:

• Nausea or stomach discomfort, particularly if taken on an empty stomach
• Yellowing or slight orange tint to the skin (carotenodermia) — harmless and reversible, caused by beta-carotene
• Changes in urine colour (may appear darker due to riboflavin-related excretion)

Less common side effects:

• Headache
• Diarrhoea or loose stools, particularly with high zinc intake
• Metallic taste in the mouth
• Reduced copper absorption with prolonged high-dose zinc use (copper is included in the formula to offset this)

If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction — such as rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing — stop immediately and seek urgent medical attention.

How Should You Store PreserVision Original Capsules?

Correct storage helps maintain the quality and effectiveness of the capsules throughout their shelf life. If you're managing multiple supplements or medicines at home, it's worth keeping everything organised and clearly labelled. You might also find it helpful to explore our wider range of vitamins and supplements for complementary products.

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Store in the original packaging with the lid tightly closed
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack
• Do not store in the bathroom or near a heat source