TWO-IN-ONE FORMULA HELPS AMD PATIENTS SIMPLIFY VITAMIN REGIMEN

IN THE AREDS2 clinical study, it was found that 90% of participants who took an AREDS supplement, recommended by the National Eye Institute (NEI) for AMD, also took a multivitamin. Knowing this, Bausch + Lomb created a product to help provide patients with moderate to advanced AMD the convenience of a two-in-one product. As a practitioner, creating convenience aids my patients in adhering to their vitamin therapy to help reduce their risk of disease progression.

OVERVIEW

PreserVision eye vitamins follow the same formula as that used in the AREDS and AREDS2 clinical studies conducted by the NEI. The NEI recommends people with moderate to advanced AMD take a supplement that has a specific combination of antioxidants and zinc. The PreserVision AREDS 2 Formula + Multivitamin includes that combination in a formula with 22 total vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, giving the additional benefit of a typical daily multivitamin. Further, the product is beta-carotene free (safe for current or former smokers) and includes Vitamin D to help meet the needs of the typically older (ages 60+) AREDS vitamin user.

TALKING TO PATIENTS

Patients who have been diagnosed with AMD can experience confusion when deciding which supplement to take, since there are so many vitamin offerings. To prevent this, keep it simple when explaining the product’s benefits, and see whether they ask for more information. I always begin by explaining that, in addition to a healthy diet and exercise, a first step to helping to slow the progression of the disease is with a daily AREDS2 supplement. I explain that this convenient two-in-one formula combines the benefits of PreserVision AREDS 2 Formula plus a daily multivitamin, making it simpler to take your supplements by reducing both the number of pills taken each day and the different bottles needed. I recommend this patented product by name specifically.

PROVIDE RELIEF

I have found that the combination of a multivitamin and AREDS2 supplement can eliminate a barrier to patient compliance and, thereby, aid patients in adhering to their vitamin therapy so they can help reduce their risk of progression. Prescribing the appropriate clinical management that AMD requires, while providing patients with a convenient option available online and in drugstores nationwide, establishes a level of trust that can increase the likelihood of these patients adhering to follow-up testing and care. A win for all involved. OM

DR. GERSON practices at Grin Eyecare in Olathe, Kan., a full-scope combined O.D./M.D. practice. Email him at jgerson@hotmail.com or visit tinyurl.com/OMcomment to comment on this article.