Bausch + Lomb Announces Published Review Examining the Role of B Vitamins in Reducing Risk and Progression of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

• Drawing on more than two decades of scientific evidence, a comprehensive review synthesizes more than 20 human studies highlighting the potential role of certain B vitamins in supporting eye health to help protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• PreserVision AREDS3™ eye vitamins combine a unique B-vitamin complex with clinically proven AREDS2 nutrients, intended to expand eye-health support to a broad range of people*
• PreserVision AREDS3 eye vitamins enhanced with B vitamins are now available in the U.S. and are expected to be at most major retailers by June 2026
• The strength of this body of evidence has initiated planning for a long-term clinical trial to evaluate this B-vitamin complex combined with AREDS2 nutrients

VAUGHAN, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bausch + Lomb Corporation (NYSE/TSX: BLCO), a leading global eye health company dedicated to helping people see better to live better, today announced that Ophthalmology and Therapy published a narrative review highlighting the role of certain B vitamins in reducing the risk of development and progression of AMD¹, a leading cause of vision loss in Americans 50 years of age or older.²

Drawing on more than two decades of scientific research, the publication synthesizes findings from more than 20 human studies evaluating nearly 30,000 individuals, spanning randomized clinical trials and large observational cohorts, as well as mechanistic and biomarker studies. Across a range of diverse studies assessing different B vitamins, combinations and concentrations, this article discusses the complex relationships between B-vitamin deficiency, elevated homocysteine, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and AMD pathogenesis. Collectively, the research shows that B vitamins play an important role in helping to lower the risk of AMD and supporting eye health. This body of evidence provides a solid scientific basis for including B vitamins in nutritional supplements designed for people with AMD, with a long‑term clinical trial for a unique B‑vitamin complex now in planning.

“Scientific evidence shows that AMD develops through a combination of oxidative stress, impaired mitochondrial function and chronic inflammation,” said Julie Poteet, OD, MS, CNS, FOWNS, and co-author of the paper. “The data reviewed in this paper suggest that some B vitamins may play a critical role in regulating homocysteine, a compound linked to retinal damage and increased AMD risk. Collectively, these findings support B-vitamin supplementation in offering additional protective benefits, especially for patients with early AMD.”

Key clinical insights from the paper:

• Women’s Antioxidant and Folic Acid Cardiovascular Study (WAFACS) demonstrated a 34% reduction in AMD risk and a 41% reduction in visually significant AMD with daily supplementation of specific concentrations of B6 (50 mg), B9 (2.5 mg) and B12 (1 mg)¹
• AREDS and AREDS2 post-hoc analyses showed decreased risk of progression to geographic atrophy and neovascular AMD with higher dietary intake of B6 and B9¹
• The Blue Mountains Eye Study and Alienor Study linked low serum B12 and B9 levels to increased AMD incidence and progression, highlighting the importance of maintaining adequate B vitamin levels¹
• Across epidemiologic, mechanistic and randomized clinical trial data, findings consistently show that B vitamin levels and function are closely tied to both AMD risk and disease progression¹

“This publication demonstrates that nutritional supplementation plays a key role in helping reduce the risk of AMD. It also underscores our commitment to science-driven innovation,” said John Ferris, president, Consumer, Bausch + Lomb. “Through clinical research and collaboration with leading eye care professionals, we’re focused on finding ways to help support eye health for a broader population of individuals, including those with early-stage AMD. We are turning this strong existing evidence into action with the availability of PreserVision AREDS3 eye vitamins, enhanced with B vitamins.”

Ferris continued, “While the existing human evidence strongly supports action today, we are finalizing plans for a long-term clinical trial to advance the science further by evaluating this new formulation with patients. This approach ensures patients and clinicians have access to timely innovation now and through a planned long-term clinical trial that continues to elevate the standard of care.”

PreserVision AREDS3 eye vitamins are formulated to help support cellular metabolism, healthy homocysteine levels and the body’s natural response to oxidative stress, as well as help reduce the risk of moderate-to-advanced AMD progression.* Recent in vitro evidence indicates a synergistic effect on differential gene expression when combining AREDS2 nutrients with B vitamins.⁵ New genetic research also points to a link between B vitamins and AMD risk, reinforcing its inclusion in this next-generation PreserVision formula.⁵

PreserVision AREDS3 eye vitamins are now available in the U.S. and are expected to be available at most major retailers by June 2026.

About AMD
AMD is a progressive eye condition that impacts central vision and is a leading cause of blindness in adults 50 years of age and older. Early-stage AMD often does not present any symptoms or changes in vision, as symptoms usually appear gradually over time. This progressive condition can impact one or both eyes, causing people to have difficulty with daily activities like driving, reading or recognizing the faces of loved ones.⁴

About PreserVision AREDS 2 Formula Eye Vitamins
PreserVision AREDS 2 formula eye vitamins contain the exact NEI-recommended formula based on the AREDS2 study. The daily dose (two capsules) of PreserVision AREDS 2 Formula eye vitamins provides the exact same levels of all six clinically proven nutrients as the NEI supported formula: vitamin C (500mg), vitamin E (400 IU/180mg), lutein (10mg), zeaxanthin (2mg), zinc (80mg) and copper (2mg). For more information, visit www.preservision.com.

About the AREDS, AREDS2 and 10-Year Follow-on AREDS2 Study Results
The AREDS and AREDS2 studies are landmark clinical studies conducted over 20 years by the NEI. The AREDS study in 2001 demonstrated that taking a specific combination of antioxidants and zinc could help reduce the risk of progression of AMD in those with moderate to advanced AMD. In 2012, the NEI completed the AREDS2 study, which tested several changes to the formulation, such as adding omega-3 fatty acids, substituting lutein and zeaxanthin for beta-carotene, and/or reducing zinc. The current AREDS2 nutrient formula recommended by the NEI is the result of this study.

The NEI 10-Year Follow-on Study results evaluated the long-term results of participants who were involved in the AREDS2 study. Consisting of 3,882 people (6,351 study eyes) with moderate to advanced AMD over a 10-year period, the follow-on study further validates the original findings of the AREDS2 formulation with lutein and zeaxanthin, demonstrating an incremental reduction in risk of the progression to late-stage AMD.³

About Bausch + Lomb
Our mission is simple – we help people see better to live better, all over the world. For nearly two centuries we’ve evolved with the changing needs of patients and customers, and our commitment to innovation and improving the standard of care in eye health has never been stronger. From contact lenses to prescription products, over-the-counter options, surgical devices and more, we’re turning bold ideas into better outcomes through passion, perseverance and purpose. Learn more at www.bausch.com and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube.

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

1. Poteet J, Koetting C, Vakharia PS. Role of B Vitamins in Preventing the Development and Progression of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Ophthalmol Ther. Published Online December 7, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40123-025-01281-1. Accessed March 2, 2026.
2. American Academy of Ophthalmology. What is Macular Degeneration? https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/amd-macular-degeneration. Accessed March 2, 2026.
3. Chew EY, Clemons TE, Agrón E, et al. Long-term Outcomes of Adding Lutein/Zeaxanthin and ω-3 Fatty Acids to the AREDS Supplements on Age-Related Macular Degeneration Progression: AREDS2 Report 28. JAMA Ophthalmology. 2022;140(7):692–698. Published online June 2, 2022. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/fullarticle/2792855. Accessed March 25, 2026.
4. National Eye Institute. Age-Related Macular Degeneration. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/age-related-macular-degeneration. Accessed March 2, 2026.
5. 2026 Bausch + Lomb, Data on file.

AREDS and AREDS2 are registered trademarks of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
©2026 Bausch + Lomb.
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