The contents of this article are informational only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. This editorial presents the views and experiences of the author and does not reflect the opinions or recommendations of the publisher of Optometry 360.

A new supplement (PreserVision^® AREDS3; Bausch + Lomb, Bridgewater, NJ) that combines the nutrients in AREDS2 (PreserVision AREDS2) with a B-vitamin complex has recently become available, and a clinical trial is planned.¹ The addition of B vitamins to the new formula is intended to support cellular metabolism and maintain healthy levels of homocysteine, a non-proteinogenic amino acid that can harm ocular health when present at high levels.^2-6 Accordingly, the new formula may benefit a wider range of patients than AREDS2, such as those with early-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD).¹

Given the common usage of multivitamins among US adults,^7,8 practical guidance is warranted regarding the coadministration of AREDS3 with multivitamins. Here, we describe the rationale for the inclusion of B vitamins in AREDS3, discuss safety considerations for use of AREDS3 in combination with a multivitamin, and provide clinical guidance for coadministration.