Q. Its been recommended that I take vitamins for my eyes to help prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Are all supplements labeled “AREDS2 formula” the same? Can you offer any guidance on selecting the best supplement?

A. Allen Taylor, director of Tufts’ HNRCA Laboratory for Nutrition and Vision Research, responds: “Any supplement with 400 IU of vitamin E, 500 milligrams of vitamin C, 12 milligrams of lutein, and some zinc is a good approximation of the AREDS [Age-Related Eye Disease Study] formula. The formula is recommended only for persons with incipient disease. Non-affected people with a good diet do not need a supplement.”