Areds2 Ingredients: What’s Inside the Popular Supplement

Ever opened a bottle of AREDS2 and wondered what’s actually inside that little capsule?

You're not alone. Most people hear about the supplement’s promise to protect your macula, but the real magic lies in the blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that scientists carefully measured for eye health.

So, what are the AREDS2 ingredients that make the difference? In a nutshell, the formula combines vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, and copper. Each piece plays a specific role, like a tiny crew working together to shield your retina from oxidative stress.

Think about vitamin C for a second – it’s the antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals buzzing around your eye cells. And vitamin E? It partners with C, reinforcing the cell membranes that keep the photoreceptors stable.

Then there’s lutein and zeaxanthin, the two carotenoids that give the macula’s yellow‑gold hue. They filter out harmful blue light, the same kind that makes your screen glare feel harsh after a long day.

But why add zinc and copper? Zinc is essential for the enzymes that repair retinal tissue, while copper is there to prevent copper‑deficiency anemia that can happen when you take high‑dose zinc.

Now, you might ask, does the exact proportion matter? Absolutely. The AREDS2 study showed that swapping beta‑carotene for lutein and zeaxanthin reduced lung‑cancer risk in smokers, and tweaking the zinc level lowered the chance of adverse stomach issues.

Imagine you’re sitting in Dr. Rahul Dubey’s clinic, and he explains that a personalized supplement plan can complement the nutrients you already get from leafy greens, fish, and nuts. He’ll likely suggest the standard AREDS2 blend unless you have a specific sensitivity.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Don’t worry – we’ll break down each ingredient, what it does, and how you can tell if the classic mix fits your lifestyle. Let’s dive in and demystify the science behind those tiny pills.

TL;DR

If you want to protect your macula, the AREDS2 blend of vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc and copper works together like a shield against stress.

Understanding each ingredient’s role lets you decide if the formula fits your diet, lifestyle, and eye‑health goals, so you can take a supplement with confidence.

Ingredient 1: Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)

When you hear "Vitamin B12" you might picture a tired marathon runner or an older adult who needs a boost. But in the world of AREDS2 ingredients, B12 is the quiet workhorse that helps keep the retina’s nerve cells firing like a well‑tuned engine.

Here’s why it matters: cyanocobalamin is the synthetic form of B12 most supplements use because it’s stable, inexpensive, and well‑absorbed when you pair it with a little intrinsic factor from your stomach. Without enough B12, the optic nerve can’t produce the myelin sheath it needs, and that’s the protective coating that lets signals travel fast and clean.

1️⃣ B12 and Homocysteine – the hidden villain

Elevated homocysteine levels are linked to vascular damage in the eye, which can accelerate age‑related macular degeneration (AMD). B12, together with folate and B6, converts homocysteine back into methionine, effectively lowering that risk. A 2024 meta‑analysis showed participants taking a B‑vitamin mix (including 400 µg of B12) cut their AMD progression odds by roughly 30%.

Real‑world example: Sarah, a 68‑year‑old retiree from Sydney, added a daily B12 supplement after her ophthalmologist flagged a slight rise in homocysteine. Within a year, her eye‑doctor noted a stable macula – a change she credits to that tiny cyanocobalamin capsule.

2️⃣ Energy for retinal cells

The retina is one of the most metabolically active tissues in the body. It needs B12 to manufacture DNA and keep the mitochondria – the cell’s power plants – humming. Low B12 can lead to fatigue‑like symptoms in the eyes, such as blurry vision after reading or trouble adjusting to low light.

Action step: Check your diet. If you’re not eating fortified cereals, eggs, dairy, or fish at least a few times a week, you’re probably not hitting the 2.4 µg daily recommendation for adults. A simple blood test can confirm your levels.

3️⃣ How much B12 is enough for AREDS2?

The original AREDS2 formula didn’t include B12, but newer research suggests adding 400–500 µg of cyanocobalamin can complement the classic blend. That amount is well below the tolerable upper intake level (2,000 µg), so it’s safe for most people.

Need help figuring the right dose for you? How to Determine the Correct AREDS2 Dosage for Your Needs breaks down the math and explains when a tweak might be necessary.

4️⃣ Expert tip: Pair B12 with lutein‑zeaxanthin

Dr. Rahul Dubey often tells patients that B12 works best when you also feed the retina’s “color filters” – lutein and zeaxanthin. Those carotenoids absorb blue light, while B12 keeps the blood vessels clean. Together they form a two‑pronged defense.

In a clinic case study, a group of 45 patients who took a combined B12‑lutein supplement saw a 12% improvement in contrast sensitivity after six months, compared to a control group that only took the AREDS2 standard mix.

5️⃣ Practical ways to boost B12 without a pill

• Eat a serving of wild‑caught salmon or sardines three times a week.
• Add fortified plant milks (look for 100 µg per cup) to your morning coffee.
• Consider a B12‑rich probiotic yogurt for an easy snack.

If you’re vegan or have absorption issues (like pernicious anemia), a sublingual cyanocobalamin lozenge can bypass the stomach and deliver the vitamin straight to the bloodstream.

6️⃣ Watch out for interactions

High doses of B12 are generally safe, but they can mask a B9 (folate) deficiency, which might hide anemia symptoms. If you’re already on a high‑dose folate supplement, keep B12 in the 400‑500 µg range and get your blood work checked annually.

For a deeper dive into the science behind B‑vitamins and eye health, see the research showing a 35‑40% risk reduction in AMD with B12, folate, and B6 .

And remember, supplementing is just one piece of the puzzle. Regular eye exams, a diet rich in leafy greens, and protecting your eyes from UV light are equally important.

Looking to promote your own eye‑health product or clinic? Partnering with a specialist ad agency can help you reach the right audience. Health Stack Media LLC knows how to run targeted campaigns for health‑focused brands.

Clinicians also need tools to stay resilient. The wellness platform e7D‑Wellness offers assessments that help eye‑care professionals manage stress and avoid burnout, ensuring they can keep providing top‑notch care.

Ingredient 2: Magnesium Citrate

Magnesium citrate often flies under the radar in the AREDS2 mix, but it’s the quiet stabilizer that keeps your retina humming. Think of it as the oil that keeps the gears in a watch from grinding – without it, even the best‑crafted supplement can lose its timing.

1️⃣ Why magnesium matters for eye health

Magnesium is the body’s third‑most abundant mineral and a co‑factor for over 300 enzymatic reactions. In the eye, it helps regulate blood vessel tone, supports the photoreceptor’s energy factories (mitochondria), and calms the tiny muscles that control pupil dilation. Low magnesium levels have been linked to increased oxidative stress and inflammation, two culprits that accelerate age‑related macular degeneration (AMD).

One 2023 clinical observation noted that patients with suboptimal serum magnesium reported more frequent glare sensitivity and slower dark‑adaptation. When those patients added a modest magnesium citrate dose, their contrast sensitivity improved by roughly 8% after three months – a small but noticeable shift for anyone who reads the newspaper in dim lighting.

2️⃣ Real‑world examples you can relate to

Take Mark, a 62‑year‑old retiree from Melbourne who struggled with occasional “blurry patches” after his morning jog. His eye doctor ran a basic mineral panel and found his magnesium was borderline low. Mark started a 200 mg magnesium citrate supplement with his breakfast. Six weeks later, he told his optometrist that the patches had faded and his night‑time driving felt steadier.

Then there’s Lina, a busy graphic designer in Sydney who spends hours in front of a screen. She swears by a magnesium‑rich bedtime routine – a cup of warm almond milk mixed with a magnesium citrate powder. She says the “mental fog” that used to hit her after long editing sessions has lessened, and she no longer wakes up with that gritty eye feeling.

3️⃣ How much magnesium citrate should you take?

The AREDS2 formula itself doesn’t list magnesium, but most clinicians supplement 200‑400 mg of elemental magnesium daily for patients with AMD risk factors. Magnesium citrate is a highly bioavailable form, meaning your gut absorbs about 30% more than oxide salts.

Here’s a quick cheat‑sheet:

• Standard dose: 200 mg elemental magnesium (≈ 400 mg magnesium citrate powder) split between breakfast and dinner.

• Upper safe limit for adults: 350 mg elemental magnesium from supplements (dietary magnesium from food doesn’t count toward this ceiling).

• Check with your eye surgeon before exceeding the limit, especially if you’re on diuretics or have kidney concerns.

If you’re unsure about your baseline, a simple blood test can tell you whether you’re in the 1.7–2.2 mg/dL sweet spot.

4️⃣ Practical ways to boost magnesium without a pill

– Eat a handful of pumpkin seeds (≈ 150 mg magnesium) as a snack.

– Toss a cup of cooked spinach into your omelet – that’s another 150 mg.

– Blend a banana‑almond smoothie; a tablespoon of almond butter adds about 80 mg.

For vegans or those with absorption issues, a magnesium citrate powder mixed in water is a tidy solution. Just remember to stay hydrated; magnesium draws water into the intestines, which can cause mild laxative effects if you gulp it dry.

5️⃣ Pairing magnesium citrate with other AREDS2 ingredients

Magnesium works synergistically with zinc and copper, the two minerals already in the AREDS2 blend. Zinc competes with magnesium for cellular transporters, so spacing them out (magnesium with breakfast, zinc with dinner) can improve absorption for both.

Dr. Rahul Dubey often recommends his patients take magnesium citrate alongside lutein‑zeaxanthin because the latter’s antioxidant power needs a steady supply of ATP, which magnesium helps generate. You can read more about potential interactions in AREDS2 side effects: What you need to know .

6️⃣ Actionable checklist for your magnesium routine

1. Schedule a serum magnesium test at your next eye‑health appointment.

2. Choose a citrate supplement that provides 200 mg elemental magnesium per serving.

3. Take the first half with breakfast, the second half with dinner to avoid gut upset.

4. Add magnesium‑rich foods to at least two meals each day.

5. Track any changes in glare, night vision, or eye comfort in a simple journal.

By the time you’ve logged a month, you’ll likely notice whether your eyes feel less “tight” after screen time.

And if you’re thinking about launching a new eye‑care product or running a campaign around AREDS2 ingredients, you might want a quick way to create eye‑catching ads. Scalio – AI ad platform lets you spin up professional‑looking video and image ads in seconds, perfect for promoting health‑focused supplements.

Ingredient 3: L-Theanine

Ever felt that tight knot behind your eyes after a marathon Zoom session? That buzz isn’t just mental—it’s physiological, and L‑theanine can be the quiet sidekick that smooths it out.

L‑theanine is an amino acid found almost exclusively in green tea leaves. Unlike caffeine, it doesn’t fire up your nervous system; instead, it nudges alpha‑wave activity, giving you a calm focus that many describe as “alert relaxation.” That state is gold for eye health because stress hormones like cortisol can aggravate oxidative damage in the retina.

1️⃣ Why L‑theanine matters for the macula

Research from 2024 shows that people who regularly consume L‑theanine experience lower markers of oxidative stress in blood tests. Oxidative stress is the same enemy that vitamin C and vitamin E battle in the AREDS2 blend. By keeping the stress level down, L‑theanine helps those antioxidants do their job more efficiently.

Think of it like this: your eye’s photoreceptors are tiny solar panels. When the sun’s glare hits them, they generate a lot of free radicals. L‑theanine acts like a gentle shade, reducing the glare‑induced stress before the antioxidants have to work overtime.

2️⃣ How much to take and when

A typical dose ranges from 100 mg to 200 mg, taken once or twice daily. I like to suggest a 200 mg capsule with breakfast and, if you’re a night‑owl, another 100 mg about an hour before bed. The morning dose pairs nicely with the AREDS2 vitamins, while the evening dose supports recovery while you sleep.

Side‑effects are rare, but a handful of folks report a faint “head‑fog” if they exceed 400 mg. If you’re already on a high‑dose calming supplement, start low and see how your eyes feel.

3️⃣ Food sources and practical tips

One cup of brewed green tea gives you roughly 20‑30 mg of L‑theanine, so you’d need a few cups to hit a therapeutic level. If you’re not a tea fan, look for “L‑theanine powder” or “capsules” at reputable supplement stores. Here’s a quick checklist:

1. Pick a product that lists “L‑theanine (≥ 100 mg per serving)” on the label.

2. Take the first dose with your AREDS2 vitamin mix at breakfast.

3. If you drink coffee, wait 30 minutes before the L‑theanine to avoid a jittery mix.

4. Track any change in eye fatigue, glare, or nighttime clarity in a simple journal.

5. Re‑evaluate after four weeks and adjust the dose if needed.

And if you’re curious about broader vision‑protecting habits, how to protect your vision offers a solid roadmap that complements L‑theanine’s calm focus.

4️⃣ Pairing L‑theanine with other AREDS2 ingredients

Because L‑theanine reduces stress, it indirectly supports zinc and copper absorption. Those minerals rely on a balanced internal environment to travel into retinal cells. When you space L‑theanine with your magnesium routine (breakfast) and zinc (dinner), you create a rhythm that maximizes each nutrient’s impact.

Patients I’ve seen who added L‑theanine to their supplement stack often report smoother transitions from screen‑heavy mornings to low‑light evenings. It’s not a miracle cure, but it feels like adding a soft cushion under a hard chair.

Bottom line: L‑theanine is a low‑risk, inexpensive addition that can help your eyes stay relaxed while the AREDS2 vitamins do the heavy lifting. Give it a try for a month, note any difference in glare tolerance, and you’ll have a clearer picture of whether it belongs in your daily regimen.

A quick daily routine could look like this: brew a cup of green tea while you eat breakfast, pop your AREDS2 capsule, then take a 100 mg L‑theanine tablet with a glass of water. In the evening, sip a caffeine‑free herbal tea that already contains L‑theanine, and you’ll wind down without the usual eye‑strain crash. Consistency is key—most people notice a subtle improvement after two to three weeks.

Ingredient 4: Comparison of Key Nutrients

Alright, you’ve seen vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc and copper pop up a lot. But how do they really stack up against each other? Below is a quick‑fire rundown that lets you see the strengths, the blind spots, and the practical take‑aways you can use today.

1️⃣ Vitamin C – The antioxidant fire‑fighter

Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals the moment they appear in the retina. Think of it as the first line of defense that keeps the “rust” from spreading to your photoreceptors. In the original AREDS trial, a 500 mg dose cut the risk of advanced AMD by roughly 25 % when paired with zinc and copper ( National Eye Institute’s AREDS2 overview for the full numbers).

Real‑world tip: If you already drink a glass of orange juice at breakfast, you’re probably getting 60–80 mg of vitamin C. Adding a 500 mg tablet in the morning bridges the gap without feeling like a pill‑binge.

2️⃣ Vitamin E – The membrane guardian

Vitamin E works hand‑in‑hand with vitamin C, protecting the fatty layers of retinal cells. The AREDS2 formula uses 400 IU (about 270 mg) of mixed tocopherols. Studies show that without enough vitamin E, the cell membranes become “leaky,” which speeds up visual decline.

Action step: A handful of almonds or a tablespoon of sunflower seeds gives you roughly 7 mg of vitamin E. Pair that snack with your AREDS2 capsule to hit the target.

3️⃣ Lutein & Zeaxanthin – The blue‑light filters

These two carotenoids give the macula its yellow‑gold hue and literally filter out harmful blue wavelengths. The AREDS2 blend swaps out beta‑carotene for 10 mg lutein + 2 mg zeaxanthin, a change that also lowers lung‑cancer risk for smokers.

Example: Maria, a 62‑year‑old graphic designer, started a daily 10 mg lutein supplement after a routine eye exam. Within three months she reported fewer “glare storms” while working on Photoshop.

4️⃣ Zinc – The enzyme catalyst

Zinc is the master regulator for over 300 enzymes, many of which repair retinal tissue. The study settled on 80 mg of zinc oxide, but because high zinc can deplete copper, the formula adds 2 mg copper to keep the balance.

Practical note: High‑zinc foods (oysters, beef) are great, but they can taste “metallic.” A low‑dose supplement taken with dinner keeps your levels steady without upsetting your stomach.

5️⃣ Copper – The safety net

Copper’s only job here is to stop zinc‑induced copper deficiency anemia. The 2 mg amount is tiny but essential – think of it as the “safety valve” that lets zinc do its job without side effects.

Quick tip: If you’re already eating copper‑rich nuts or dark chocolate, you probably don’t need extra copper beyond what the AREDS2 pill provides.

Nutrient	Primary Role	Typical AREDS2 Dose
Vitamin C	Antioxidant – neutralizes free radicals	500 mg
Vitamin E	Membrane protection – stabilizes cell walls	400 IU (≈270 mg)
Lutein + Zeaxanthin	Blue‑light filtration & color filtering	10 mg + 2 mg
Zinc	Enzyme co‑factor for retinal repair	80 mg
Copper	Prevents zinc‑induced copper deficiency	2 mg

So, how do you turn this table into action? Here’s a three‑step cheat sheet you can start today:

1. Check your current supplement label. Does it match the doses above? If not, note the gap.

2. Pick one nutrient that feels “missing” in your diet. Add a food source or a low‑dose supplement for 30 days.

3. Track one visual symptom – glare, night‑vision, or eye‑fatigue – in a simple journal. If you see improvement, keep the habit; if not, adjust the next nutrient.

And remember, you don’t have to juggle everything at once. Dr Rahul Dubey often advises patients to start with the antioxidant duo (vitamin C + E) because they lay the groundwork for the carotenoids to work efficiently. Want a deeper dive on dosing strategies? Check out Top eye health foods backed by ophthalmologists for meal ideas that naturally boost these nutrients.

Bottom line: each AREDS2 ingredient plays a distinct role, but the magic happens when they’re all in harmony. By comparing their functions, you can spot gaps, fine‑tune your regimen, and give your macula the best possible support.

Ingredient 5: Zinc Picolinate

When you glance at the AREDS2 label, zinc usually shows up as plain zinc oxide. But the form matters – zinc picolinate is the version that slips into your cells with far less hassle. Think of it as the VIP pass that lets zinc get past the bouncer at the retinal gate.

1️⃣ Why picolinate beats oxide

Zinc picolinate is bound to picolinic acid, a natural chelator that the gut loves. Studies show it’s up to 40 % more bioavailable than zinc oxide, meaning more of the mineral actually reaches the photoreceptors where it’s needed.

More zinc in the retina translates to stronger activity of over 300 enzymes that repair DNA, fight oxidative stress, and keep the pigment epithelium humming.

2️⃣ The real‑world impact

Take Maya, a 65‑year‑old Sydney retiree who switched from a generic zinc oxide supplement to a zinc picolinate capsule. After three months she reported fewer “foggy” mornings and a noticeable drop in glare while driving at dusk.

She wasn’t alone – a 2024 clinic audit found that patients on zinc picolinate reported a 12 % improvement in contrast sensitivity compared with those on oxide.

3️⃣ How much should you take?

The AREDS2 trial settled on 80 mg of elemental zinc. When you choose picolinate, you still aim for the same elemental amount, not the weight of the whole compound. Look for a label that says “zinc picolinate 30 mg (providing 15 mg elemental zinc)” and adjust the pill count until you hit roughly 80 mg elemental.

Because high zinc can knock copper levels low, keep the 2 mg copper already in the AREDS2 blend. If you ever feel a metallic taste in your mouth or notice increased fatigue, it might be a sign to check copper status.

4️⃣ Timing tricks for optimal absorption

Zinc competes with magnesium, calcium, and iron for the same transporters. Take your zinc picolinate with a light breakfast – think a slice of whole‑grain toast and a cup of tea, but skip the dairy milk or iron‑rich cereal at the same time.

Pairing it with vitamin C, which is already in the formula, actually helps pull zinc into the cells. That’s why many of us keep the whole AREDS2 mix together at breakfast.

5️⃣ Food sources that back up the supplement

If you’d rather get a boost from the kitchen, oysters, beef chuck, and pumpkin seeds are zinc powerhouses. A half‑cup of cooked beans adds about 2 mg elemental zinc – a nice sidekick to your capsule.

Just remember that whole‑food zinc is usually in the oxide form, so the picolinate pill still gives you the absorption edge.

6️⃣ Quick checklist

1. Check the label: does it list “zinc picolinate” and give the elemental zinc amount?

2. Calculate how many capsules you need to reach ~80 mg elemental zinc.

3. Take with a light, low‑calcium breakfast.

4. Monitor any changes in night‑vision or glare over 30 days.

5. If you notice copper‑related symptoms, talk to your eye surgeon about a tiny copper tweak.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed? You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. How to choose the right macular supplement walks you through label reading, dosage tweaks, and when to bring your ophthalmologist into the conversation.

To make zinc picolinate work seamlessly with the rest of your AREDS2 regimen, set a simple reminder on your phone: “Zinc with breakfast.” Track your vision changes in a notebook – note glare, night‑driving clarity, and any new dryness. If after 90 days you don’t see a shift, consider a short break or discuss a copper adjustment with your eye surgeon. Small tweaks, big payoff for your macula.

Conclusion

So you’ve walked through vitamins, minerals, and the little nuances that turn a standard pill into a retina friendly ally. The big picture? Each AREDS2 ingredient plays a distinct role, and together they form a shield that keeps your macula humming.

Remember the zinc picolinate trick: a light breakfast and the right elemental dose let more zinc reach the photoreceptors. Pair that with magnesium citrate split between meals, and you reduce competition for absorption.

Did you notice how a simple habit, like jotting down night driving glare in a notebook, can reveal whether the formula is working for you? Small data points guide tweaks before you even think about changing a dose.

Now ask yourself: are you tracking your vision changes enough to know if the blend is paying off? If not, set a reminder on your phone and start a one month log. It takes a few weeks to see a shift, but the pattern becomes clear.

When the log shows steady improvement, keep the routine. If you hit a plateau, consider a short break or a copper adjustment with your eye surgeon.

Bottom line: consistency, timing, and a little self monitoring turn the science of AREDS2 ingredients into real world results. Need personalized guidance? Reach out to Dr Rahul Dubey in Sydney, which a quick chat can fine tune your supplement plan.

FAQ

What exactly are the AREDS2 ingredients and why do they matter?

AREDS2 ingredients are a specific blend of vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc (often as zinc picolinate), and copper. Each one tackles a different stressor in the retina – antioxidants neutralize free radicals, lutein and zeaxanthin filter blue light, zinc fuels repair enzymes, and copper prevents a zinc‑induced deficiency. Together they form a balanced shield that research shows can slow the progression of age‑related macular degeneration.

How should I time my AREDS2 ingredients for best absorption?

Timing matters because minerals compete for the same transporters. Take zinc picolinate with a light breakfast that’s low in calcium or iron, and split magnesium citrate (if you add it) between breakfast and dinner. Vitamin C and vitamin E can stay with the same morning dose because vitamin C actually helps pull zinc into cells. Keeping the whole AREDS2 mix together at breakfast simplifies the routine and maximizes uptake.

Can I get the AREDS2 ingredients from food alone?

You can hit many of the nutrients with diet – citrus for vitamin C, nuts for vitamin E, leafy greens for lutein, and seafood for zinc. But the exact doses used in the clinical formula are hard to achieve consistently from meals alone. That’s why a supplement ensures you get the precise amounts the studies tested, especially the 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin combo that proved most effective.

Do the AREDS2 ingredients interact with common eye medications?

Most AREDS2 ingredients are safe alongside prescription eye drops or injections. The biggest concern is high zinc interfering with certain antibiotics or diuretics, so you might want to space zinc intake away from those meds. Copper is low enough not to cause problems, and the antioxidants rarely clash with other drugs. Always let your retinal surgeon know what supplements you’re taking.

How long before I notice a difference from the AREDS2 ingredients?

Clinical trials observed measurable changes after about six months, but many patients report subtle improvements in glare tolerance or night‑vision within three to four months. Keep a simple vision log – note glare while driving, reading comfort, and any changes in color perception. Consistency is key; skipping doses or changing timing will reset the progress you’ve built.

Should I adjust the AREDS2 ingredients if I have a specific health condition?

If you have kidney disease, high zinc can stress the kidneys, so a lower dose or a split schedule may be advised. People with a history of copper deficiency should watch the tiny copper amount – it usually balances zinc, but a blood test can confirm you’re safe. Always discuss any chronic condition with your eye surgeon before tweaking the formula.

What’s the best way to track whether the AREDS2 ingredients are working for me?

Set a reminder to take the supplement at the same time each day, then use a one‑month vision journal. Record three data points: glare severity on a 1‑5 scale, ability to read fine print in dim light, and any changes in eye comfort after screen time. After 30 days, compare the averages – a drop of one point in glare or smoother reading indicates the blend is doing its job.