<s>[INST] Hi doctor, My mother is suffering from AMD. The doctor has recommended Ocugold tablet one per day. But, due to a shortage of this medicine, I am not able to get it. Can I give her Oxidon plus instead of Ocugold?  Please help. [/INST] Hi. Both Oxidon (Beta-carotene and Vitamin E) and Ocugold (Beta-carotene, Lutein, with Mixed carotene) are based on the AREDS (age-related eye disease study) formulation. Both are used in the treatment of AMD (age-related macular degeneration) of moderate severity. But in case if your mother is a smoker, she should be cautious when using Ocugold or Oxidon, as both Oxidon and Ocugold are based on the AREDS 1 formulation and not on AREDS 2. AREDS 2 has xanthins, whereas Oxidon and Ocugold (AREDS 1) have beta-carotene. Beta-carotene has been shown to cause harmful side effects in smokers, apart from this, both have the same actions. So in my opinion, if your mother is a smoker, it is advisable to use a drug having an AREDS 2 formulation. In case if she does not have the habit of smoking, you can use either of the two, Ocugold or Oxidon. For more information consult an eye care ophthalmologist online --> </s>