Eye Health Benefits of Astaxanthin

Oxidative stress (particularly from prolonged light and digital screen exposure) plays a pivotal role in ocular aging and visual fatigue. The retina, lens, and ciliary muscles are highly vulnerable to damage from reactive oxygen species (ROS), which over time diminish visual clarity and comfort. Astaxanthin is particularly effective for eye health because it crosses the blood–retinal barrier, allowing it to reach retinal tissues directly and neutralize oxidative stress on site. Multiple human and in vivo studies (1) (2) (3) (11) have shown that oral astaxanthin:

• Helps reduce eye fatigue and digital eye strain (4) (5).

• Improves visual focus (5).

• Enhances ocular microcirculation and retinal blood flow (3).

• Supports lens health and protects against oxidative damage (7).

• Reduces retina stress and damage from UV and blue-light exposure (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13).

These findings are not surprising since astaxanthin is the primary carotenoid that Haematococcus pluvialis uses to protect itself from intense sunlight and oxidative stress in the wild.

Astaxanthin Science in More Detail

A 2025 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pediatric trial (school-aged children, 4 mg/day for 84 days) demonstrated:

• 27% reduction in digital eye strain (CVS‑Q score) (5).

• Significant improvements in stereopsis and pupillary light reflex (5).

• Increased tear production, with no safety concerns (5).

Preclinical studies show that astaxanthin prevents oxidative damage in lens epithelial cells, protecting against age-related cataract progression  (7).

Additional in vivo and in vitro findings reveal that astaxanthin protects retinal ganglion cells against oxidative stress, preserving retinal health in diabetic mouse models (6) (11).

References

1. Elsa W. Boehm et al. Oxidative stress in the eye and its role in the pathophysiology of ocular diseases. Redox Biology, 2023. (link)

2. Takahiro Sekikawa et al. Effects of diet containing astaxanthin on visual function in healthy individuals: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study. PubMed, 2022. (link)

3. Nishida Y. et al. Astaxanthin increases choroidal blood flow velocity in humans. Randomized, controlled trial. PubMed, 2012. (link)

4. Keisuke Yoshida et al. Effects of Astaxanthin, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin on Eye–Hand Coordination and Smooth-Pursuit Eye Movement after Visual Display Terminal Operation in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Intergroup Trial. Nutrients, 2023;15(6):1459. (link)

5. Benigni A. et al.  Astaxanthin reduces digital eye strain in children (4 mg/day, 84 days). Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pediatric study.Advances in Therapy, 2025. (link)

6. Ling-Yan Dong et al. Astaxanthin attenuates the apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells in db/db mice by inhibition of oxidative stress. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 2013. (link)

7. Yuki Kizawa et al. Effects of anthocyanin, astaxanthin, and lutein on eye functions: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. PubMed, 2021. (link)

8. Chao-Wen Lin et al. Protective Effect of Astaxanthin on Blue Light Light-Emitting Diode-Induced Retinal Cell Damage via Free Radical Scavenging and Activation of PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 Pathway in 661W Cell Model. Mardrugs, 2020. (link)

9. Otsuka T. et al. Protective effects of a dietary carotenoid, astaxanthin, against light-induced retinal damage. J Pharmacol Sci. 2013;123(3):209-18. (link)

10. Hashimoto H. et al. The effect of astaxanthin on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and peroxidation reactions in the aqueous humor. Journal of clinical biochemistry and nutrition. 2016;59(1):10-15. (link)

11. Nakamura A. et al. Changes in visual function following peroral astaxanthin. 2004;58(6):1051-1054. (link)

12. Nitta T. et al. The effects of Astaxanthin on Accommodation and Asthenopia—Dose Finding Study in Healthy Volunteers. Clinical Medicine. 2005;21(5):543-556. (link)

13. Parisi V. et al. Carotenoids and Antioxidants in Age-Related Maculopathy Italian Study: Multifocal Electroretinogram Modifications after 1 year. Ophthalmology 2008;115(2) 324-333. (link)