Eye Health

Astaxanthin crosses the blood-retinal barrier and has been shown to improve eye health. Oxidative stress is associated with the formation of many eye disorders (1). The eye is particularly susceptible to oxidative stress and astaxanthin has been shown to prevent oxidation of lipids in human lens cells (2). In an animal study it has also been shown to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the eye (3). In combination with other antioxidants, it was shown to improve vision in patients at risk for AMD (4). Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States in people over 50 years of age. Astaxanthin has also been shown to reduce eye strain and fatigue, which may result from excessive exposure to blue light from computers and other electronic devices (5)

References:

1. Kowluru, RA. and Chan, P-S. Oxidative Stress and Diabetic Retinopathy, Exp Diabetes Res. (2007) 12 pages. REF
2. Chitchumroonchokchai  et al. Xanthophylls and α-Tocopherol Decrease UVB-Induced Lipid Peroxidation and Stress Signaling in Human Lens Epithelial Cells (2004) 134: 3225-3232. REF
3. Yeh et al. Astaxanthin Inhibits Expression of Retinal Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Mediators in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats PLoS One. 2016; 11(1) 20 pages. REF
4. Piermarocchi et al. Carotenoids in age-related maculopathy Italian study (CARMIS): two-year results of a randomized study.  Eur J Opthamol (2012) 22:216-225. REF
5. Kono et al. Effect of Multiple Dietary Supplement Containing Lutein,
   Astaxanthin, Cyanidin-3-Glucoside, and DHA on Accommodative Ability. Curr Med Chem. 2014 Aug; 14(2): 114–125. REF