A new study has found that daily supplementation with astaxanthin may decrease chronic, acute digital eye strain symptoms in school-aged children.
Previous studies on the supplement have focussed on adults; this study examined astaxanthin’s effects on developing eyes.
Astaxanthin is the pigment that gives salmon and lobster a reddish colour. It’s a carotenoid that is also made by some algae, bacteria, and yeast.
The researchers conducted a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial involving 64 children aged 10–14 years.1 Children used digital devices for at least four hours a day in the previous three months and reported mild to moderate symptoms of computer vision syndrome, assessed via Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q).
Study participants received either a daily 4 mg soft capsule of astaxanthin or placebo for 84 days. The primary outcome was change in CVS-Q score.
… chronic computer vision syndrome scores were 20% lower in the astaxanthin group compared to placebo
Starting with no statistically significant difference in computer vision syndrome symptoms, after 84 days, chronic computer vision syndrome scores were 20% lower in the astaxanthin group compared to placebo, the researchers said.
Secondary outcomes in the study showed visual fatigue Likert scale (VFLS) scores improved by 27%; stereopsis and pupillary light reflex improved; and tear production increased in the astaxanthin group. There was no significant intergroup difference in the Schirmer I test, visual acuity, spherical equivalence, near point of accommodation, near exphoria, immune markers, or safety variables.
Reference
- Hecht KA, Marwah M, Wood V, et al. Astaxanthin (AstaReal®) improved acute and chronic digital eye strain in children: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.Adv Ther 2025;42(4):1811-1833. doi: 10.1007/s12325-025-03125-7.
