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Astaxanthin for healthy eye ageing: Protect young eyes from digital strain
As screen time continues to rise, digital eye strain has become an increasing concern, particularly among children and adolescents. While reducing screen time is an ideal solution, it is not always practical. Behnaz Shakersain PhD, scientific affairs manager at AstaReal, writes about astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant derived from Haematococcus pluvialis algae, which has been shown to support ocular health and visual performance through various molecular mechanisms.
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n today’s digital world, screen time is nearly unavoidable. As a result, Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), also known as digital eye strain, has emerged as a widespread health issue affecting people across all age groups. The American Optometric Association defines CVS as a set of visual disturbances resulting from prolonged use of video display terminals (VDTs), such as computers, tablets, e-readers and smartphones. Children and teens may experience eye fatigue from extended hours of online learning and gaming, while adults often face dry eyes, blurred vision and headaches from prolonged computer use at work. Even older adults, increasingly engaged with digital communication or entertainment, are not immune to its effects. This condition results from prolonged focusing on screens, which reduces blink rate and increases strain on the eye muscles. As digital dependence continues to grow across generations, so does the need for eye health awareness, preventive strategies and supportive nutrition to help combat the effects of CVS and maintain long-term visual comfort and function.
Early prevention matters Data shows that around 40–75% of European teenagers (boys and girls aged 11–15 years) spend an average of more than two hours per day on digital screens, which exceeds the advised safe limit. Young eyes are still developing, and prolonged exposure to screens without proper breaks can lead to eye fatigue,
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dryness, headaches and even long-term visual discomfort. In fact, prolonged near-work and screen use may contribute to earlier onset or faster progression of myopia (near-sightedness), which is a known risk factor for other eye complications later in life. Moreover, habits formed in childhood often persist into adulthood, making early prevention crucial. Encouraging regular screen breaks, proper lighting and maintaining the right viewing distance can help protect eye health. Nutritional support, including astaxanthin supplementation, which contributes to maintaining visual comfort under blue light exposure, may also play a role in safeguarding children’s vision. Taking proactive steps today is essential for ensuring healthy visual development and reducing cumulative stress on the eyes over time.
astaxanthin supports eye health is by protecting the ciliary muscles from oxidative stress and inflammation associated with prolonged screen use. Additionally, digital screens are known to increase pupil size and delay the pupillary light reflex, which is linked to mental and visual fatigue. Astaxanthin crosses both the blood- brain and blood-retinal barriers, supporting cognitive function and potentially influencing the pupillary response during screen exposure. Moreover, prolonged screen use can cause dry eye symptoms due to reduced blinking. In a recent study, astaxanthin supplementation led to improved tear production, as measured by the Schirmer I test. This may be due to astaxanthin’s role in stabilising the tear film and enhancing aquaporin expression, which regulates ocular hydration.
“Astaxanthin supplementation, which contributes to maintaining visual comfort under blue light exposure, may also play a role in safeguarding children’s vision.”
Support visual strength and resilience with microalgal antioxidant Excessive screen use negatively affects binocular vergence and accommodation –the eyes’ ability to focus – by placing prolonged strain on the ciliary muscles responsible for lens adjustment. Astaxanthin from freshwater microalgae is a powerful natural antioxidant known for supporting eye, muscles and cellular health. One key mechanism by which
The first clinical study worldwide: astaxanthin’s efficacy in children with digital eye strain A recent groundbreaking randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the effects of AstaReal astaxanthin (4mg daily) on digital eye strain in children. The study involved 64 participants aged 10–14 years, all of whom had at least four hours of daily screen time and were experiencing mild to moderate
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