A Media Release from nutraceutical company Bio-gen Extracts highlights a new Australian clinical study which has found that the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin may play a significant role in supporting eye moisture, tear film stability, and overall eye health in healthy adults who spend long hours in front of digital screens. Published in Frontiers in Nutrition, the randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted by Clinical Research Australia over six months and involved 70 participants. All volunteers reported an average of more than six hours of daily screen time but had no diagnosed eye conditions at the start of the study.
Objective Improvements In Eye Health
Participants who received daily supplementation of 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin, through the proprietary Lute-gen® formulation, recorded measurable improvements in key markers of ocular hydration. These included longer tear break-up time (TBUT), higher tear production measured by the Schirmer’s tear test (STT), and faster photostress recovery times.
The improvements indicate that their eyes retained moisture for longer, produced more natural tears, and adapted more quickly after bright light exposure. Notably, these changes occurred even in individuals without reported visual symptoms, suggesting potential benefits for anyone with prolonged screen exposure.
Addressing A Growing Digital Health Concern
The research comes amid a global surge in digital device use, further accelerated by the pandemic. In Australia, a 2022 survey by Optometry Australia found that 97% of respondents reported concerns about their eyesight during the pandemic period. One factor contributing to digital eye strain is a reduced blink rate while using screens, which can destabilise the tear film and dry out the ocular surface.
Dr Adrian Lopresti, Managing Director of Clinical Research Australia, said:
“These results are important because they show that Lutein and Zeaxanthin can deliver measurable improvements in objective markers of tear film stability and tear production, helping support visual health over time.”
Beyond hydration, the study also showed that supplementation preserved visual acuity and improved photostress recovery, both important for macular health.
Backed By Scientific Literature
Lutein and Zeaxanthin are naturally occurring pigments found in the macula, known for their antioxidant properties and role in supporting sharp vision. Previous studies have linked them to benefits such as macular health protection, cognitive performance, and healthy ageing.
The Lute-gen® formulation used in the trial is derived from sustainably cultivated marigold flowers (Tagetes erecta) grown in India, and is standardised to deliver lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin. Bio-gen Extracts, the company behind Lute-gen®, offers the ingredient in various stable delivery formats for supplements and functional foods.
Safe And Well-Tolerated
The trial found no serious adverse events or negative changes in blood markers, confirming the supplement’s safety in healthy adults.
A Proactive Approach To Visual Health
With screen time rising across all age groups, the study’s authors suggest nutritional supplementation could be a proactive addition to eye health strategies. While the research focused on healthy adults, its findings may have implications for preventing or reducing the early effects of digital eye strain.
Dr Lopresti concluded:
“These findings provide an important call to action to consider nutritional support as part of proactive visual healthcare.”
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This article is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.