Astaxanthin (AstaReal®) Improved Acute and Chronic Digital Eye Strain inChildren: A Randomized Double‑Blind Placebo‑Controlled Trial

Karen A.  Hecht· Megha Marwah· Vincent Wood· Yasuhiro Nishida· Austin E. Bach· Jeffry Gerson· Milton M. Hom · Joerg Schnackenberg · Sonal Raote· Shalini Srivastava· Pankaj Negi· Eric Caston

INTRODUCTION

Approximately 7 in 10 people are affected by symptoms of computer vision syndrome (CVS) globally, and about 1 in 2 children and adolescents are affected according to a meta-analysis of 103 studies [1]. While the American Optometric Association asserted that 2h of daily screen time is enough to induce CVS symptoms, a survey of

Americans found that from 2019 to 2021, children aged 8- to 12-year-olds were exposed to an average of 5.5 h of screen media daily, while 13- to 18-year-olds averaged 8.5 h of screen media daily [2]. The extent of digital screen exposure and prevalence of CVS symptoms in children has raised questions about consequences for the onset and progression of myopia, effects on learning and cognitive development, sleep quality, and mental health [3].The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of astaxanthin supplementation in school-aged children experiencing eye strain resulting from digital device usage. Astaxanthin is a red-colored carotenoid derived from the microalgae, Haematococcus pluvialis, used as a dietary anti-oxidant supplement available in the market at a dosage range of 0.05–12mg/day in adults [4]. Studies have shown that astaxanthin crossed the blood retinal barrier, modulated ocular markers of oxidation, supported accommodative function, and reduced sensations of eye strain resulting from computer use in adults [5–10]. The impact of 4 mg/day astaxanthin as a dietary intervention for the developing eye was investigated in this study, examining chronic and acute eye strain, stereopsis, pupillary light reflex, and the Schirmer I test over the course of 84 days.

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Source: Jeffry Gerson, OD, FAAO- Macular Degeneration Association’s Medical Director

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