- Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial shows Lutein and Zeaxanthin may improve visual performance, macular function and objective markers of dry eyes in healthy adults with high digital screen exposure (1)
- Findings released amid a national surge in digital-led eye health issues (2)
- Breaking down the bioavailability benefits of the marigold flower to support visual health
Amid escalating national and international concerns around screen-induced eye health issues, a new Australian randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study has revealed that two natural antioxidants in the carotenoid family, Lutein and Zeaxanthin, may offer real support to the eye health of people who spend hours in front of digital screens every day (3).
Published in Frontiers in Nutrition (February 2025), the peer-reviewed clinical trial investigated the effects of six-month supplementation of Lutein and Zeaxanthin in 70 healthy adults who reported using digital screens for more than six hours per day, with the results showing improvements in key eye health markers including visual sharpness, dry eye measures and macular recovery function (4).
A global shift towards a digital-led lifestyle, further amplified by the pandemic, has resulted in an uptick in visual health concerns both in Australia and the world-over. According to Optometry Australia, 97% of Australians reported concerns with their eyesight over the pandemic period (5). The latest statistics also showed that 42% of Australians reported that the amount of time they spent looking at screens increased, with an average of 86% of the same group experienced sore or tired eyes when using a computer (6). Moreover, these statistics are prompting experts to focus more closely on conditions like digital eye strain, which is associated with symptoms such as eye fatigue, dryness, blurred vision and headaches (7).
Dr Adrian Lopresti, lead researcher of the study and Managing Director of Clinical Research Australia, described the new results as “ground-breaking”, spotlighting the important role that nutritional strategies play in supporting screen-induced visual health issues.
“We can now see strong, objective evidence that six months of daily Lutein and Zeaxanthin supplementation can deliver measurable improvements in supporting visual function and tear film stability – a game-changer for those at risk of digital eye strain,” Dr Lopresti explained.
The results also build on existing literature linking carotenoids with macular health (8), protecting telomere length (9), visual memory (10) and blue light filtration (11). Lutein and Zeaxanthin are naturally occurring pigments concentrated in the macula, where they may contribute to visual sharpness and antioxidant defence (12).
Further supporting its efficacy, the trial used a standardised extract derived from the marigold flower - a botanical powerhouse that enhances the bioavailability of the key carotenoids for visual health including Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Meso-Zeaxanthin.
The investigated Lutein-Zeaxanthin extract, Lute-gen®, is derived from the Tagetes erecta (marigold flowers) in India and formulated using a standardised ratio under stringent quality protocols. It is available in a variety of delivery formats suitable for dietary supplements and functional foods. This award-winning ingredient has earned several industry accolades, including NutraIngredients Asia Award Winner 2022 and NutraIngredients Europe Healthy Ageing Award Finalist 2025, underscoring its innovation and impact in the global nutraceutical market.
With screen time rising across all ages globally, Dr Lopresti said the study results provide timely clinical evidence for ingredient solutions supporting visual health, cognition and healthy ageing.
“In a world where digital related eye health issues are on the rise, these findings provide an important call to action to consider nutritional support as part of proactive visual healthcare,” he concluded.
BREAKDOWN OF THE STUDY RESULTS (13):
- Lutein & Zeaxanthin Improvements for Eye Health: Six months of daily Lutein (10 mg) and Zeaxanthin (2 mg) intake showed improvements in key objective markers of eye health in high screen users.
- Indicating Benefits for Key Dry Eye Measures: Supporting tear production (Schirmer Tear Test) and tear film stability (Tear Film Break-Up Time), suggesting potential benefits for dry eyes.
- Visual Recovery: Better recovery from light exposure (Photo-Stress Recovery Time) indicated better retinal resilience and eye function.
- No Self-Reported Changes in Visual Fatigue/Sleep Quality: Despite objective improvements, participants did not report significant differences in symptoms of visual fatigue or sleep quality.
- Safe & Well-Tolerated: The safety profile of a Lutein/Zeaxanthin combination was further validated, with no serious adverse events or negative changes in blood marker measures and vital signs.
- Key Takeaway: Regular Lutein and Zeaxanthin intake may provide support for eye health, especially for people who use screens for extended periods.
References:
- Lopresti AL and Smith SJ (2025) The effects of lutein/ zeaxanthin (Lute-gen®) on eye health, eye strain, sleep quality, and attention in high electronic screen users: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Front. Nutr. 12:1522302. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1522302
- https://www.optometry.org.au/wp-content/uploads/GVFL/Vision_Index/2022-Vision-Index-Report.pdf
- Lopresti AL and Smith SJ (2025) The effects of lutein/ zeaxanthin (Lute-gen®) on eye health, eye strain, sleep quality, and attention in high electronic screen users: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Front. Nutr. 12:1522302. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1522302
- Lopresti AL and Smith SJ (2025) The effects of lutein/ zeaxanthin (Lute-gen®) on eye health, eye strain, sleep quality, and attention in high electronic screen users: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Front. Nutr. 12:1522302. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1522302
- https://www.optometry.org.au/wp-content/uploads/GVFL/Vision_Index/2022-Vision-Index-Report.pdf
- https://www.optometry.org.au/wp-content/uploads/GVFL/Vision_Index/2022-Vision-Index-Report.pdf
- https://www.visioncenter.org/conditions/digital-eye-strain/
- S Mehkri, M B Thirumalesh, M V Krishnaiah, G Ashok, Krathish Bopanna. The effects of lutein and zeaxanthin (Lute-gen®) supplementation, with and without natural mixed carotenoids on macular pigment optical density in healthy adult subjects: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Int. J. Ophthalmol. Res. 2022;4(1):1-5. DOI: 10.33545/26181495.2022.v4.i1a.21
- Mehkri, Sm & Pérez, Diego & Najarro, Pilar & Tsapekos, Menelaos & Bopanna, Krathish. (2019). Effect of Lutein (Lute-gen®) on proliferation rate and telomere length in vitro and possible mechanism of action. 2455-6548.
- Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Drummond PD. The Effects of Lutein and Zeaxanthin Supplementation on Cognitive Function in Adults With Self-Reported Mild Cognitive Complaints: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Front Nutr. 2022 Feb 17; 9:843512. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.843512. PMID: 35252311; PMCID: PMC8891800.
- Mehkri, Sm & M B, Thirumalesh & Krishnaiah, M & Ashok, G & Bopanna, Krathish. (2023). The effects of Lutein and Zeaxanthin (Lute-gen®) supplementation, with and without natural mixed carotenoids on Central Foveal Thickness and its relationship with Macular Pigment Optical Density in healthy adult subjects: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
- Mrowicka M, Mrowicki J, Kucharska E, Majsterek I. Lutein and Zeaxanthin and Their Roles in Age-Related Macular Degeneration-Neurodegenerative Disease. Nutrients. 2022 Feb 16;14(4):827. doi: 10.3390/nu14040827. PMID: 35215476; PMCID: PMC8874683
- Lopresti AL and Smith SJ (2025) The effects of lutein/ zeaxanthin (Lute-gen®) on eye health, eye strain, sleep quality, and attention in high electronic screen users: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Front. Nutr. 12:1522302. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1522302
