You may experience eye health and vision changes as your body ages. According to studies, 1 in 28 Americans over the age of 40 has age-related vision loss — a rate expected to double by 2050.
In addition to interfering with everyday life, there’s growing evidence that it can lead to mobility problems and injuries, depression and anxiety, cognitive decline, and a shorter life span.
This study aimed to examine the effects of a diet containing astaxanthin on visual function in healthy individuals: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial.
Astaxanthin is the red pigment found in salmon and krill. It is considered to aid eye health and is the most stable of all carotenoids. Despite limited human evidence, it appears to have positive effects on oxidative stress, but it is unclear if it is particularly effective.
However, it’s unclear how potent it is and whether it translates into health benefits, but it appears to reduce oxidative stress markers.
In addition to reducing oxidation of LDL and DNA damage, it has the potential to improve cardiovascular health and anti-aging, although much more research is required. Additionally, it may improve skin health and photoprotection, but more research is needed.
Older adults often experience changes in their vision as they age. Common changes include: difficulty seeing up close, distinguishing colors like blue and black, and needing more time to adjust to changing light levels.
How Effective Was Astaxanthin in Protecting EyeSight?
The study involved 60 healthy adults whose vision was evaluated after prolonged use of visual display terminals at work. The groups received either a placebo or 9 mg of astaxanthin daily over a six-week period.
After using visual display terminals, subjects over 40 showed significant improvements in visual acuity and pupil constrictions in the dominant eye, suggesting that astaxanthin reduced oxidative stress. The researchers found that age-related ciliary muscle weakness impairs visual acuity, while astaxanthin protected against the loss of vision.
Correcting these problems with lenses, contact lenses, and improved lighting is often possible so that you can maintain your independence and lifestyle. As you age, your risk of some eye diseases and conditions increases, and some eye changes can be more serious.
Make sure your eyes are healthy by getting regular eye exams to spot any problems as early as possible.
