New botanical formula improves eye fatigue, dry eye

A novel botanical combination of lutein ester, zeaxanthin, and extracts of blackcurrant, chrysanthemum, and goji berry provides protective benefits in adults with eye fatigue without changing the retinal structure, a study has shown.

The botanical formula may be used as an effective nutritional strategy in improving eye fatigue without causing serious side effects, according to the investigators.

A total of 360 participants were randomized into four groups to receive placebo and three doses of the novel formula (chewable tablets containing 6, 10, or 14 mg of lutein) once daily for 90 days. Each participant had three visits at baseline (V1), 45 days (V2), and 90 days (V3) during the study.

Those who received the botanical formula showed improvement in individual scores of eye fatigue symptoms, including eye soreness, blurred vision, dry eye, foreign body sensation, and tearing.

All three doses led to a significant decrease in the total score of eye fatigue symptoms and an increase in the visuognosis persistence time at both V2 and V3 compared with placebo. Both the 10- and 14-mg lutein formula groups had improved tear secretion at V3 compared with placebo, based on the Schirmer test.

According to the keratography results, the first tear break-up time, average tear break-up time, and tear meniscus height were significantly increased following formula intervention.

Furthermore, all three doses of the botanical formula significantly increased the macular pigment optical density at V2 and V3 compared with placebo. On the other hand, optical coherence tomography did not show a significant difference in retinal thickness and retinal volume across all groups at both visits.