Amway/Nutrilite explores novel botanical formula to improve eye fatigue and dry eye

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A combination of lutein, zeaxanthin, plus extracts of blackcurrant, chrysanthemum, and goji berry may improve measures of eye fatigue associated with extended time in front of screens, says a new study from the Nutrilite Health Institute in Shanghai.

Data published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicated that the formula, which combines “Western nutritional strategy and Eastern TCM philosophy”, also improved measures of dry eye and increased the visuognosis persistence (recognition and interpretation of visual impressions).

“Eye fatigue can manifest itself through diverse symptoms, including eye swelling, eye soreness, photophobia, blurred vision, dry eye, foreign body sensation, tearing, and general discomfort related to eye fatigue,” wrote scientists from the Nutrilite Health Institute in Shanghai, Aier EyeHospital (Shanghai), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Fudan University (Shanghai), East China University of Science and Technology, and Xinhua Hospital.

“Using a semiquantitative questionnaire, we observed significantly improved scores of individual symptoms and total scores in formula groups after the intervention.”

Surging screen times…

A recent survey of 2,000 people commissioned by Vision Direct found that adults in the US spend an average of 6,259 hours every year staring at a screen, be it a phone, laptop or television.

The survey found that about five hours is spent looking at laptop screens, up to four and a half hours watching TV, and over four hours staring at a smartphone.

“… the growing use of video display units (VDUs), such as computers, mobile phones, and tablets, has increased the global prevalence of eye fatigue at different stages of life,” explained the researchers behind the new study.

“Therefore, it is urgent to develop an effective strategy to prevent eye fatigue and mitigate asthenopia-related manifestations.” (Asthenopia is a fancy way of saying eye strain)

Study details

The researchers recruited 360 people and randomly assigned them to one of four groups: Placebo or one of three doses of the formula containing 6 mg, 10 mg, or 14 mg of lutein as chewable tablets once per day for 90 days. The other ingredients were provided in doses as follows: Zeaxanthin at 1.2 mg, 2 mg or 2.8 mg; chrysanthemum extract at 75 mg, 125 mg, or 175 mg; goji berry extract at 75 mg, 125 mg, or 175 mg; and blackcurrant extract at 100 mg, 167 mg, or 233 mg.

Results showed that the participants in the formula groups reported improvements in scores of eye fatigue symptoms, including eye soreness, blurred vision, dry eye, foreign body sensation, and tearing, compared with placebo.

“In the present clinical trial, we tested 3 different doses of the novel formula, covering the most frequently reported lutein doses, and proved the protective effects of the formula on eye fatigue in a dose-dependent manner,” wrote the researchers.

“These findings suggest a nutritional approach as an alternative strategy in preventing and mitigating eye fatigue and dry eye.”

Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Published online ahead of print, doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqaa139

“A novel botanical formula improves eye fatigue and dry eye: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study”

Authors: J. Kan et al.