A newly published clinical trial, conducted in collaboration by ingredient supplier BGG World and a leading Japanese supplement brand, found that an eye health formulation containing MyrtiPro, a branded Bilberry extract, AstaZine Natural Astaxanthin, and Lutein was associated with significant improvements to eye health and vision following a six-week supplementation period.
 
The combination of ingredients included 200 mg of MyrtiPro, BGG’s standardized bilberry extract which contains 36% anthocyanins, 6 mg of Astazine Natural Astaxanthin, and 10 mg of Lutein. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolled 44 healthy subjects who were experiencing eye fatigue during visual display terminal operations, who took the supplement daily for six weeks.
 
(Read more about Astaxanthin as an Antioxidant Powerhouse by clicking here.)

“Visual display terminal (VDT) operation is known to cause a decrease in the number of blinks, dryness of the eye due to incomplete blinks, decreased accommodative function, headache, and stiff shoulders,” the authors of the study said. “Moreover, the percentage of people with subjective physical symptoms such as eye fatigue and stiff shoulders also increases as the duration of VDT operation increases. Most of the light sources VDTs are light emitting diodes (LEDs), and the time-dependent production of reactive oxygen species in photoreceptor cells due to exposure to blue light generated by LEDs is thought to be the cause of eye strain and dry eye.”
 
The formulation used in the study included bilberry due to its capacity to scavenge reactive oxygen species, while the carotenoids lutein and astaxanthin were used due to the high concentrations of these nutrients present in the retina, and research which has linked them to benefits against age-related macular degeneration, a common condition which effects vision.
 
The authors of the study found that among those who were in the treatment group, significant improvements were seen in visual acuity (the ability to see fine print and details), reduction of trouble focusing the eyes, and the percentage of pupillary response after the use of visual display terminals, based on the results of several tests.
 
“Work at visual display terminals is a very common cause of visual fatigue,” Yanmei Li, PhD, BGG’s global chief scientific officer, said. “It is estimated that over 60% of visual display terminal users experience eye symptoms while more than 20% experience other issues like musculoskeletal problems. Given the millions of people using visual display terminals these conditions affect a substantial percentage of the population. We are very excited about the eye health benefits by this synergistic formula that is adding clinical evidence to support such a common discomfort.”