Health Hotline Magazine | August 2026

OFFERS VALID JUNE 26 TO JULY 25, 2026

So what are we to do, because the screens aren’t going anywhere. Healthy screen time habits are key; reduce your screen time as much as you can and if you use a computer for work, take small breaks throughout the day. You can also practice the “20/20/20 rule”: every 20 minutes look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds; this helps relax your eye muscles. These days, many devices have a blue light filter built in, allowing you to adjust blue light levels. In addition to these healthy habits, consider adding eye-supportive nutrients like astaxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin for optimal support.

Astaxanthin Gets an A+ for Eye Health

Astaxanthin is a nutrient gaining attention for its potential role in reducing visual fatigue. This red-orange carotenoid, naturally found in algae and seafood such as salmon and shrimp, possesses potent antioxidant activity. A recent review investigating clinical applications of astaxanthin concluded that the nutrient may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation within the eye. Research also shows that astaxanthin supports healthy circulation to ocular tissues and helps reduce muscle fatigue associated with prolonged near-focus tasks, such as looking at a screen. Studies in high screen users also report improved visual performance and reduced eye fatigue with carotenoid blends containing astaxanthin plus lutein and zeaxanthin.

All Eyes on Lutein & Zeaxanthin

To protect itself from oxidative stress, the eye naturally accumulates the antioxidant carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin in the macula, the small area in the retina responsible for central vision. These antioxidants, which naturally occur together in food and supplements, work together to filter damaging light before it reaches sensitive eye tissues, and a higher macular pigment optical density (MPOD) (a measure of the eyes’ antioxidant capacity) is related to a reduction in the frequency of digital eye strain, as well as improved overall visual function. In a 2025 placebo-controlled trial involving adults who used digital screens for more than six hours a day, supplementation with 10mg of lutein and 2mg of zeaxanthin daily for six months was associated with improvements in dry eyes and general visual health. Another study in healthy adults found that daily supplementation with 12mg of lutein significantly increased MPOD over 16 weeks. Participants also demonstrated improvements in contrast sensitivity and glare recovery when under visually demanding conditions.

A 2023 study investigated lutein’s effect on eye strain and sleep quality in 48 healthy young adults with at least six hours of daily screen-time exposure. Screen time and sleep quality were assessed via questionnaire and MPOD was also assessed. Twenty-four mg of lutein and zeaxanthin daily yielded significant improvement in MPOD and improved symptoms of eye strain, including headache frequency, eye fatigue, blurred vision, watery eyes, and sensitivity to light. They also found improvement in all visual performance measures, versus placebo. Additionally, sleep quality improved in those taking lutein. The study found that “Increased MPOD significantly improves visual performance and, in turn, improves several undesirable physical outcomes associated with excessive screen time.” We live in a digital age. As device use becomes unavoidable, nutrients like astaxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin, help support the eyes’ natural antioxidant defenses, especially when paired with healthy screen habits.

For references, please visit naturalgrocers.com/issue-109

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