A new peer reviewed publication based on ongoing research on macular carotenoids from the University of Georgia demonstrated that supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin isomers can protect against a growing issue among the general population—the undesirable effects of prolonged exposure to high-energy blue light emitted from digital screens of computers, tablets and smartphones.  

Lutein and zeaxanthin isomers—known as the macular carotenoids—are natural filters of high-energy blue light. High-energy blue light reaches deep into the eye and can harm the macula – the region of the eye responsible for highest visual acuity– by promoting the production of free radicals. Short-term effects can cause eye fatigue while long-term exposure can lead to a progressive loss of visual function.

The B.L.U.E. study (an acronym for Blue Light User Exposure) was the subject of a recent paper, “Effects of macular carotenoid supplementation on visual performance, sleep quality, and adverse physical symptoms in those with high screen time exposure,” published in Foods (Stringham, et al., 2017). This is the first study to examine the impact of macular carotenoids supplementation to protect visual health and performance, improve sleep quality, and reduce eye strain and fatigue during prolonged exposure to blue light emitting digital screens. 

“The effects of blue light on vision isn’t new. However, 10 years ago we saw a surge in near field technology holding or using devices within arm’s length, resulting in increased complaints around high screen use – neck pain, eye strain and fatigue, headaches,” stated Dr. James Stringham, the lead author of the paper. “This has led to an opportunity with supplementation—a simple mode of therapy with specific nutrients that have a wealth of benefits as they deposit in the eye.  After six months of supplementation we saw significant reduction around 30% in these symptoms and significant improvement in measures of visual performance and protection.”

The B.L.U.E. study was a six month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled supplementation trial with 48 healthy, young adults with screen time exposure of at least six hours daily. Subjects were evaluated at baseline, three months and six months for MPOD (Macular Pigment Optical Density) and markers of visual performance including contrast sensitivity, photostress recovery and disability glare.

Sleep quality, which is affected by blue light exposure, and physical indicators of excessive screen use were also measured. The results show that supplementing with Lutemax 2020 significantly improved macular pigment optical density, visual performance and indicators of excessive screen use, including eye strain and fatigue and headache frequency. Sleep quality also improved significantly. 

“At home, work and school your eyes are focused on digital devices for long periods of time. In many cases we spend more time staring into digital screens than sleeping,” said Abhijit Bhattacharya, president, OmniActive Health Technologies Ltd. “Even Children, whose eyes are more susceptible to the harmful effects of blue light, spend almost half their day staring into screens. This study is groundbreaking—the first of its kind. And builds on an impressive body of evidence on Lutemax 2020 and its impact on vision and brain health. The B.L.U.E. study has huge implications because it addresses the growing concern of prolonged ‘screen time’ that is happening across all age groups and offers a simple solution to protect the eyes in this digital age.”