Do Astaxanthin Protects Eyes Against Blue Light?

Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Published on: 15 Jul 2025

Starting your day with an email notification from work and ending it by double-tapping your favorite influencer's post? What's in between? Hours of screen time.

Results: strained, sore, and blurry eyes!

No doubt, screens have become our 'real soulmates,' always on, always there. Work, entertainment, and even relationships often begin on screens and digital devices. But do you know these screens aren't as harmless as they look?

Blue light! One of the severe threats from digital devices can cause several optical concerns. These rays are literally everywhere around you. Even that smartwatch on your wrist emits blue light. Wait, there's a natural solution: Astaxanthin! It is a potent natural antioxidant that is proven to support ocular health in multiple ways.

Blue Light Exposure: Is It a Concern? How?

Let's first learn what blue light is and why it is a problem. Blue light is high-energy visible light emitted from the sun, digital devices, and some LEDs and CFLs.

The sun is the natural and most significant source of blue light. However, unlike artificial blue light sources, sunlight is accompanied by a balance of wavelengths. Therefore, it creates a balanced light exposure and even helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle.

On the other hand, digital devices and bulbs pose a risk of exposure to blue light. A normal individual spends approximately 7 hours each day in front of screens that emit harmful rays between 400 and 495 nm. These rays can penetrate deep into the eyes, causing retinal and cellular damage over time. Overexposure to blue light can strain the eyes, disrupt the sleep cycle, and may even lead to macular degeneration.

"Wait, do you feel wearing glasses can solve all your problems? Glasses just filter out 20-40% of the blue light spectrum. What's the solution, then?"

Astaxanthin: The Red Algae-Derived Antioxidant

Okay, even amidst blue light, there's a brightness. Here comes Astaxanthin! Astaxanthin is a red pigment from the keto-carotenoid family. It is 6,000 times more potent than Vitamin C and 110 times stronger than Vitamin E. It can easily penetrate the blood-brain barrier and blood-retinal barrier (explained later).

Haematococcus pluvialis, a freshwater microalga, is the richest natural source of Astaxanthin. However, certain seafood, such as wild salmon and krill with red pigments, consist of notable amounts of Astaxanthin.

Also Read: Astaxanthin Benefits, Uses, Side Effects & More – Your Complete Guide

How Astaxanthin Shields Eyes Against Blue Light?

There are very few antioxidants that can cross the blood-retinal barrier, an interface that protects the retina from harmful substances in the bloodstream.

Astaxanthin is one of them (it also includes Lutein and zeaxanthin). Here's how it supports eye health and vision through multiple mechanisms:

Boosting Antioxidative Defense

Blue light exposure induces the formation of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS), particularly the superoxide O₂•⁻ ion, in the eyes. Astaxanthin penetrates deep into the retina, combating excessive oxidative stress.

Reduce Cell Apoptosis

Continuous exposure to blue light can trigger cell apoptosis (programmed cell death). By decreasing the pro-death protein Bax and increasing the survival protein Bcl-2, Astaxanthin can reduce cell death.

Activate Signaling Pathway

Astaxanthin activates the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway. This pathway is crucial for regulating antioxidant defense and damage repair. By activating it, Astaxanthin moves Nrf2 to the nucleus (which remains trapped in the cytoplasm in normal conditions), where it stimulates antioxidant genes.

And that's how Astaxanthin protects retinal photoreceptor cells. The same mechanism also exhibits therapeutic effects against certain conditions, such as macular degeneration. Studies have shown that Astaxanthin can help delay age-related macular degeneration by protecting retinal cells.

How to Take Astaxanthin for Eye Health

In human-based trials, patients have shown significant improvement in ocular health and vision when administered 4-12 mg of Astaxanthin for a continuous 28-day period.

And, in general, that's not possible solely from dietary sources. Or you need to eat over 2 pounds of salmon each day to get the therapeutic dose of Astaxanthin for the eyes. That’s practically impossible, isn't it?

Therefore, it is best to use Astaxanthin softgel capsules to support your eye health and protect against the harmful effects of blue light.

Take 1-2 soft gels (containing 12 mg of Astaxanthin) daily with meals.

Moreover, since it is a fat-soluble compound, add healthy fats such as Avocado oil, fish, walnuts, and peanuts.

Also Read: Recommended Dosage of Astaxanthin.

Is There Any Precaution You Should Consider While Taking Astaxanthin Supplements

In 1999, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Astaxanthin as a dietary supplement. It is safe for human consumption and doesn't show any significant side effects in the long term.

However, initially, it may cause increased bowel movements and a red stool color. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have an underlying chronic condition, consider a doctor's recommendation first.

Everyday Defenses Against Blue Light Beyond Supplements

Supplements aren't superheroes that do magic with their single capsule, but science. It is best to be consistent and combine them with a healthy lifestyle. To protect your eyes against blue light, consider combining Astaxanthin supplements with these habits:

Adjust the brightness and color temperature of screens according to the surrounding light.

Apply a blue light filter or wear blue ray-cut glasses while working.

Stay hydrated and munch on healthy snacks in between to support overall health.

Try reducing unnecessary screen time; instead, focus on pursuing a hobby or spending time with your loved one.

Take a short break every 20 minutes from the screen. During this interval, look at objects located 20 feet away (a science-backed exercise).

Practice eyeball movement exercises every morning and evening for at least 3-5 minutes.

Don't Let the Screen Strain Your Vision

We know that in modern life, it is almost impossible to avoid screens. They are the workplace, entertainment zone, and most important communication channel with our loved ones.

While you can't take your eyes off the screen, you need not do it without protection. Astaxanthin is a scientifically backed, proven antioxidant that supports your eyes from within, reducing the strain. Add it to your routine, follow a healthy lifestyle, and live a longer vision with a 'vision.'

Disclaimer: These statements have not been assessed or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The supplements listed above are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The findings are solely based on preliminary research and ongoing studies. Individual results after trying these health tips and measures may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can Astaxanthin reduce blue light?

While Astaxanthin cannot directly reduce blue light, it can protect against its effects. It can reduce cell death caused by blue light and increase oxidative protection.