Abstract
- Background
Extended exposure to visual display terminals (VDT) and digital screens—such as computers, smartphones, and tablets—frequently induces digital eye strain, characterized by chronic eye dryness, ocular fatigue, and discomfort. MaquiBright® (also designated as BrightSight®) is a standardized, proprietary extract derived from the maqui berry (Aristotelia chilensis), rich in bioactive anthocyanins known for their potent antioxidant and microvascular protective properties. While preliminary insights suggested ocular benefits, this study was designed to rigorously investigate the therapeutic effects of daily oral supplementation with standardized maqui berry extract on improving objective tear fluid secretion and alleviating subjective symptoms of eye dryness and fatigue in human subjects undergoing prolonged VDT workloads.
- Methods
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted involving seventy-four healthy Japanese adult participants aged 30 to 60 years who experienced daily eye dryness, ocular fatigue, and at least 4 hours of daily VDT work. Participants were equally and randomly assigned to either the MaquiBright® (MB) treatment group or the placebo (P) group. Each subject consumed one capsule daily for 4 consecutive weeks, containing either 60 mg of MaquiBright® or 0 mg (placebo). Objective physiological measurements—including Schirmer’s test, tear break-up time (BUT) test, pupillary response, and the flicker test—were evaluated at baseline and after 4 weeks of supplementation, both before and after a standardized VDT load (playing a video game). Concurrently, subjective symptoms were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) method and the Dry Eye–related Quality of Life Score (DEQS) questionnaire. Safety and adverse events were systematically monitored.
- Results
Following the 4-week intervention period, the MaquiBright® (MB) group demonstrated a statistically significant increase in lacrimal fluid production in both eyes (showing an average increase of 6.4 ± 8.1 mm, $P = 0.005$) during Schirmer's test compared to the placebo group prior to the VDT load. Furthermore, subjective assessments utilizing the VAS method following the VDT load revealed that reductions in subjective eye fatigue ($P = 0.047$) and associated stiff shoulders ($P = 0.035$) were significantly greater in the MB group than in the placebo group. This was mirrored by significant improvements in bothersome ocular symptoms ($P = 0.037$) as measured by the DEQS questionnaire. The daily consumption of 60 mg of MaquiBright® was extremely well-tolerated, with no adverse events reported throughout the study.
- Conclusions
The daily dietary consumption of 60 mg of standardized maqui berry extract (MaquiBright® / BrightSight®) for 4 weeks significantly enhances lacrimal fluid production, reduces eye dryness, and effectively alleviates subjective symptoms of eye fatigue and associated discomfort in individuals subjected to intensive VDT screen workloads. These empirical findings substantiate MaquiBright® as a safe, effective, and scientifically validated nutritional intervention for modern digital eye strain.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6544612/