This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of a standardized maqui  berry  extract on improving eye dryness and  fatigue  in Japanese subjects. The trial group taking the extract demonstrated a significantly higher lacrimal fluid  production in both eyes. The authors conclude that consumption of 60 mg of this extract per day for 4 weeks reduced eye dryness and seemed to alleviate eye fatigue. No  adverse events  were reported.

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effects of MaquiBright®, also known as BrightSight®, a standardized maqui  berry  extract, on improving eye dryness and  fatigue  in Japanese subjects (aged 30–60 years) experiencing eye dryness, eye fatigue, and ≥4 h of visual display terminal (VDT) work daily. Seventy-four participants were equally but randomly assigned to either a MaquiBright® (MB) or a placebo (P) group, wherein each participant consumed one capsule daily for 4 weeks of the appropriate treatment (MaquiBright® 60 or 0 mg). Eye dryness and fatigue were measured using the  Schirmer's test , tear break-up time (BUT) test,  pupillary response , and flicker test before intake and 4 weeks after intake. Furthermore, subjective symptoms were assessed using the  Visual Analogue Scale  (VAS) method and the Dry Eye–related Quality of  Life  Score (DEQS) questionnaire. The MB group demonstrated a significantly higher lacrimal fluid  production in both eyes (increased 6.4 ± 8.1 mm, P = 0.005) in Schirmer's test compared to the P group before VDT load (playing a video game) at 4 weeks after intake. In the VAS method after VDT load, the reduction of subjective symptoms in eye fatigue (P = 0.047) and  stiff shoulders (P = 0.035) were significantly higher in the MB group than in the P group as well as bothersome ocular symptoms (P = 0.037) by the DEQS. No  adverse events  were reported. Thus, the consumption of 60 mg of MaquiBright® per day for 4 weeks reduced eye dryness and seemed to alleviate eye fatigue.

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