The eye health sector is transitioning from reactive, age-centric care to a proactive approach that emphasizes lifestyle support across various demographics. This shift comes in response to the prevalent rise in screen usage, which has created widespread issues such as digital eye strain and dry eyes. Today, multifunctional neuronutrients are emerging as a pivotal link between eye health and overall wellness, including cognitive function.
Innovations this year are centered around swift-acting botanicals, naturally sourced ingredients for preservative-free formulations, and appealing consumer formats such as gummies and functional beverages to alleviate traditional pill fatigue.
Nutrition Insight recently engaged with Kemin and Unibar Corporation to explore the evolving delivery methods for eye health supplements, the growth of carotenoids in pediatric and maternal nutrition, and the new commercial prospects for women’s health and longevity.
Tyler Holstein, the global product manager for Carotenoids at Kemin, emphasizes that “Eye health is no longer an issue solely for older adults. It has become essential for people of all ages in our screen-driven world. To cater to a broader audience, product formats are adapting to meet the demands for convenience, taste, and enjoyable experiences.”
Eye health supplements are evolving from a medicinal role to becoming integral to daily lifestyle routines.
He adds that eye health supplements are moving away from a strictly medicinal position and are now part of everyday, lifestyle-driven supplement practices.
Mit Mehta, director of Strategy and Business Development at Unibar Corporation, concurs with this viewpoint.
“While supplements and capsules remain popular formats for eye wellness, interest is growing in alternatives such as gummies, gel packs, and even concentrated liquid tinctures that can be mixed with water and other beverages,” he notes.
“Looking forward, two key areas stand out. First are ready-to-drink functional beverages targeting issues like screen fatigue and dry eye. Second are preservative-free ophthalmic formulations utilizing naturally sourced ingredients. Current pharmaceutical eye drops often contain preservatives that can exacerbate irritation.”
“Navigating the regulatory landscape for such innovations can be difficult. However, those who find solutions in this space have the potential to capture a significant portion of the eye wellness market,” he adds.
Regulatory Challenges
Holstein from Kemin notes that regulatory changes introduce both challenges and opportunities as the commercialization of eye wellness ingredients grows more complex, influenced by diverse and often fragmented global regulations.
“In regions like the EU and UK, statements regarding vision improvement are restricted by the Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation—only approved claims are permitted,” he explains.
“In contrast, the US allows broader ‘structure/function’ claims under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, while Asian markets are rapidly developing region-specific approval processes that can be complicated to navigate.”
Ayurvedic Vision Support
Unibar Corporation recently launched EyeVedic, an innovative ingredient platform inspired by Ayurveda, designed to enhance daily visual performance.
This platform features scientifically backed carotenoids, including CapsiClear (capsanthin), UniGold (lutein), SeeXanth (zeaxanthin), and SeeBuck, which is a sea buckthorn oil standardized to 40% palmitoleic acid, one of the highest concentrations available for vision health.
“A significant health concern driving this innovation is the increasing prevalence of dry eye among consumers of all ages. At the recent Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, it was estimated that nearly 50% of the population in the US and Europe experiences dry eye,” Mehta explains.
Unibar Corporation’s EyeVedic is an Ayurvedic-inspired ingredient platform shown to support daily visual performance.
“While traditional ingredients like omega-3s provide long-term benefits for dry eye, newer ingredients like CapsiClear Capsanthin are fast-acting and have been clinically proven to increase tear production, improve tear break-up time, reduce corneal inflammation, and support long-term vision health.”
Crossover of Eye Health
Meanwhile, Kemin’s latest innovations in eye wellness reflect a broader understanding of carotenoids, as explained by Joanne Lasrado, the company’s VP of Sales for the Americas region.
“Instead of viewing lutein and zeaxanthin purely through the lens of age-related eye health, Kemin is advancing a holistic scientific perspective that recognizes these carotenoids as multifunctional neuronutrients that support both eye and brain health at all ages,” she states.
“This holistic view informs Kemin’s innovation strategy, emphasizing the importance of proactive, lifelong visual and neurological health over reactive management of age-related eye conditions.”
Kemin’s comprehensive carotenoid portfolio features FloraGlo Lutein, regarded as the most extensively studied lutein brand for human health. Research indicates that lutein not only concentrates in the retina but is also selectively deposited in the brain, facilitating visual processing and supporting neural function.
“Clinical studies consistently show that supplementation with FloraGlo lutein enhances macular pigment optical density, a vital marker for visual performance and protection,” Lasrado highlights.
“An expanding body of neurocognitive research demonstrates lutein’s role in enhancing brain function beyond visual processing, including improvements in neural efficiency and cognitive performance.”
In addition to FloraGlo, Kemin’s ZeaOne Natural Zeaxanthin ingredient represents their advancement into zeaxanthin-specific innovations.
Kemin’s FloraGlo lutein is the first lutein clinically studied in healthy children consuming a Western diet at practical, efficacious doses, ensuring validated safety across all age groups.
“Zeaxanthin is a distinct and essential carotenoid that concentrates at the fovea, where sharp vision is managed, contributing to contrast sensitivity and protection from high-energy blue light,” Lasrado explains.
“These core ingredients are further supported by newer formats like MacuLZ and MacuLE, enabling targeted and multifunctional formulations tailored to various life stages and performance needs.”
Support Across Life Stages
Kemin highlights a recent study indicating that supplementation with FloraGLO Lutein and natural zeaxanthin during pregnancy significantly raises carotenoid levels in both mothers and infants, establishing a solid foundation for early visual and neural development.
“This research addresses a critical, historically overlooked period of development and underscores the significance of nutritional carotenoids during early life, not merely in later adulthood,” Lasrado adds.
“Innovation continues through childhood and adolescence. Pediatric and adolescent studies, including the LuTeen study, reveal that a low daily dose of FloraGLO lutein, providing both lutein and zeaxanthin, supports visual health, enhances cognition, focus, and reduces eye strain related to screen use among teenagers.”
Notably, FloraGlo lutein is the first lutein clinically studied in healthy children consuming a Western diet at practical and effective doses, demonstrating validated safety across all age groups.
“Together, these maternal, pediatric, and adolescent studies show how Kemin’s innovative roadmap is actively shaping the future of eye wellness, increasingly positioning lutein and zeaxanthin as ‘future vitamins’—multifunctional, evidence-backed nutrients that support visual health, cognitive function, and developmental outcomes through generations.”
Commercial Opportunities Ahead
Experts identify specific consumer segments with promising future commercial potential for eye health ingredients. “We are closely watching two key segments — women’s health and longevity,” notes Mehta.
“Due to menopause, perimenopause, and other hormonal factors, women are twice as likely to develop dry eye compared to men,” he explains. “This gender disparity is prompting brands to introduce women-specific eye health supplements, such as Meno by O-Positiv.”
Beyond gender-targeted trends, Mehta also indicates that the eye health category is benefiting from a broader focus on longevity. “Vision loss consistently ranks among the top three health concerns for supplement users as they age,” he emphasizes.
“Clinical trial-based blends for age-related eye disease remain popular. However, the high dosage often required (~800 mg) twice daily may be burdensome and deter compliance for many consumers.”
“This is where branded options like CapsiClear Capsanthin can stand out, offering comprehensive eye health support with a simpler 40 mg once-daily dosage. As ongoing clinical studies on this carotenoid emerge, we anticipate more brands will shift to cleaner, holistic ingredients like CapsiClear.”
Recently, Nutrition Insight also connected with Pharmactive Biotech Products regarding its latest nutraceutical solution, AffronEye, touted as a next-generation eye health ingredient derived from saffron. The company has adapted this ingredient for application in lid mists, also known as eye sprays or liposomal mists.
In conclusion, the eye health industry is embracing a transformation that prioritizes proactive care and broadens its scope to include individuals of all ages. As consumer preferences shift toward convenient and enjoyable delivery formats, innovative ingredients and regulations will shape the future of this sector, addressing a range of eye health issues effectively.
