Astaxanthin:

is even more potent an antioxidant than both lutein and zeaxanthin, and many researchers believe it to be the most powerful antioxidant ever discovered for eye health.

Astaxanthin is produced by the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis when its water supply dries up, forcing it to protect itself from UV radiation. Besides the microalgae that produce it, the only other source are the sea creatures that consume the algae, such as wild salmon, shellfish, and krill.

It’s been found to have protective benefits against a number of eye-related problems, including cataracts, AMD [age-related macular degeneration], cystoid macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, retinal arterial occlusion and venous occlusion, glaucoma,29 and inflammatory eye diseases such as retinitis, iritis, keratitis, and scleritis.

Astaxanthin easily crosses into the tissues of your eye and exerts its effects safely and with more potency than any of the other carotenoids, without adverse reactions. Specifically, astaxanthin has been shown to ameliorate or prevent light-induced damage, photoreceptor cell damage,30 ganglion cell damage, and damage to the neurons of the inner retinal layers.

Astaxanthin also helps maintain appropriate eye pressure levels that are already within the normal range and supports your eyes’ energy levels and visual acuity. Depending on your individual situation, you may want to take an astaxanthin supplement. I recommend starting with 4 mg per day and working your way up to about 8 mg per day—or more if you’re suffering from chronic inflammation.