By Maria Fe Veronica Simpao, student of the Master in Clinical Optometry and Vision Therapy

Abstract

Myopia is an increasingly prevalent global public health concern associated with significant visual and socioeconomic burdens. Emerging evidence suggests that oxidative stress may contribute to myopia development, prompting interest in the potential protective role of dietary antioxidants. This systematic literature review aimed to evaluate the relationship between antioxidant intake, oxidative stress, and myopia outcomes.
A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar following PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies included peer-reviewed human research published within the last 15 years that examined antioxidants, oxidative stress, and myopia-related outcomes. A narrative synthesis approach was used due to heterogeneity in study designs and outcome measures.
Overall, the evidence was mixed and inconclusive. Some interventional studies published between 2019 and 2023 reported that lutein, zeaxanthin, and crocetin may help reduce axial elongation, while also improving retinal biomarkers such as macular pigment optical density and visual performance. Vitamins and trace elements, showed no clear or consistent associations with myopia outcomes. Anthocyanins were associated with improvements in visual function but did not demonstrate effects on axial length. In contrast, healthier diet patterns were more consistently linked to lower myopia risk, while pro-inflammatory diets were associated with increased risk. Oxidative stress markers were generally elevated in myopic individuals, suggesting a potential role in myopia pathophysiology, although causality remains unclear.
In conclusion, antioxidants may support retinal health and show limited potential in slowing axial elongation, but current evidence remains insufficient to establish a definitive role in myopia control.

Keywords: myopia, oxidative stress, antioxidants, dietary patterns.

Download the full Research Work: Simpao, M. F. V. (2026). The Role of Antioxidants in Myopia: A Literature Review. SAERA