Effects of Tisochrysis lutea on Dry Eye Symptoms

Purpose: <i>Tisochrysis lutea</i> is a marine microalga known for its anticancer and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of <i>T. lutea</i> in adults with dry eye symptoms.Methods: One hundred participants with dry eye symptoms were enrolled and divided into two groups: one received <i>T. lutea</i> powder (test group), and the other received control food (placebo, control group) for 12 weeks. Subsequently, the measurements of ocular surface disease index (OSDI), tear secretion (Schirmer’s test), tear break-up time (TBUT), corneoconjunctival staining, and safety assessments were compared between the test and control groups.Results: In terms of the OSDI score, the value for the test group decreased by 6.51 points after 12 weeks of <i>T. lutea</i> powder intake, compared with baseline, whereas that in the control group decreased by 2.88 points, demonstrating a significant difference between the two groups (<i>p</i> = 0.002). The results of Schirmer's test also showed significant improvements: in the test group, the result for the right eye increased by 1.33 ± 3.71 after 12 weeks (<i>p</i> = 0.020), and that for the left eye increased by 1.93 ± 3.33 (<i>p</i> = 0.0003). However, no significant increases in the results were observed in the control group. Additionally, TBUT showed a significant increase from baseline in the right eye of the test group after 6 weeks of <i>T. lutea</i> powder intake (<i>p</i> = 0.043).Conclusions: After 12 weeks of consumption in the powdered form, <i>T. lutea</i> improved the symptoms of dry eye and increased tear production. Therefore, <i>T. lutea</i> can be used as an eye supplement for adults with dry eye symptoms.