Rhodiola showed limited effects on digital eye strain
A small crossover study found steadier focusing and less reported distance blur, while most symptoms did not significantly improve.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Rhodiola reduced variation in the eyes’ focusing response and a specific symptom: distance blur after a near-vision task. Most other digital eye strain symptoms did not significantly improve. The small, short study therefore offers a narrow signal rather than evidence of broad symptom relief, and the authors say its clinical relevance remains uncertain.
The abstract reports statistical significance without the size of symptom improvement. The small sample and brief exposure leave uncertainty about noticeable benefits and whether effects persist during everyday screen use.
What researchers found
Distance blur after a near task
Reported blur was lower with Rhodiola than placebo after 4 days of supplementation and a 30-minute task; the symptom-score difference was not provided.
Focusing stability is a specific measurement
The researchers measured both variability in focusing and focusing lag. Variability decreased at near distances, but lag did not significantly change. A change in this laboratory measure does not establish that all aspects of eye strain improved.
Most symptoms showed no significant change
Participants also completed a symptom questionnaire. Apart from distance blur after near work, the remaining symptoms showed no statistically significant effect. Those findings leave possible effects uncertain rather than proving the supplement and placebo were equivalent.
The original publication
Can Rhodiola rosea supplementation mitigate digital eye strain? A triple-blinded placebo-controlled study.
Lara PM, Vera J, Marcos-Frutos D et al.
Ophthalmic Physiol Opt · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40873122
- Record checked
AI-assisted research and writing. This explains one selected publication; it is not a complete review of everything known. Our approach.
One more question, understood.
Keep track of the research you’ve explored.