Canthaxanthin and the eye: a critical ocular toxicologic assessment

Abstract

Crystalline deposits have been noted in the retinas of persons ingesting large quantities of the carotenoid canthaxanthin for both cosmetic skin coloration and dermal photoprotection. The significance of retinal intoxication by canthaxanthin and the resultant crystals with regard to vision has been the subject of a great deal of clinical investigation. This paper summarizes the available literature on the visual effects of canthaxanthin.