If eye drops give you only short-lived relief, or you are tired of putting them in several times a day, you may be wondering whether an over-the-counter dry eye supplement could add to your routine. That is the idea behind MaquiBright®, a standardized maqui berry extract studied in clinical research for tear production and eye comfort. This guide explains what the research found, gives you a quick check to use before buying any dry eye supplement, and lists brands that formulate with it.
Looking for something different from eye drops? If drops bother you, you simply do not like using them, or you have not seen the results you hoped for, MaquiBright® is a studied option you can find in products on the market. It works from the inside, supporting the glands that produce tears, and it could be a great complement to your routine. It has been studied in seven published studies, several of them in people, where those taking it showed higher tear production than those taking a placebo. As always, check with your doctor first.
What do the clinical studies on MaquiBright® show?
MaquiBright® is a standardized maqui berry (Aristotelia chilensis) extract rich in delphinidins. In clinical studies with people who had dry eye symptoms, researchers observed:
- More tear production. About 25% more tear fluid than placebo in a randomized trial, and about 50% more than at the start in an earlier pilot.
- Fewer dry eye symptoms. Lower symptom scores in all three studies, by up to about 72% in the pilot.
- Less eye fatigue after screen use compared with placebo.
- Good tolerance. No adverse events were reported in the randomized trial.
Good to know. Research on MaquiBright® has been published over more than a decade. For the full details, see the references below or our clinical studies page.
A different option for people who are not happy with eye drops
Drops add moisture to the surface of the eye. MaquiBright® takes a different route: it supports tear production from the inside, backed by clinical studies. That makes it a good fit for people who want something different from drops, and a possible complement for those who keep using them. Participants in the 2019 trial were allowed to keep using their usual artificial tears. We always recommend checking with your doctor before adding a supplement, especially if you use prescribed drops.
How to choose a dry eye supplement: a quick check
You do not need a long checklist. Four questions are enough:
- Is MaquiBright® named on the label? A generic "maqui berry" does not tell you which extract is inside.
- Is the daily amount listed? The 2019 randomized trial used 60 mg a day.
- Can the brand show the studies behind it? Look for links to the published research.
- Have you checked with an eye care professional? This matters most if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a diagnosed eye condition.
Products that use MaquiBright®
These over-the-counter products list MaquiBright®: NOW Foods (Eye Moisturize), Life Extension (Tear Support with Maquibright) and Swanson (Maqui Berry Extract Dry Eye). Each brand sets its own dose and directions, so apply the quick check to the label. More partner products are on the find products page. If you are comparing with omega-3, see our omega-3 vs. MaquiBright® evidence review.
Interested in other areas where maqui has been studied? See our post on skin health during menopause.
Frequently asked questions
How long did it take to see changes in the studies?
Researchers measured results after 30 and 60 days in the 2014 pilot and after 4 weeks in the 2019 trial. Individual results vary.
Does maqui berry help with dry eyes?
The human research on dry eyes was done with a specific standardized extract, MaquiBright®. That is why the label matters: look for the extract by name rather than a generic maqui berry product.
Is there an alternative or complement to eye drops for dry eyes?
Yes. MaquiBright® is a studied supplement that supports tear production from the inside, and you can find it in products from several brands. It is a good option for people who want something different from drops, and it could also complement your current routine. Check with your doctor first, who can also look into the cause of your dryness.
What does "tear production" mean in the studies?
It was measured with the Schirmer test, a thin paper strip placed at the lower eyelid for 5 minutes. The length of wet paper, in millimeters, shows how many tears the eye makes.
What supplements have been studied for dry eyes?
This article covers MaquiBright®, a standardized maqui berry extract studied in seven published studies, several of them in people. For omega-3, see our evidence review linked above.
How do I choose a dry eye supplement?
Check that the label names the extract, lists the daily amount and links to the published studies, and talk with an eye care professional first.
Did the studies include women in their 40s and 50s?
The 2019 trial included 74 adults aged 30 to 60, most of them women. The 2023 trial included 20 adults aged 30 to 50. The studies did not look at menopause.
Can I add a supplement if I have a dry eye diagnosis and use prescribed drops?
One of the studies included adults with diagnosed dry eye disease. If you use prescribed drops, talk with your doctor about adding a supplement and keep following their advice.
Is there something for dry eyes that does not involve putting anything in my eyes?
MaquiBright® is taken by mouth, so nothing goes in your eyes. You can find it in products from several brands.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.
References
- Hitoe S, Tanaka J, Shimoda H. MaquiBright standardized maqui berry extract significantly increases tear fluid production and ameliorates dry eye-related symptoms in a clinical pilot trial. Panminerva Med 2014;56(Suppl 1 to No 3):1-6.
- Yamashita S, et al. Effects of MaquiBright on improving eye dryness and fatigue in humans: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Tradit Complement Med 2019;9(3):172-178. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2018.11.001.
- Kundu G, et al. Effect of maqui-berry extract in dry eye disease: a clinical and molecular analysis. Indian J Ophthalmol 2023;71(4):1613-1618. doi:10.4103/IJO.IJO_2909_22.