The use of orange pigments—specifically carotenoids such as beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin—is scientifically supported for promoting eye health. These pigments are naturally found in various fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and orange peppers. Of particular importance are lutein and zeaxanthin, which are concentrated in the macula of the human retina and play a crucial role in filtering harmful blue light and protecting against oxidative damage.

Multiple clinical studies have demonstrated that higher dietary intake of these carotenoids is associated with a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2), a large randomized controlled trial, found that supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin reduced the progression of AMD in high-risk individuals. Beta-carotene, another orange pigment, is a precursor to vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining normal vision and preventing night blindness.

While not all orange pigments have been studied equally, the collective scientific evidence strongly supports the role of carotenoid pigments in supporting and protecting eye health. As such, the use of orange pigments for this body system is justified by scientific validation, particularly for those carotenoids found in the retina.