Safranal is a major bioactive compound found in saffron (Crocus sativus), and its potential benefits for eye health have garnered scientific attention in recent years. Several preclinical and clinical studies have investigated the effects of saffron and its constituents, including safranal, on retinal function and ocular diseases. Notably, research has shown that saffron supplementation may lead to improvements in retinal flicker sensitivity and visual function in patients with early age-related macular degeneration (AMD). While the majority of clinical studies use whole saffron or crocin (another major saffron constituent), animal and in vitro studies suggest that safranal itself has antioxidant and neuroprotective properties beneficial to retinal cells.

For example, studies have demonstrated that safranal can protect retinal photoreceptors from light-induced damage by reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis. Its antioxidant action may help counteract the oxidative processes involved in the progression of retinal diseases such as AMD and diabetic retinopathy. However, most human evidence is based on saffron extracts as a whole, not isolated safranal, making it difficult to attribute clinical benefits solely to safranal. Nevertheless, the preclinical data provide a plausible mechanistic rationale for its role in supporting eye health. Overall, there is moderate scientific support for the use of safranal as part of saffron extracts in promoting eye health, but more human studies focused on isolated safranal are needed to confirm these effects.