Studies

Explore research connecting ingredients and health goals.

17 ingredient–goal connections

GoalReported findings

Eye HealthandRiboflavin

69published studies

Supportive

The supplied evidence mainly concerns corneal cross-linking, a medical procedure combining riboflavin applied to the eye with ultraviolet light. Controlled trials and pooled research support this approach for slowing progressive keratoconus and related corneal weakening. Vision may improve as well, although stabilization of the cornea is an important benefit even when visual acuity changes little.

The treatment’s results depend on the procedure used. Comparisons of protocols show differences in corneal flattening and disease control, and some approaches that leave the surface layer intact have been less effective. Even effective protocols do not guarantee improved visual acuity for every patient.

Corneal haze, temporary visual changes, surface damage, and occasional loss of vision have been reported, reflecting risks of the combined procedure. These findings should not be interpreted as effects of taking riboflavin orally. Overall, this evidence supports riboflavin’s role within a specific eye treatment, but does not demonstrate routine vision benefits from a riboflavin supplement.

69 linked studies · 22 sampled for detail · Sep 27, 2026

Study types

  • Single-arm trial13
  • Cohort study10
  • Randomized trial9
  • Narrative review8
  • Case series7
  • Observational study7
  • Non-randomized trial5
  • Clinical trial3
  • Meta-analysis3
  • Cross-sectional study2
  • Systematic review2

Published by year

  • 5Earlier
  • 02010
  • 22011
  • 42012
  • 22013
  • 62014
  • 72015
  • 52016
  • 62017
  • 52018
  • 22019
  • 32020
  • 12021
  • 82022
  • 52023
  • 32024
  • 32025
  • 22026

Findings over time

Numbers above bars show study counts. Earlier groups years before 2010.

20262 studies

  • Supportive1
  • Mixed0
  • No effect1
  • Adverse0
  • Unclassified0

Population over time

Reported participants by publication year. Select a year to see the total and reporting coverage.

— Participant count not reported. Earlier groups years before 2010.

2026109 reported participants

Counts reported by 2 of 2 studies.

Totals sum reported counts across studies and reviews; participants may overlap between sources.

Explore this goal

Showing 5 top-ranked studies for Riboflavin and Eye Health.

Top studies

Riboflavin · Eye HealthHighest ranked first
  1. U.S. Multicenter Clinical Trial of Corneal Collagen Crosslinking for Treatment of Corneal Ectasia after Refractive Surgery.
    2017Randomized trial179 participants

    Ophthalmology

    SupportiveView source for U.S. Multicenter Clinical Trial of Corneal Collagen Crosslinking for Treatment of Corneal Ectasia after Refractive Surgery. (opens in a new tab)
  2. United States Multicenter Clinical Trial of Corneal Collagen Crosslinking for Keratoconus Treatment.
    2017Randomized trial205 participants

    Ophthalmology

    SupportiveView source for United States Multicenter Clinical Trial of Corneal Collagen Crosslinking for Keratoconus Treatment. (opens in a new tab)
  3. EpiSmart Crosslinking for Keratoconus: A Phase 2 Study.
    2023Randomized trial2,228 participants

    Cornea

    SupportiveView source for EpiSmart Crosslinking for Keratoconus: A Phase 2 Study. (opens in a new tab)
  4. Prospective Randomized Trial of Corneal Cross-linking Riboflavin Dosing Frequencies for Treatment of Keratoconus and Corneal Ectasia.
    2019Randomized trial510 participants

    Ophthalmology

    SupportiveView source for Prospective Randomized Trial of Corneal Cross-linking Riboflavin Dosing Frequencies for Treatment of Keratoconus and Corneal Ectasia. (opens in a new tab)
  5. Corneal collagen cross-linking for keratoconus: results of 3-year follow-up in Pakistani population.
    2015Non-randomized trial66 participants

    Canadian journal of ophthalmology. Journal canadien d'ophtalmologie

    SupportiveView source for Corneal collagen cross-linking for keratoconus: results of 3-year follow-up in Pakistani population. (opens in a new tab)

Counts reflect published studies in our database, not the strength of a benefit. A study may appear in more than one connection.