Shrimp is sometimes cited for its potential benefits to eye health, primarily due to its content of astaxanthin—a red carotenoid pigment that accumulates in shrimp and other seafood. Astaxanthin is a known antioxidant and has been studied for its protective effects against oxidative stress in the eye, which is implicated in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other degenerative eye diseases. Some laboratory and animal studies suggest that astaxanthin can help reduce inflammation and oxidative damage in retinal cells, potentially slowing the progression of certain eye conditions.

In addition to astaxanthin, shrimp is a source of vitamin A (as retinol), which is well established as essential for normal vision and the maintenance of the eye's photoreceptor cells. However, shrimp is not among the richest sources of vitamin A compared to liver or certain vegetables.

Despite these components, high-quality human clinical trials specifically demonstrating that eating shrimp improves or preserves eye health are limited. Most of the evidence is either extrapolated from studies on astaxanthin supplements (often at higher doses than would be consumed in a normal diet) or is based on the general understanding of antioxidant nutrients in eye health. Thus, while there is some scientific rationale and weak supporting evidence, the case for shrimp as a targeted ingredient for supporting the eyes is not robustly validated.