Abstract: Astaxanthin is a naturally occurred carotenoid which has a strong antioxidant properties, anti\|inflammatory effects, resistance to apoptosis, prevention of cardio\|cerebrovascular disease and cancer. Studies had revealed that astaxanthin had a good permeability to the blood\|retina\|barrier to protect the ocular tissues from kinds of damage. This review focused on the merits and demerits of purchasable astaxanthin in experimental animal feeding, free radical peroxidative injury to cells and the antioxidant mechanism of astaxanthin. Moreover, we summarized injury mechanism of oxidative damage of common ocular diseases, and the protective effect of astaxanthin on them.  (Int Rev Ophthalmol, 2015, 39： 140-144)