Bilberry (2005) and Night Blindness

research

Learn more about night blindness

Researchers validated earlier studies that supplementation with bilberry fruit extract (Vaccinium myrtillus) can be helpful for night vision in people who are nearsighted. It should be noted that some studies do not find this result.

The intent of the study was find out whether earlier reports that bilberry had this beneficial effect were validated, and to measure the effect specifically on nearsightedness people. They 60 patient with either moderate or mild myopia were given either 100 mg of a bilberry extract (including 85% anthocyanosides) twice daily or a placebo over a 4 week period

The group receiving bilberry supplementation did in fact show much better improvement in eye symptoms than those receiving the placebo. It was found that those receiving bilberry also were increasingly sensitive to contract, an important component of good night vision. No night vision improvement was found in those receiving the placebo.

No side effects were found from taking the bilberry supplement.

Published: Purified high-dose anthocyanoside oligomer administration improves nocturnal vision and clinical symptoms in myopia subjects, British Journal of Nutrition (2005;93:895-9)