→ Bilberry

is a small, dark blue-purple fruit that belongs to the same family as blueberries and cranberries. It grows primarily in certain parts of Europe, North America, and Asia. Bilberry has a long history of traditional use and has gained recognition for its potential benefits in supporting eye health, particularly in addressing poor eyesight.

Bilberry contains a range of beneficial compounds, with one of the key components being anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants that give bilberries their deep color and offer numerous potential health benefits, including for the eyes.

One way bilberry can help with poor eyesight is by improving visual clarity. The antioxidants in bilberries are believed to enhance blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the tiny blood vessels in the eyes. This improved blood flow may help reduce eyestrain, fatigue, and the feeling of tired eyes often associated with extended screen time or other visually demanding activities.

Bilberry is also known for its potential to support night vision. While the exact mechanisms are still being researched, historical accounts during World War II suggest that British pilots who consumed bilberry jam before night flights reported improved vision in low-light conditions. It is believed that the anthocyanins in bilberries help regenerate rhodopsin, a pigment in the eyes essential for night vision.

→ Quercetin

Quercetin acts as a potent antioxidant, helping to neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. By doing so, it may help protect the delicate structures of the eyes from damage caused by oxidative stress and slow down the progression of age-related eye conditions.

Moreover, quercetin exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is associated with various eye conditions, including dry eyes and certain types of uveitis. By reducing inflammation, quercetin may alleviate symptoms and support the overall health of the eyes.

→ Lutein

One of the primary functions of lutein in the eyes is its role as a filter for blue light. Blue light is emitted by electronic devices, sunlight, and other sources, and prolonged exposure to excessive amounts of blue light can potentially harm the eyes. Lutein acts as a protective shield, absorbing and filtering out a portion of the blue light before it reaches the sensitive structures in the back of the eye, such as the retina. By reducing the amount of blue light exposure, lutein may help protect against potential damage and maintain healthy vision.

Lutein is also concentrated in the macula, a small area in the center of the retina responsible for central vision and visual acuity. It is believed that lutein acts as an antioxidant in the macula, helping to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. This antioxidant activity may play a role in preventing or slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition characterized by the deterioration of the macula and a leading cause of vision loss in older adults.